Events Today: 17 Big Island happenings to kick off your week

Feel that? It’s a breezy Big Island Monday

Salt in the air, plumeria on the breeze, and the sound of pahu and ʻukulele drifting across the palms. If you wander Pāhoa this afternoon, you’ll hear strings warming up for Ukulele Lessons & Participatory Jam at Hawaiian Sanctuary Retreat Center. And as golden hour hits, hula feet will glide at Hula ʻOla – Weekly Hula at Hawaiian Sanctuary with Kumu Tia—soft light, swaying ferns, all aloha.

3 standouts to jump into

Ever wanted to strum along with friends? Slide into the 2:00–3:30 PM Ukulele Lessons & Participatory Jam. Allowah Lani keeps the lessons welcoming (just $10), then the group jam opens up—free, fun, and full of island favorites.

Craving culture and movement? Hula ʻOla – Weekly Hula at Hawaiian Sanctuary runs 4:00–5:30 PM for $10. Kumu Tia’s guidance is gentle but grounded—expect stories with your steps and that heartbeat drum that gives you chicken skin.

Night owls, head to Hilo for Open Mic Night at 168 Keawe Street Hilo Hawaii 96720. It’s free, starts at 8 PM, and always surprises—local voices, the occasional stand-up set, and that cozy, pau hana buzz that keeps you till closing.

Choose your Monday vibe

Got keiki with energy to burn? Keiki Ballet w/ Rachel | Ages 5+ at SPACE is a sweet drop-in ($12). Socks and leggings do the trick; ballet shoes if you’ve got ʻem.

Feeling playful and brave? Take it vertical with Intermediate Silks with Ellen at SPACE—silks and sling for ages 7+ who’ve got a little experience.

More into flow and connection? There’s live-music magic at the Contact Improv Jam (Snackluck After) near Kapoho, 5–7 PM, with Benji Fox on tunes and a snackluck after. Or drop into Contact Improv - Mondays (near Kapoho) for a 5:00–7:30 PM warm-up and open jam—sliding scale with work trade.

Want culture under the palms? The island’s beloved Weekly Hula shows happen today—one at Coronation Pavilion and another at 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr—both free, both full of mele and graceful kahiko ʻtil the trade winds carry you home.

Insider note: If live music is your thing, you’ll love browsing more live music events on our calendar.

Local’s notes

• ●Bring a pareo, water, and a smile for hula. All levels are truly welcome.
• ●For contact improv near Kapoho, DM the host early for the exact spot and bring a small snack for the post-jam hang.
• ●Parking gets easier if you arrive 10–15 minutes early, especially in Hilo town.
• ●Light mauka showers are common in March—pack a light layer for outdoor hula.

Tomorrow’s tease

If you’re already plotting Tuesday: greet sunrise with Slow Flow 6-0 Yoga with Jared Sam at Kalani, wander the Kings’ Shops Farmers Market, then wind down with the free Free Film Loop at Hilo Palace Theater.

Hope to bump into you out there, friend. When you’re ready to build your perfect plan, come explore more events →

FAQ: Big Island Monday plans

• ●What’s a great free option tonight? The island’s Weekly Hula shows are free and family-friendly, and Hilo’s Open Mic Night won’t cost you a thing.
• ●I’m brand-new—can I still try hula or a jam? ʻAe! Hula ʻOla – Weekly Hula at Hawaiian Sanctuary welcomes all levels, and the second half of the Ukulele Lessons & Participatory Jam is an open, friendly space.
• ●What should I bring? Water, comfy clothes, and a light layer for evening trades. ʻUkulele for the jam, socks/leggings for keiki ballet, and a small snack if you’re heading to contact improv.