Here are 13 Big Island experiences you’ll love today (Sun 4/12)

That Sunday feeling on Hawaiʻi Island

Warm trades through the palms. The last shimmer of Hilo Bay before sunset. If you’ve still got Merrie Monarch vibes in your bones, the night isn’t pau yet—Merrie Monarch Afterparty w/ Kanakapila LIVE is calling with sweet mele and hula under soft lights at The Booch Bar.

Earlier, slide into golden hour at Happy Hour at Ka Lihikai. From 3:00–5:00 PM, watch the colors shift over Hilo Bay at 93 Banyan Drive inside the DoubleTree Grand Naniloa Hotel—pupus, pau hana sips, and that peaceful bay breeze.

Standout moments to catch today

Craving a reset before the week? Wander the Awapuhi Labyrinth at Anawa Sunday Ritual Renewal at 15-1601 4th street (HPP). There’s a group blessing, a mindful walk, and soothing sound to ground you. It’s donation-based and welcoming for keiki and kūpuna alike.

Feel like floating on mantra? Sound Alchemy at Kalani – Special Event with Noelani Love blends Hawaiian chanting, Sanskrit mantra, and live tablas. It’s a sliding scale, $5–$25. Bring an open heart and arrive a bit early to settle in.

And when night falls, that afterglow hits: Merrie Monarch Afterparty w/ Kanakapila LIVE runs 6–9 PM, $5–$20, and it’s all ages. Think kanikapila classics, spontaneous hula, and that happy hum of locals and visitors together.

Pick your vibe

Chill and scenic: Savor bay views and kamaʻāina chatter at Happy Hour at Ka Lihikai before the evening glow.

Spiritual + cultural: Find your center at Anawa Sunday Ritual Renewal, or sink into chant and mantra at Sound Alchemy at Kalani – Special Event with Noelani Love.

ʻOhana and movement: Keiki (7+) can climb, twist, and grin big in the trees at Beginning Silks with Ellen and the mixed-level Silks with Ellen | Mixed Level at SPACE. It’s a fun way to burn energy and learn something new.

Community + food: Share prayer and stories at Sunday Community Service & Potluck (In His Presence Church). Service at 5:00 PM, potluck at 7:00 PM—bring a dish from your garden or a favorite recipe.

Night owls + mele: Close the weekend with live Hawaiian music and hula at The Booch Bar. It’s the kind of night where new friends become ʻohana.

Local’s notes

• ●Expect a light Hilo mist this evening. Toss a light jacket in your bag.
• ●Bring cash for donation jars and sliding-scale entries. It keeps things smooth.
• ●For SPACE silks classes, leggings and a snug shirt make climbs comfier. Hair tied back = happy rigging.
• ●The Booch Bar tonight is all ages, so your whole ʻohana can kanikapila together.
• ●Happy hour parking is easiest in the DoubleTree lot at 93 Banyan Drive. Stroll the bayfront after.

FAQ

Q: Is there a free or donation-based event today? A: Yes. Anawa Sunday Ritual Renewal is donation-based and family-friendly.

Q: What time is happy hour at Ka Lihikai? A: 3:00–5:00 PM at 93 Banyan Drive inside the DoubleTree Grand Naniloa Hotel.

Q: What’s the vibe at the Merrie Monarch afterparty? A: Live Hawaiian music, spontaneous hula, and warm community energy from 6–9 PM. It’s $5–$20 and all ages. Find more live music events.

See you out there

From bayfront sips to labyrinth walks and late-night kanikapila, today’s lineup is stacked with aloha. Curious what else is on? Come explore more events → and make your Sunday sing.