Here are 17 Big Island dance experiences you’ll love this season

Ever danced barefoot while the ocean breeze carries the scent of plumeria? That’s a normal Tuesday here. Beats rise, palms sway, and the whole ʻohana moves as one.

On Hawaiʻi Island, dance isn’t just a scene—it’s ceremony, community, and pure joy. From solstice gatherings to keiki ballet, hip hop cyphers to late-night DJ sets, you’ll find 17 upcoming ways to move your body and feed your spirit.

Why Dance on Hawaiʻi Island Feels Different

It’s the blend of culture and landscape. Hula grounds us in story and place. Ecstatic dance opens the heart as trade winds cool your skin. Reggae grooves roll in like an easy swell. You’ll meet kūpuna, keiki, and kamaʻāina in the same circle—everyone welcome, shoes optional.

Top Upcoming Events to Feel Into

Ready to set intentions with community? The solstice magic is real at Winter Solstice: Return to Light at Kalani—movement, music, ceremony, and the sweetest organic grinds. Imagine sunset in Puna, drums warming the air, and a lineup that keeps your feet happy.

If your hips want bass and glitter, the Sagittarius Birthday Bash w/ PunaKat & Kascadence @ The Oasis brings the dance party to The Oasis. Start around 5pm, catch those first star-pricked skies, and let the DJs steer your night.

Prefer ceremony through the long night? The Winter Solstice Celebration is an alcohol-free, dusk-to-dawn gathering at a secret location. It’s community-powered, donation-based, and all about honoring the return of the sun.

Sunday mornings are made for moving: Ecstatic Dance with Leapin’ Lygress at Kalani eases you in with a 10am yoga warmup, then lifts you into a free-form dance wave at 11. The floor is welcoming, the facilitators are kind, and the vibes are pure aloha.

Want a live-band groove? Reggae heads land at the Reggae Solstice Party feat. The Mystic Nyahs & Shane Love at Blue Dragon Kauaihae in Waimea—think island twilight, friends laughing over pupus, and a dance floor that swells with feel-good rhythms. It’s also one of the easiest crossovers if you’re browsing live music events.

Keiki ready to spin? Keiki Ballet w/ Rachel | Ages 5+ at SPACE brings a holistic, age-appropriate approach to classical technique—soft socks, big smiles, and lots of confidence-building.

Craving cultural grounding? Hula Ola (Monday) at Hawaiian Sanctuary offers an energizing weekly session that celebrates moʻolelo through movement. It’s a beautiful way to connect to place, body, and community.

Night owls and lyricists gather weekly at Cypher Night: Freestyle Improv & Hip Hop at La Hiki Ola Kava Bar—free, welcoming, and full of heart. You’ll feel the courage in the room as voices rise, bars land, and strangers become friends.

For a midweek ecstatic wave with a deep landing, WeDance Mystic Dance Temple with ELO brings a full journey—opening circle, DJ set, and sound healing to ground your nervous system.

Fridays hum in Puna—Bee Dance: Tyler Gibson + Chris Murphy at Hawaiian Sanctuary pairs lush, dance-forward soundscapes with live violin and a restorative sound bath. It’s the sweet spot between a club night and a ceremony.

Counting down to 2026? PUNAKAT New Year’s Eve at The Oasis at The Oasis is your sparkle-friendly sendoff. Bring your best ‘fit, a water bottle, and your favorite friends.

Looking ahead, AscenDance at Space City at Space City blends deep bass, world-fusion rhythms, and costumed cosmic fun—plus mesmerizing belly dance performances.

Want to train and perform? Visionary Dance Intensive & Performance Project with Swan Sedona Soulfire offers serious technique, choreography, and ritual for dancers ready to step onto a stage with intention.

Foundations more your speed? The Hula I (Beginner) Class Series – Tuesdays & Thursdays at Kalani is a months-long journey with Kumu Lei—steady progression, respectful protocol, and community support.

And for a full-day heart-opening immersion through voice and ritual, the SOULSONG REVIVAL CEREMONY invites you into circle to sing, soften, and remember.

Key Venues (and the vibe you’ll feel)

Kalani: Ocean air, open hearts, and barefoot floors in Puna. You’ll find ecstatic dance, yoga warmups, ceremonies, and deep cultural learning.

Hawaiian Sanctuary: Jungle-canopy energy with a wellness heartbeat. Hula sessions, eclectic dance nights, and live-collab sets flourish here.

SPACE: Creative hub in Pāhoa. Family-friendly classes, keiki programming, and community shows that feel like a neighborhood block party.

Blue Dragon Kauaihae: Waimea’s beloved supper-club energy—great sound, great food, and a dance floor that lights up when the band hits.

The Oasis: Puna’s outdoor nightlife vibe—DJ-forward, community-forward, and a gorgeous spot for sunset-to-starlight movement.

Space City: Immersive arts and cosmic themes. Expect bass, performance, and dress-up-friendly dance adventures.

Insider Knowledge (local tips that make it better)

• ●Bring a full water bottle; many events are outdoors or semi-outdoors.
• ●Footwear: Ecstatic and hula are often barefoot. Bring slippers for walking between spaces.
• ●Etiquette: In hula classes, listen for Kumu’s guidance, be respectful of oli and protocol, and arrive on time.
• ●Layers help. Evenings can turn cool mauka; a light jacket or pareo is perfect.
• ●Cash is handy for donations, door cover, and food vendors—some spots are cash-only.
• ●For keiki classes, socks or ballet shoes and leggings are encouraged; check your event card for specifics.
• ●“Pau” means open-ended—if a listing says “6pm–pau,” the gathering flows until it naturally winds down.

For Different Vibes

First time dancing here? Try Ecstatic Dance with Leapin’ Lygress at Kalani for a welcoming, consent-centered floor. Or step into culture with Hula Ola (Monday) at Hawaiian Sanctuary.

Family-friendly picks Keiki Ballet w/ Rachel | Ages 5+ at SPACE is great for ages 5+. Cultural classes like the Hula I (Beginner) Class Series – Tuesdays & Thursdays at Kalani welcome learners with care.

Budget-friendly moves Cypher Night: Freestyle Improv & Hip Hop is free. Reggae at Blue Dragon Kauaihae is a sweet value. Ecstatic at Kalani runs $15–$20 with a yoga add-on.

Make it a date night Sway to island rhythms at the Reggae Solstice Party feat. The Mystic Nyahs & Shane Love. Dress to sparkle at PUNAKAT New Year’s Eve at The Oasis at The Oasis.

Go deep, go all in Train for performance with the Visionary Dance Intensive & Performance Project with Swan Sedona Soulfire. Or say yes to a full-day ritual at the SOULSONG REVIVAL CEREMONY.

FAQ: Dance Big Island

Q: Are beginners welcome? A: Absolutely. Ecstatic dances are open-level. Hula has clear guidance for beginners, especially the Hula I (Beginner) Class Series – Tuesdays & Thursdays at Kalani.

Q: What should I wear? A: Move-friendly clothes you can sweat in. For keiki ballet, socks or ballet shoes and leggings help. For hula, comfortable attire and respect for protocol matter more than fashion.

Q: Do events sell food or drinks? A: Many do. You’ll often find organic food at gatherings like Winter Solstice: Return to Light. Some nights are alcohol-free—always check the event card.

Q: Is there live music I can dance to? A: Yes—try the Reggae Solstice Party feat. The Mystic Nyahs & Shane Love at Blue Dragon Kauaihae, and browse more live music events.

Q: What does “pau” mean on listings? A: Pau means done or finished—so “6pm–pau” ends when the energy naturally winds down.

Q: Can kids join? A: Yes. Keiki have their own class in Keiki Ballet w/ Rachel | Ages 5+ at SPACE. Some cultural and community events welcome ʻohana—check each event card for age notes.

Close your eyes and picture it: warm wood under your feet, stars pricking the black lava sky, drums meeting your heartbeat. Whenever you’re ready, your dance is waiting. Hope to see you on the floor—explore all Dance events →