Trade winds, twinkle lights, and sweet mele. From Jake’s ukulele magic to solstice chants in the jungle, here’s where the island’s soundtrack comes alive.
Tonight’s vibe
You can feel the solstice glow in the air—cool mauka breezes, plumeria at dusk, and mele drifting makai. Ever listened to a 100-voice chorus while the stars come out, then danced barefoot in the jungle? This week delivers that and more, from big-stage brilliance to cozy pau hana serenades.
Don’t-miss highlights
When Jake Shimabukuro's Holidays In Hawaii hits the stage at 38 Haili St, the room hums. His ukulele sings like ocean light on lava rock—add Jackson Waldhoff and Justin Kawika Young and you’ve got chicken-skin moments for the whole ʻohana.
Craving a solstice reset? Winter Solstice: Return to the Light at Kalani wraps you in live music, dance, and community. The jungle breathes, the drums pulse, and you remember why we live here.
For something beautifully communal (and free!), the 16th Annual Hilo Community SingAlong Messiah at Church of the Holy Cross turns the audience into the choir. Whether you know every alto line or just love Hallelujahs, you’ll leave glowing.
Quick picks by vibe
Night owls: Feel the low-end thump at the Reggae Solstice Party feat. The Mystic Nyahs & Shane Love at Blue Dragon Kauaihae. DJ Quality keeps the riddim rolling between sets—perfect for a salty breath under the moon.
Chill and soulful: Let the violin paint stories at Solstice Strings — An Evening with Chris Murphy at Hawaiian Sanctuary. Cinematic, intimate, and so, so soothing.
Spiritual groove: Bring your voice to the Winter Solstice Kirtan at Kalani Retreat at Kalani. Opening with a grounding sound bath and 108 Gayatri Mantra, it’s a heart-opener in the palms.
ʻOhana fun: Share the sparkle at A Charlie Brown Christmas (Live on Stage!) at 67-1186 Lindsey Road. Pure holiday sweetness, live on stage for keiki and kupuna alike.
Market meanderers: Catch live tunes while you nibble fresh malasadas at Maku'u Market at 'O Maku'u Ke Kahua and the festive East Hawaii MAKERS MARKET at 15-859 Kahakai Blvd. Pahoa.
Pau hana sips: Slide into The Booch Bar for Maple Flo & River Glen and that warm, honey-voice Sunday glow at Sunday Serenade w/ Melemai Kahumoku.
Holiday sparkle with aerial flair: The Palace comes alive with Tease the Season - An Aerial Burlesque Cabaret at Palace Theater—high-flying acrobatics, playful burlesque, and a live soundtrack that will have you grinning all night.
Community chorus, round two (free): West side folks, Messiah & More at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa brings the Kona Choral Society together in full voice. Goosebumps guaranteed.
Local’s notes
- ●Nights are crisp this week—bring a light jacket, especially for mauka and oceanside venues.
- ●Parking fills fast in Hilo town near 38 Haili St; arrive 30 minutes early or carpool.
- ●Headed to Kalani or Hawaiian Sanctuary? Pack a sarong, water bottle, and some bug spray. Stars are worth the drive.
- ●Markets are best before noon for shade and fresh ‘ono; bring small bills for vendors.
- ●Blue Dragon Kauaihae has great dance space—slippahs you can kick off are the move.
Tomorrow’s tease
Tomorrow’s soundtrack? Big-stage joy with Jake Shimabukuro's Holidays In Hawaii at 38 Haili St, and choral chills with the free Messiah & More at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa.
Close your laptop, grab your favorite jacket, and come catch the island’s heartbeat with me. If you’re hungry for even more, explore more live music events →. Want the full picture? browse more events →.
FAQ
Q: Are there free live music events this week? A: Yes! The 16th Annual Hilo Community SingAlong Messiah and Messiah & More are both free.
Q: Which shows are best for keiki? A: A Charlie Brown Christmas (Live on Stage!) is a sweet ʻohana pick, and Jake Shimabukuro's Holidays In Hawaii is family-friendly, too.
Q: What should I wear? A: Casual and comfy. A light sweater for cool evenings, slippahs you can dance in, and a rain shell if you’re heading mauka.
Q: Do I need tickets in advance? A: Popular shows like Jake’s and the aerial cabaret can fill up. If pre-sale is offered, grab yours early; otherwise, arrive with time to spare.
Q: Where can I see everything in one place? A: Cruise all the week’s mele under live music events, or catch the wider lineup when you browse more events →.
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