Your guide to 28 Big Island live music picks (Jan 22–29)

This week’s vibe

Big Island scene

Trade winds are back, whales are spouting makai, and the island’s soundtrack is on point. Imagine jungle drums drifting through Puna while ʻukulele laughs across red cinder and plumeria at dusk. If that sounds like your kind of week, slide into Mana Fest - Music, Dance, & Arts Festival at Kalani, then wander to Waikoloa where The Queens’ Culinary Market hums with slack-key and the smell of fresh poke.

Must-hear highlights

Hale Ho’aloha Lū’au at Mauna Lani feels like stepping into a story circle under the stars. The mele and hula share Kalāhuipuaʻa’s moʻolelo so beautifully you’ll taste salt air between verses. Need a free pupu sampler of culture? Aloha Fridays at Volcano Art Center brings porch-side demos and live music inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park—midday magic for your pau hana Friday. Craving a lively night market groove? FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET AT THE HILO TOWN MARKET is free, friendly, and full of island jams—grab a bao, sway to the beat, and talk story till late.

Pick your vibe

• ●Night owls who love a dance floor: Let the bass roll at Booch & Beats w/ DJ AetherOar at The Booch Bar, rock out with Live Friday Night Music: Rhythm X, then circle back for Savery Brothers Band and Rob Taylor & Friends.
• ●Chill, keiki-friendly day tunes: Stroll Waimea Town Market and Kamuela Farmers Market for fresh lilikoʻi and easy live music, or make Sunday sing at Maku'u Market at 'O Maku'u Ke Kahua.
• ●Artsy ʻohana energy: Feel the feminine pulse and community jam at Mana Fest - Music, Dance, & Arts Festival, then cheer on student rockstars at School of Rock the Musical.
• ●Laid-back Sunday sweetness: Slide into golden-hour harmonies at Sunday Serenade w/Dennis & Christy Soares at The Booch Bar, or wander the garden vibes at Josanna’s Garden Party.
• ●Market melodies, free and local: Catch musicians between malasadas at FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET AT THE HILO TOWN MARKET and soak up porch tunes at Aloha Fridays at Volcano Art Center.

Hawaii Island atmosphere

Little local notes

• ●Evenings are crisp in January—pack a light jacket for mauka venues and bring a pareo for beachside lūʻau seating.
• ●Hilo parking fills fast on Friday nights. Aim for 15 minutes early near Keawe Street.
• ●Markets are cash-friendly; vendors often accept cards, but small bills keep the line moving.

FAQ: Big Island live music this week

• ●Are there free shows? Yes—Aloha Fridays at Volcano Art Center, FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET AT THE HILO TOWN MARKET, and several markets feature free live music.
• ●Family-friendly picks? Try Waimea Town Market, Kamuela Farmers Market, and Hale Ho’aloha Lū’au at Mauna Lani.
• ●Looking for late-night energy? Roll into Live Friday Night Music: Rhythm X and Booch & Beats w/ DJ AetherOar.

See you out there

From porch-side mele to jungle festivals, there’s a sound for every mood this week. Dive into the full lineup of live music events, or browse more events →. I’ll be the one swaying by the pāhoehoe, singing along.