PunaKat! Lights Up The Booch Bar — Sat, Dec 20 @ 6pm

The Hook

Ever felt a bassline roll through your chest like warm Hilo rain, then snap you back to the beat right as the crowd shouts together? That’s a PunaKat! moment. Garage doors open to the trade winds, the smell of citrus-y booch in the air, and a stage where improvisation runs wild—this is the night you tell your friends about at Sunday brunch.

What to Expect

Think exploratory psychedelic rock tangling with reggae and funk, all driven by a rhythm section that prowls and pounces. One minute you’re drifting on a dubby groove, the next you’re grinning at a guitar riff that sounds like a sly meow. The lights are low, the room is warm, and the dancefloor—mauka to makai—is a sea of swaying hips.

The Booch Bar keeps it crisp with craft booch pours, mocktails, and cocktails that hit that tart-lilikoi edge. You’ll feel the kick drum in your slippers, hear friends whoop as the band drops into the pocket, and taste that perfect post-surf salt still on your skin. If you get lost, remember their mantra: “A PunaKat always lands on the one… eventually.”

The People

PunaKat! is exactly what it sounds like: Kats from Puna who live to jam—deep, loose, and fearless. It’s community-born, ʻāina-fed, and proudly local. The organizers keep it simple: make a room where musicians can stretch out, neighbors can meet, and the groove does the talking. Hilo knows—when these cats set up at The Booch Bar, you show up ready to move.

The Details

• ●Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
• ●Time: 6:00 PM
• ●Location: The Booch Bar, Hilo
• ●Price: See event page

Insider Tips

• ●Arrive early for pau hana and to snag a good spot—the sound is sweet near the open doors where the breeze slides through.
• ●Try a house kombucha or a booch cocktail—ask for something bright and tropical to match the set’s heat.
• ●Hilo showers happen—bring a light layer for those cool misty moments between songs.
• ●Sensitive ears? Toss a pair of earplugs in your pocket; the low end gets deliciously thick.
• ●Check the venue’s age policy before bringing keiki; night shows can lean 21+.

Why We Love It

Because it feels like home. That fearless Puna jam energy, the instant ʻohana vibe on the floor, and the way the band teases the edge then locks the whole room back on the one—it’s the kind of night you can only get on Hawaiʻi Island. No pretense, just pure play.

Don’t Miss

If this sells out or you’re hungry for more, keep your rhythm going with our roundups of Hilo nights: Find more live music on our calendar and Explore Food & Drink happenings.

FAQ

• ●

  What style is PunaKat!?
  Exploratory psychedelic rock/reggae/funk—heavy on improvisation and groove.

• ●

  When does the band actually play?
  Doors and vibe start at 6:00 PM; live sets typically follow shortly after. Come early to settle in.

• ●

  Is there seating?
  It’s a mix—bar seating, tables, and standing room. Dancing space opens up as the night gets cooking.

• ●

  Parking?
  Street and nearby lot parking is available in downtown Hilo. Give yourself a few extra minutes to stroll in.

• ●

  Accessibility and age policy?
  Policies vary—best to confirm with the venue for ADA and age details.

Ready to ride the groove? Hope to see you there—get tickets/RSVP.