Here are 10 Big Island workshops to light up Dec 23–30

Feel that holiday breeze?

Salt in the air, plumeria on the wind, and the island moving a little slower between mele and mochi pounding. If you’ve ever wanted to strum your first island tune, Tuesday’s your moment with Ukulele Lessons with Kris Fuchigami at 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Drive — taught by a 3x Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winner. Yes, it’s free, and they’ve got ukuleles and sheet music ready.

Thinking about leveling up your māla for the new year? The free, culturally grounded Puʻuhonua Wellness-Phase 2: Sustainable/Advanced AgTech Training happens online this week, so you can learn hydroponics and greenhouse know-how from home with your favorite mug of Kona coffee.

Don’t-miss hands-on moments

Ukulele Lessons with Kris Fuchigami feels like sitting with your favorite uncle under the palms — patient, playful, and suddenly you’re changing chords while the trade winds hum along. Perfect pau hana vibes for kamaʻāina and visitors.

If your heart beats for ʻāina, the Puʻuhonua Wellness-Phase 2: Sustainable Ag / Advanced AgTech track digs into irrigation, fertigation, and real-world systems. It’s free, flexible, and rooted in culture — the kind of learning that sticks.

Craving culture with a view? Aloha Fridays at Volcano Art Center sets up on the historic gallery porch, 11 am–1 pm. Think lauhala weaving, lei-making, or other demos while the mist rolls off Kīlauea’s forests. It’s free; the only thing you’ll spend is time soaking up moʻolelo.

Quick picks by vibe

For ʻohana fun: Hilo’s Springboard Diving Club at Kawamoto Pool welcomes all ages and abilities. New board, big smiles, friendly coaches. Bring the keiki and cheer when they nail that first jump.

For food lovers and makers: Wander The Queens’ Culinary Market at 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr. Waikoloa or browse the breezy Pukalani Midweek Market in Waimea. You’ll find local flavors, crafty makers, and often a hands-on demo or two while live music floats by. If you’re chasing tunes, there’s always more live music →.

For wellness seekers: Melt into Yoga with Jared at SPACE. A yin restorative session to unwind the holiday buzz and reset your body.

For culture and story: The Hale Ho’aloha Lū’au at Mauna Lani celebrates Kalāhuipuaʻa with mele, hula, and stories that make you feel the heartbeat of the Kohala coast.

For makers and growers: Double down on farm skills with the free online Puʻuhonua Wellness-Phase 2: Sustainable/Advanced AgTech Training. Learn at your pace, even if you’re traveling mauka to makai this week.

And a sweet Monday finale: Ukulele Lessons & Participatory Jam at Hawaiian Sanctuary Retreat Center — paid lessons first, then a free group jam where everyone gets in on the groove.

Local’s notes

• ●Volcano Art Center is inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park; standard park entry applies for vehicles and walk-ins.
• ●Waikoloa and Waimea afternoons can turn breezy. Pack a light layer for sunset and a reusable bottle.
• ●Markets love cash for small buys. Bring a tote for produce and crafts.
• ●New to diving? At Kawamoto Pool, start with the basics and listen for coach cues — safety first, plenty fun after.
• ●Ukulele classes: if you have your own ʻukulele, bring it. If not, they’ve got you.

Tomorrow’s tease

Holiday Monday magic: that Ukulele Lessons & Participatory Jam session is the perfect way to strum your way into the new year.

Hope to bump into you at a class or two. If your schedule’s still wide open, explore more workshop events → or browse more events →. Bring your curiosity — the island will take care of the rest.

FAQ

Q: Are these workshops beginner-friendly? A: Yes. From ukulele to agtech and yoga, each event welcomes newcomers with supportive guidance.

Q: Do I need my own ʻukulele? A: For Ukulele Lessons with Kris Fuchigami, instruments and sheet music are provided. For the Monday jam, bring your uke if you have one.

Q: How much do these events cost? A: Many are free, including both Puʻuhonua trainings, Aloha Fridays, and Diving Club. Yoga is sliding scale, and the Monday lesson has a small fee.

Q: Any parking or entry fees? A: Standard park entry applies for Volcano Art Center. Resort areas can fill up near sunset — arrive a bit early to cruise for parking.