Community Calendar

Do You Love Sushi?

“I Love Sushi,” a traveling exhibition sponsored by the internationally renowned Japan Foundation, opens on June 27 at the Hawaii Japanese Center in Hilo.

The world-traveling exhibit pays recognition to sushi’s immense popularity all over the world, dating back to its introduction to Japan over 1,000 years ago. “I Love Sushi” artfully tells the story of sushi’s key transformations over time and offers visitors a look into how sushi evolved from its ancient origins into a global culinary phenomenon.

The exhibition is produced by the prestigious Japan Foundation headquartered in Tokyo. The exhibit’s showing in Hawaii is coordinated by the Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu in coordination with the Hawaii Japanese Center. The visually stunning presentation includes ukiyo-e paintings, woodblock prints, video installations, and scale models of realistically depicted seafood, reproductions of sushi, and even a replica of a Japanese sushi restaurant.

“I Love Sushi” also touches on broader aspects of Japanese history and culture, as sushi has undergone many transformations as it adapted to the environment, climate, and lifestyle of Japan. Nigirizushi, for example, a small mound of rice topped with raw fish or other ingredients originated about 200 years ago in Edo (Tokyo). Hawaii itself is of course no stranger to its own multiethnic traditions involving raw fish and rice.

“I Love Sushi” opens Saturday, June 27 and closes Saturday, August 22 at the Hawaii Japanese Center (HJC), located at 751 Kanoelehua Avenue. HJC is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission is free. For more information, email HJC at info@hawaiijapanesecenter.com or call (808) 934-9611.

Experience Mākeke Fridays at Queens’ Marketplace — a weekly sunset market celebrating the spirit, flavors, and creativity of Hawai‘i. The market brings together local makers, farmers, food vendors, and live music in an inviting open-air atmosphere.

Browse fresh island produce, handcrafted goods, artwork, jewelry, skincare, apparel, and unique Hawai‘i-made finds while enjoying a variety of ono eats, sweet treats, and grab-and-go favorites from local vendors each week.

With live entertainment, warm island energy, and a thoughtfully curated mix of vendors, Mākeke Fridays is the perfect place to shop, eat, and spend your Friday evening with friends and ‘ohana at Queens’ Marketplace.

Local finds. Island vibes. Every Friday.

An Evening of Latin Rock Blues at the Historic Aloha Theatre

Get ready for an unforgettable night celebrating the iconic sounds that have moved audiences around the world since the legendary performance at Woodstock. Two-time Na Hoku Hanohano winner, Larry Dupio presents a special tribute to the legendary music of Carlos Santana. You’ll hear lightning strings, thundering percussion blended with captivating vocals.

After a completely sold-out Hilo-side performance in 2023, you are invited to the first and only show scheduled for the Kona side. Hosting music, film and performing arts since 1932, the Aloha Theatre is the exclusive venue for this historic performance.

Featuring an all-star lineup of Hawaii's finest musicians: Michael Surprenant, Ed Bisquera, Trever Veilleux, Reggae McGowen, Yumbel Marassi, Leo Brayman, Josh Timmons and Pohai Henderson.

This is a celebration of music that transcends generations. Larry Dupio brings his own guitar magic to the sultry instrumental "Samba Pa Ti" and the Latin fire of "Oye Como Va," through the blues-rock intensity of "Black Magic Woman.” No tribute to Carlos Santana’s music is complete without the legendary Woodstock anthem "Soul Sacrifice.” Come for the journey through the hits that defined an era.

Purchase your tickets early at the Aloha Theatre box office or online.

Presented by Larry Dupio and the Aloha Theatre with special recognition for our sponsors Tim Gresback, Netcom, and Aloha De Nada Empanadas. Support local arts and experience live music at its finest.

Farmers and Artisan market

Waimea Town Market at Parker School is home to over 50 highly curated vendors who offer a wide variety of terrific produce, food and locally sourced and hand made items. Please join us, talk story with our vendors, learn about their businesses and crafts, and enjoy breakfast or lunch at our picnic tables with the Mauna Kea view—where North Hawaii comes together.

Chill out with AARP Hawaii at our Member and Veterans Appreciation event!

Beat the heat with a delicious frozen treat. AARP is excited to treat our members, veterans and their two special guests to a complimentary fresh fruit paleta or small ice cream on Saturday, August 15 at Paletas in the Park.

Drop in at the AARP tent for your free treat ticket before you redeem it at Alii Ice. There is no formal program. Talk story with our volunteers or enjoy the park on your own.

Notes:

Your guests must be present when you pick up your tickets. You do not need to pre-register your guests. They do not need to be AARP members or veterans.
Tickets must be redeemed on August 15, 2026 between 10 AM and noon.
Those who pre-register for the event do not need to show proof of AARP membership or veterans status. Those who "walk in" will need to bring their postcard or other identification.
Bring your family members 18 and older to learn how to make your voice heard through voting and voter registration!
*Did you know, a paleta is a frozen fresh fruit treat from South America, similar to a popsicle®

Do You Love Sushi?

“I Love Sushi,” a traveling exhibition sponsored by the internationally renowned Japan Foundation, opens on June 27 at the Hawaii Japanese Center in Hilo.

The world-traveling exhibit pays recognition to sushi’s immense popularity all over the world, dating back to its introduction to Japan over 1,000 years ago. “I Love Sushi” artfully tells the story of sushi’s key transformations over time and offers visitors a look into how sushi evolved from its ancient origins into a global culinary phenomenon.

The exhibition is produced by the prestigious Japan Foundation headquartered in Tokyo. The exhibit’s showing in Hawaii is coordinated by the Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu in coordination with the Hawaii Japanese Center. The visually stunning presentation includes ukiyo-e paintings, woodblock prints, video installations, and scale models of realistically depicted seafood, reproductions of sushi, and even a replica of a Japanese sushi restaurant.

“I Love Sushi” also touches on broader aspects of Japanese history and culture, as sushi has undergone many transformations as it adapted to the environment, climate, and lifestyle of Japan. Nigirizushi, for example, a small mound of rice topped with raw fish or other ingredients originated about 200 years ago in Edo (Tokyo). Hawaii itself is of course no stranger to its own multiethnic traditions involving raw fish and rice.

“I Love Sushi” opens Saturday, June 27 and closes Saturday, August 22 at the Hawaii Japanese Center (HJC), located at 751 Kanoelehua Avenue. HJC is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission is free. For more information, email HJC at info@hawaiijapanesecenter.com or call (808) 934-9611.

An Evening of Latin Rock Blues at the Historic Hilo Palace Theater

Get ready for an unforgettable night celebrating the iconic sounds that have moved audiences around the world since the legendary performance at Woodstock. Two-time Na Hoku Hanohano winner, Larry Dupio presents a special tribute to the legendary music of Carlos Santana. You’ll hear lightning strings and thundering percussion blended with vocal magic.

Just one more time. After a completely sold-out performance in 2023, this marks the second and likely final show of this tribute series at the historic Hilo Palace Theater.

Featuring an all-star lineup of Hawaii's finest musicians, Michael Surprenant, Ed Bisquera, Trever Veilleux, Reggae McGowen, Yumbel Marassi, Leo Brayman, Josh Timmons and Pohai Henderson. They will be joined on stage for one song with Julian Tobey, the winner of the “Send a Shredder to the Hilo Palace Theater Youth Guitar Contest.”

This is a celebration of music that transcends generations. With favorites from "Black Magic Woman" to "Oye Como Va" and beyond.

Purchase your tickets early at the Hilo Palace Theater box office or online. In 2023, the show sold out in advance and there were no tickets available at the door.

Presented by Larry Dupio and the Palace Theater with special recognition for our sponsors Tim Gresback, Big Island Brewhaus, Hale Kanikapila, Netcom, and Hilo Lunch Club. Support local arts and experience live music at its finest.

You're Invited to Our Kahilu Theatre Open House & Season Launch!

Celebrate the launch of our new season at a festive community Open House on Sunday, August 16, 2026. From 12:00 to 4:00 PM, we’re throwing open the doors for an afternoon of live performances, behind-the-scenes fun, food trucks, and connection — and you’re invited.

This FREE, all-ages community-focused event is your chance to:

🎟 Buy tickets as they go on sale to the public
🎶 Enjoy performances and sneak peeks from local artists
🤝 Meet and mingle with community groups
🎭 Discover what’s ahead in our exciting new season

Whether you’re a long-time patron or discovering Kahilu for the first time, we welcome you to join in the celebration. No RSVP required — just come and be part of the fun!

As the sun sets over Kahuwai Bay on Sunday evenings, Talk Story Bar comes alive with music and moʻolelo. Open to resort guests and the local community, beloved local musicians join Kona Village's own Paris DeCambra to celebrate the songs and traditions that have shaped Hawaiʻi across generations. This series features some of the Islands' most celebrated performers, including slack-key legend Ledward Kaapana, acclaimed vocalist Mark Yamanaka, and local favorites LT Smooth, Kenny Tagavilla, and Natalie Ai Kamanuu. Many of the featured artists hold personal ties to the original Kona Village Resort, lending a unique perspective to every performance. As golden hour gives way to dusk, the spirit of aloha unfolds through moments of connection—best enjoyed from the shores of the bay, perhaps with a crafted cocktail in hand.

AUGUST LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE
August 2 - LT Smooth
August 9 - Mark Yamanaka
August 16 - Kenny Tagavilla
August 23 - Natalie Ai Kamanuu
August 30 - Ledward Kaapana

DATES
Sundays, August 2 – 30

HOURS
6 pm - 9 pm

LOCATION
Talk Story Bar at Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort

PRICE
Complimentary
Open to both resort guests and the local community.