Community Calendar

Diamond Head Theatre presents The SpongeBob Musical from July 18 to August 3, with the possibility of an extension. Based on Stephen Hillenburg’s beloved animated series, this vibrant musical features songs by artists like Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper and more. When a volcano threatens Bikini Bottom, SpongeBob and his friends unite to save their home. With hope dwindling, an unlikely hero emerges—proving that optimism can save the world. Don’t miss this dazzling, hilarious adventure at DHT. Check DiamondHeadTheatre.com as the show may be extended by popular demand.

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 10:30 am - starting on January 3rd, 2025. Reservations are recommended. Call (808) 768-7135.

Here are some additional details:

Public Tours of Foster Botanical Garden resume in January 2025!

Volunteer docents will conduct tours on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., rain or shine.

Docents just completed a six-week training and are eager to engage the public meaningfully.

On these tours, docents will provide an overview and some details of some of the gardenʻs seven sections. No two tours are the same—different docents bring different background knowledge and life experiences. All are passionate about plants.

Please call (808) 768-7135 to reserve your spot.

Tours are limited to about 20 people and are included in the price of admission ($5 for visitors, $3 for residents, $1 for children).

For school or other organized groups, please call the number above to discuss differentiated tour options.

Foster Botanical Garden has a rich history and a world-renowned collection. Here are some quick facts:
-14 acre historic garden opened to the public in 1930
- Dedicated to the “people of Hawai’i” by Mary Elizabeth Mikahala Robinson Foster
- Portions once owned by Queen Kalama
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Oldest of the five gardens and the headquarters of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens
- Home to 21 “Exceptional Trees” protected by City Ordinance

Join us for a choral celebration. Bring your best, 'ono Hawaiian dish and sing with the LCH choir to celebrate Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea. The day celebrates the restoration of Hawaiian Sovereign by Admiral Richard Thomas in 1843 During the Paulet Affair. While the Hawaiian Kingdom does not enjoy the same recognition today, the day still celebrates diplomacy, friendship between nations, and chiefly, the rule of international laws, a particularly relevant topic. Kamuela Akeo, Lutheran Church of Honolulu Choir member and University of Hawaii Music Graduate Student, will be presenting on this historical topic through a musical lense.

Diamond Head Theatre presents The SpongeBob Musical from July 18 to August 3, with the possibility of an extension. Based on Stephen Hillenburg’s beloved animated series, this vibrant musical features songs by artists like Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper and more. When a volcano threatens Bikini Bottom, SpongeBob and his friends unite to save their home. With hope dwindling, an unlikely hero emerges—proving that optimism can save the world. Don’t miss this dazzling, hilarious adventure at DHT. Check DiamondHeadTheatre.com as the show may be extended by popular demand.

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 10:30 am - starting on January 3rd, 2025. Reservations are recommended. Call (808) 768-7135.

Here are some additional details:

Public Tours of Foster Botanical Garden resume in January 2025!

Volunteer docents will conduct tours on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., rain or shine.

Docents just completed a six-week training and are eager to engage the public meaningfully.

On these tours, docents will provide an overview and some details of some of the gardenʻs seven sections. No two tours are the same—different docents bring different background knowledge and life experiences. All are passionate about plants.

Please call (808) 768-7135 to reserve your spot.

Tours are limited to about 20 people and are included in the price of admission ($5 for visitors, $3 for residents, $1 for children).

For school or other organized groups, please call the number above to discuss differentiated tour options.

Foster Botanical Garden has a rich history and a world-renowned collection. Here are some quick facts:
-14 acre historic garden opened to the public in 1930
- Dedicated to the “people of Hawai’i” by Mary Elizabeth Mikahala Robinson Foster
- Portions once owned by Queen Kalama
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Oldest of the five gardens and the headquarters of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens
- Home to 21 “Exceptional Trees” protected by City Ordinance

On display August 1 – 28, 2025, the 15th Annual Abstract Only, is a partnership with the SAAA, a part of the Shanghai International Cultural Exchange Association and the Putuo Art Museum, a branch of the Liu Haisu Art Museum, the Wailoa Center in Hilo and the Hawaiʻi Island Art Alliance.

The Opening Reception on August 1 from 5-7pm, will welcome four artists from the SAAA and announce the Hawaiʻi award winners.

“It is deeply meaningful to hold an abstract art exchange exhibition in two places with such different cultures and artistic discourse.” says Zhao Kangwei, President of Shanghai Association for Foreign Exchange. “Art knows no borders, and artistic wealth should belong to everyone.”

The public can learn more about abstract art from the artists themselves through panel discussion with both Shanghai and Hawaiʻi artists on August 2 from 10:30am – 12:30 pm. “The dialogue and mutual collaboration of ideas can enable artists from different cultural backgrounds to share, reach new understandings and develop their own unique styles,” says Xu Demin, President of Shanghai Abstract Painting Society. Both artists and the community alike are invited to join in to learn about this art form from two different world views.

The Wailoa Center is located at 200 Piopio Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
The phone number is 808 933-0416

Collaborative Historical Event Features Summer Traditions, Fashion, Pop Culture Artisan Popsicles and Hawaiian Wine & Mead Tasting

Archives Uncorked: "Endless Summer" will feature curated exhibits exploring Hawaiʻi's summer traditions from the missionary era to today. The event includes a four-station historical tour, light pūpū, a local artisan popsicle from Pop Culture, one drink ticket, and a custom swag bag featuring The Hawaiian Journal of History. Tickets are $55 for members and $65 for non-members, available at www.missionhouses.org. Gates open at 5:00 PM for early access to the scenic grounds. Event begins at 5:30 PM.

Four Historical Stations:

1. Summer Fashion: Explore the evolution of summer attire from modest 1920s swimwear to contemporary Hawaiian fashion, featuring a local guest designer. Discover the cultural significance of summer clothing and how Hawaiian fashion has evolved while honoring traditional values.

2. Summer Games & Sports: Discover traditional Hawaiian and missionary summer games, plus the fascinating history of surfing and Duke Kahanamoku's Olympic achievements that put Hawaiian watersports on the world stage.

3. Summer Soirées & Social Life: Step into Hawaiʻi’s past with stories of summer entertainment, from hukilaus to Queen Emma's garden party at ʻIolani Palace . Learn about horse races at Kapiʻolani Park, bicycle competitions, and luxurious staycations at the historic Haleiwa Hotel.

4. Summer Sips ~ Lei, Pray & Pollinate: Explore the surprising connection between missionaries and Hawaiʻi's beekeeping industry. While bees weren't introduced until 1857 by William Buck of San Diego, missionary influence in promoting Western agriculture and education created the foundation for successful beekeeping in the islands.

Archives Uncorked: "Endless Summer" offers the exclusive opportunity to explore the collections of two historically renowned organizations in one location, providing guests with rare access to archival materials and interactive historical experiences. Come sip, snack, and learn about Hawaiʻi’s history.