Every Wednesday, one of our awesome HPR besties will keep you posted on happenings across our Islands that we're most stoked about. While each of us has a different perspective and set of interests, we all share a goal of helping you stay curious and connected across our Hawaiian Islands. Not yet subscribed? Read the latest edition and subscribe today.
Read on to see what Sylvia Flores, HPR's Digital Producer is looking forward to.
HPR’s Social Club — it's your guide to unique, can't-miss events across the islands. Sign up for the HPR Social Club.
Have an event to share? You can submit it to our HPR Community Calendar for consideration. We might feature it in a future newsletter or on the air!
In case you missed it (which, dear reader, I hope you did not!), National Classical Music Month took place in September. HPR celebrated with a Top 100 Classical Music Picks countdown during our Fall Membership Campaign. See the No. 1 pick as chosen by you, our lovely listeners! Fun fact: it is one of my favorites, too!
There's nothing like hearing classical music live, so I encourage you to catch a local performance if you can! The Kamuela Philharmonic brings classic masterworks and guest pianist Tyler Flores Ramos to Kahilu on Hawaiʻi Island on Sunday (Oct. 5). On Monday (Oct. 6) in Honolulu, you can vibe with Vivaldi at the Lutheran Church's first Mondays chamber concert.
Now that it's officially October, I invite you to join me in celebrating Filipino American History Month, which honors the contributions, culture and legacy of Filipinos in the United States. There are a number of ways to celebrate here in Honolulu:
- Saturday, Oct. 4, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Attend FiliRooted: 808 x 63: Stories Between Islands at the Capitol Modern. It's a talk story session featuring Filipino American artists living in Hawaiʻi.
- Saturday, Oct. 4, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Head to Small Space Studios for Kain Tayo - "Let's eat," a reception celebrating Hawaiʻi's Filipino American art community and Filipino cuisine.
- Save the dates for Filipino Food Week, Oct. 18 to 25. It's a wonderful opportunity to savor the tastes of the Philippines while supporting local restaurants. Follow the week on Instagram for the latest info.
October is proving to be a busy month, but not to worry! As an HPR Social Club reader, you'll stay in the know about what's happening across the Islands. Don't forget — you can always check HPR's Community Calendar for upcoming events and activities.
One more note: October is also it's also Pride Month in Hawaiʻi, we'll share more on that next week.
Until we meet again,
Sylvia
HPR Social Club Picks of the Week (Oct. 1 Edition):
PROTECT AND LEARN: "FOR X CHANGE" with Protect & Preserve Hawaiʻi
"FOR X CHANGE" with Protect & Preserve Hawaiʻi
Koko Crater Botanical Garden
7491 Kokonani St. in Honolulu
Oʻahu
Saturday, Oct. 4, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Free to attend, RSVP online
This month's volunteer exchange with Protect & Preserve Hawaiʻi takes place at Koko Crater Botanical Garden. Participate in light restoration work in the garden's Hawaiian section with horticulturist Talia Portner, then take part in a tour that explores the blooming volcanic crater.
GET WRITING: Words By You
Words By You
Box Jelly
1200 Ala Moana Blvd, 2nd floor, in Honolulu
Oʻahu
Saturday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Free and open to all
Every first Saturday, join Words By You, a writing community celebrating the act of showing up to the page through monthly writing workshops. This weekend, the focus is Political Journaling — making sense and taking action — led by JD Iijima. Explore prompts to help figure out how to critically engage with the news and current events in a safe, supportive space.
SUPPORT LOCAL: Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival
Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival
Honokaʻa Town & Honokaʻa Complex Park
45-541 Lehua St. in Honokaʻa
Hawaiʻi Island
Saturday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Free and open to all
Head to Honokaʻa Town to celebrate the spirit of the Hāmākua community. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. with a parade down Māmane Street, followed by a full day of activities and entertainment at Honokaʻa Park. Families can visit educational and cultural booths, enjoy a full lineup of live music, and four-legged friends can enter the Mutt Contest ($15 entry fee). Bring lawn chairs or beach blankets to relax in the park and enjoy the festivities. Free and open to all
CELEBRATE SUCCESS: Hawaiʻi Island Festival of Birds
Hawaiʻi Island Festival of Birds
Grand Naniloa Hotel
96 Banyan Drive in Hilo
Hawaiʻi Island
Saturday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Presale tickets: $15 adult, $10 student, keiki 12 and under are free
Celebrate Hawaiʻi's native birds at this family-friendly festival. Visit the Bird Fair, featuring local artists, crafters and conservation nonprofits, and celebrate the success of conservation projects from across the state. Keep an eye and ear out for Dr. Patrick Hart — host of HPR's "Manu Minute" segment — and experience a unique bird soundbath composed by the UH Hilo LOHE Bioacoustics Lab team at the festival's opening presentation.
STRUM WITH A SQUAD: Kauaʻi ʻUkulele Club Meetup
Kauaʻi ʻUkulele Club Meetup
Kukui Grove Center Stage/Food Court
3-2600 Kaumualiʻi Hwy in Līhuʻe
Kauaʻi
Sunday, Oct. 5, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Free and open to all
Join the Aldrine Guerrero ʻUkulele Academy Team's free ʻukulele club monthly meet up and jam session, held every first Sunday of the month at Kukui Grove's Center Stage. Bring your ʻukulele or acoustic instrument and connect with musicians of all ages and skill levels while you jam, sing and enjoy great music together.
In case you missed it...
Earlier this year, "The Conversation" spoke with Big Island author Nikki Van De Car, one of four local authors featured in our Live from the Atherton Author Series. She's published a number of books on magic and crafting, but her novel "The Invisible Wild" is her first young adult novel. HPR spoke to her about making the plunge into the young adult genre and telling a story that felt close to home. Listen to the interview.
Get tickets to October's Live from the Atherton Author Series events at hprtickets.org.
See 'Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!' Live in Honolulu
The NPR quiz show is coming to the Blaisdell Concert Hall for two nights: Oct. 9 and 10! Special guests include Taimane on Oct. 9, and Carissa Moore on Oct. 10. Both shows will be recorded for national broadcasts.
"Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!" is sponsored and Hawai‘i Pacific University and Honolulu Financial Partners.
