Your guide to Big Island Food & Drink: 30 tasty events this month

This is how Big Island Food & Drink feels right now

Big Island scene

Warm trade winds, the smell of kiawe smoke, and slack-key guitar drifting through palms. You grab a plate, talk story with the farmer who grew your greens, then end the night singing with strangers who feel like ʻohana. That’s Food & Drink on Hawaiʻi Island—fresh, fun, and always set to music.

Why Food & Drink is extra special here

Our island feeds you with place. From paniolo-style barbecue under starry Kohala skies to neighborhood kanikapila over kombucha and pūpū, the flavors come with history. Markets are weekly rituals, lūʻau tell moʻolelo through food and hula, and pau hana can mean open mic, karaoke, or a spontaneous jam.

Top upcoming Food & Drink picks you’ll love

Thursday afternoons taste like community at The Queens’ Culinary Market. It’s a 4–7 pm stroll of island-grown produce, artisan bites, and genuine talk story—perfect for stocking the condo or a sunset picnic.

If smoky, country-tinged vibes are your thing, Paniolo BBQ Under the Stars serves up the sizzle with live island-style country tunes. Picture twinkle lights, grilled ono, and that cool Waikoloa breeze.

Craving the full cultural feast? Hale Ho’aloha Lū’au at Mauna Lani pairs legends of Kalāhuipuaʻa with mele and hula. Arrive before sunset—the glow on the palms sets the mood for the imu aromas to roll in.

Fridays in Hilo are for wandering and nibbling at the lively FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET AT THE HILO TOWN MARKET. From 5:30 pm until pau, it’s local makers, tasty eats, and a friendly scene where keiki dance between booths.

Market lovers, stack your week: Tuesdays bring the Kings’ Shops vibe at Farmers Market from 9 am–2:30 pm; Saturdays split the difference—browse 50+ vendors at Waimea Town Market or graze your way through ranch-country favorites at Kamuela Farmers Market from 7:30 am–1 pm.

For food with music, head to Kanakapila Live at The Booch Bar Tuesdays, 6–9 pm. Free admission, Hawaiian specials, and those sweet harmonies that make you sway between sips.

And if your perfect bite comes with a mic, the Hilo scene delivers: Monday Open Mic Night from 8 pm to close, Wednesday Karaoke free and full of heart, and Friday Live Friday Night Music: Rhythm X to dance off dessert.

Key venues where the magic happens

The Booch Bar, Hilo A kombucha-on-tap hangout with a cozy Rainbow Room, ono bites, and a steady flow of live music and community nights. It’s where kanikapila, pūpū, and new friends happen.

'O Maku'u Ke Kahua, Pāhoa A beloved gathering place with ocean views mauka to makai energy. Think community-forward markets and food pop-ups that feel like a reunion.

Hawaiian Sanctuary, Pāhoa Lush jungle vibes and wellness roots. When Food & Drink shows up here, it’s farm-fresh, mindful, and full of aloha ʻāina.

Space City, Pāhoa Creative hub meets night market energy. Expect artsy bites and a DIY spirit when food vendors roll through.

Insider knowledge you’ll be stoked to know

Hawaii Island atmosphere

• ●Bring a reusable tote and small bills to markets. Vendors light up when you go eco and exact change is gold.
• ●Go early for the best produce and parking. Late arrivals still score pastries, coffee, and hot foods.
• ●For lūʻau and BBQ nights, resort casual works. Light layers help when the Kohala breeze kicks up after sunset.
• ●At kanikapila and open mics, tip the musicians. Sign-ups start early—ask the host, then grab a seat near the action.
• ●Holiday weeks can shift schedules. Example: NO Open Mic - Open till 3pm at The Booch Bar popped up—always check day-of.
• ●Sun and showers trade places fast. Sunscreen and a light jacket keep you happy from market morning to music night.

For different vibes

• ●First-timers: Start with The Queens’ Culinary Market, then a Friday in Hilo at FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET AT THE HILO TOWN MARKET.
• ●Regulars: Do the Saturday double—Waimea Town Market plus Kamuela Farmers Market.
• ●Budget-friendly: Free hangs like Kanakapila Live, Karaoke, and Paniolo BBQ Under the Stars.
• ●Splurge-y and special: Hale Ho’aloha Lū’au at Mauna Lani for the full story, taste, and show.
• ●Date night: Tacos and margaritas at Taco Tuesday at Hawaii Calls Restaurant 5–9 pm, then a slow walk under Waikoloa stars.
• ●Food + music: Pair bites with live sets at The Booch Bar or dive into Hilo’s nightly soundtrack—more on our live music events.

FAQ: Big Island Food & Drink

Q: What days are best for farmers markets? A: Tuesday 9 am–2:30 pm at Farmers Market, Thursday 4–7 pm at The Queens’ Culinary Market, and Saturday runs at Waimea Town Market and Kamuela Farmers Market.

Q: Where can I get food with live Hawaiian music? A: Tuesdays 6–9 pm at Kanakapila Live at The Booch Bar has Hawaiian specials, free entry, and soulful jams.

Q: Any weekly dinner deals? A: Yes—Taco Tuesday at Hawaii Calls Restaurant from 5–9 pm features taco specials, beer deals, and margarita discounts.

Q: Are these events family-friendly? A: Markets like FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET AT THE HILO TOWN MARKET, Waimea Town Market, and Kamuela Farmers Market are great for keiki. Lūʻau are classic ʻohana nights.

Q: Do schedules change for holidays? A: Sometimes. Watch for updates like NO Open Mic - Open till 3pm and check listings day-of.

Q: How many Food & Drink events are coming up? A: There are 30 on the calendar right now, with lots of weekly regulars to build your perfect eating-and-sipping itinerary.

Hope to bump into you between a bag of lilikoʻi and a plate of smoky ribs. When you’re hungry for more, explore all Food & Drink events →