Your Guide to 16 Free Big Island Events: Hula, Markets, Music + Classes

Ever felt that moment when trade winds lift a hula skirt and the conch shell sounds? That’s the Big Island’s free scene—where evenings smell like plumeria and you end up talking story with strangers who feel like ʻohana. From pau hana markets to late-night jams, some of the island’s best memories won’t cost you a dime.

We combed 16 upcoming happenings so you can jump right in—farm-fresh mornings, keiki-friendly classes, and nights that roll until “pau.” Ready to find your new weekly ritual?

Why Free is extra special on Hawaiʻi Island

Big Island scene

Here, community comes first. Markets feel like backyard parties. Hula is history in motion, gifted to anyone willing to listen. And open mics remind you that talent lives on every corner—from ma uka to ma kai. Free doesn’t mean small; it means shared. Bring your curiosity. Leave with full heart (and probably full belly).

Top upcoming free picks you’ll love

Picture this: Friday twilight in Hilo, string lights glowing, ono smells drifting through the air. That’s FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET AT THE HILO TOWN MARKET—a weekly vibe from 5:30 PM until pau that feels like the whole town turned up to celebrate.

Chasing that “only-in-Hawaiʻi” moment? Mondays deliver it with Weekly Hula at the Coronation Pavilion and also at 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr. Graceful kahiko and modern hula, rhythmic ipu, and stories carried on the breeze—free, beautiful, and absolutely for everyone.

Tuesdays on the Kohala Coast, learn something new at Ukulele Lessons with Kris Fuchigami. A 3x Nā Hōkū Hanohano winner teaching for free? Only on this island. ʻUkuleles and sheet music are first-come for the first nine, so bring your own if you’ve got one.

Love hands-on, community-forward learning? Dive into sustainable growing with Puʻuhonua Wellness-Phase 2: Sustainable/Advanced AgTech Training or Puʻuhonua Wellness-Phase 2: Sustainable Ag / Advanced AgTech. It’s free, culturally grounded training with real skills—from irrigation to hydroponics.

Need a playful reset? Head to Juggling Jam at SPACE in Pāhoa. It’s a donations-welcome hangout where keiki and grownups swap tricks, share props, and laugh a lot. The kind of low-pressure fun that turns strangers into a crew.

If your happy place is a Saturday morning market, the Kamuela side has your back. Kamuela Farmers Market fills historic Pukalani Stables with coffee aromas, brimming produce, and handmade treasures—free to wander, with plenty to taste. Midweek, Waimea’s heartbeat continues at Pukalani Midweek Market : more local flavors, crafts, and live music.

Prefer the water? Try a new challenge at Springboard Diving Club at Kawamoto Pool—free Wednesday sessions with a newly installed board and an everyone’s-welcome vibe. Or keep your evenings social in Hilo: Open Mic Night runs Mondays from 8 PM till close, and Karaoke pops every Wednesday. If high-energy bands are your jam, check out Live Friday Night Music: Rhythm X at 9:30 PM.

Weekly treats continue at the Queens’ side with The Queens’ Culinary Market every Thursday, 4–7 PM—easy sunset strolls, island flavors, and that Waikōloa breeze.

Key venues and what they feel like

• ●Hilo Town Market at 69 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo: String lights, live music drifting from stalls, aunties insisting you try “just one more sample.” It’s cozy, colorful, and classic Hilo.
• ●Pukalani Stables at 67-139 Pukalani Rd.: Crunch of gravel underfoot, sound of kids laughing, and vendors who remember your name. Saturday and midweek markets here feel like a reunion.
• ●Coronation Pavilion: Timeless. When the pahu drum starts, the lawn goes quiet. Perfect for keiki to watch and learn respect for mele and hula.
• ●Kawamoto Pool: Sunny lanes, mirrored water, and coaches who cheer your first brave bounce more than a perfect dive.
• ●Queens’ Marketplace at 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr.: Golden-hour shopping, soft lawn spaces, and sunset colors that make even a simple market stroll feel special.
• ●SPACE in Pāhoa: Jungle-edge creative hub. Drums, hoops, poi—come as you are and try something new.

Insider knowledge to roll like a local

• ●Market mornings go fast. Bring a reusable bag, small bills, and show up right at opening for best picks.
• ●Hula etiquette: Watch respectfully, save applause for the end of a number, and keep pathways clear for dancers.
• ●ʻUkulele class tip: First nine get loaners. Bring your own ʻuke to guarantee you can jam.
• ●Pool session: Wear proper swim gear, bring a towel and water, and start with the basics—coaches will spot you.
• ●Jams and open mics: Arrive early to sign up. Even if you don’t perform, cheer loud for those who do—every voice counts.
• ●Evening layers: Ma uka can get cool after sunset. Toss a light jacket in your bag.

Hawaii Island atmosphere

For different vibes

• ●First time on island: Start with FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET AT THE HILO TOWN MARKET and Weekly Hula . You’ll feel the culture immediately.
• ●Budget-friendly ʻohana day: Wander Kamuela Farmers Market, then swing by Pukalani Midweek Market later in the week.
• ●Learn something new: Grab strings at Ukulele Lessons with Kris Fuchigami or grow skills with Puʻuhonua Wellness-Phase 2: Sustainable/Advanced AgTech Training.
• ●Nightlife energy: Belt it at Karaoke, share something original at Open Mic Night, or catch a band like Live Friday Night Music: Rhythm X. For more, peek at all live music events.
• ●Move your body: Try flips at Springboard Diving Club or flow at Juggling Jam at SPACE.

FAQ

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  Are these events really free? Many are free or donation-based. Markets are free to enter; bring cash for snacks and crafts. Always check individual event pages for any updates.

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  Do I need to register for the Puʻuhonua Wellness trainings? Some programs may ask you to register or complete an interest form. See the event pages for the latest details and how to join.

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  What should I bring to ʻukulele lessons? Your own ʻukulele if you have one. Loaners and sheet music are first-come for the first nine learners, so arriving a little early helps.

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  Is Weekly Hula good for keiki? Yes—family-friendly and a beautiful way to learn about Hawaiian culture. Watch respectfully and give dancers space.

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  What time do evening events start? A few anchors: Friday market starts 5:30 PM until pau. Queens’ Culinary Market runs Thursdays 4–7 PM. Open Mic is Mondays from 8 PM; Rhythm X hits at 9:30 PM most Fridays.

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  Where can I see more live music? Start with open mics, karaoke, and Friday sets, then browse all live music events for the latest.

Hope this helps you stack your week with joy—for zero dollars. If you catch a sunset hula or find your new favorite vendor, come say hi. We’ll be the ones smiling behind a plate lunch. When you’re ready, explore all Free events →