Your guide to 27 Big Island live music events (Dec 22–29)

Opening Hook

You can feel it in the trade winds this week—the island’s humming. Think slack-key drifting through palms, the soft thump of pahu, and that sweet salt-air glow at sunset. If you’ve never watched hula with live mele as the sky turns guava pink, Weekly Hula will get you right in the feels.

Holiday pau hana? Tuesday’s kanikapila vibes roll with Kanakapila Live at The Booch Bar, while Thursday brings the tasty combo of farm-fresh grinds and live tunes at The Queens’ Culinary Market. And if you’re saving your big night for the weekend, Paniolo BBQ Under the Stars turns Waikōloa’s night sky into a stage.

Don’t-Miss Highlights

Kanakapila Live at The Booch Bar (Tue, 6–9pm): The kind of night where you sip something cold, talk story with new friends, and let the guitars do the talking. The room fills with aloha—simple, authentic, chicken-skin good.

Ukulele Lessons with Kris Fuchigami (Tue): Play along with a 3x Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner—free. Ukes and sheet music provided, so even if you’re fresh, you’ll be strumming by pau.

Paniolo BBQ Under the Stars: Holiday sparkle, paniolo style. Live music, keiki smiles, and that warm Waikōloa breeze—like a postcard you can dance in.

Quick Picks by Vibe

• ●Chill, market-side melodies: Wednesday’s Pukalani Midweek Market in Waimea brings fresh produce, crafts, and live tunes; Thursday’s The Queens’ Culinary Market adds golden-hour music to your ono bites.
• ●Culture & ʻohana: Catch the grace of Weekly Hula or porch-side mele at Aloha Fridays at Volcano Art Center (Fri, 11am–1pm) in the cool of the park.
• ●Night owls, come kanikapila: Monday’s Open Mic Night keeps Hilo buzzing; Wednesday flips to flow at Cypher Night: Freestyle Improv & Hip Hop. Want to belt one out? Hilo’s Karaoke is free and full of laughs.
• ●Holiday sparkle, downtown style: Friday hums at FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET AT THE HILO TOWN MARKET—live music, local vendors, and that cozy Hilo-night rhythm.

Local’s Notes

• ●Evenings get cool mauka—bring a light layer for Waimea and Volcano.
• ●Markets are casual; small bills for tips and vendors make you the hero.
• ●Waikōloa events fill up—arrive 15–20 minutes early for easy parking.
• ●At the park, respect the ʻāina: stay on trails, pack out trash, and keep voices soft around cultural sites.
• ●Singers and players: open mics/cyphers welcome newcomers—bring your instrument, your voice, and your aloha.

Tomorrow’s Tease

If you’re reading this on Sunday, tomorrow’s a beauty: sway into the week with Weekly Hula , then slide into Hilo’s late-night groove at Open Mic Night.

Warm Close

From porch-side mele to star-lit paniolo jams, the island is singing this week. Ready to find your soundtrack? Come wander, listen, and let the music lead you. For the full lineup, explore more live music events → or browse all events →.

FAQ

• ●Are there free shows this week? Yes—plenty. Try Weekly Hula , Kanakapila Live, Aloha Fridays at Volcano Art Center, and more.
• ●Family-friendly picks? Markets and hula are great for keiki: Pukalani Midweek Market , The Queens’ Culinary Market, and Paniolo BBQ Under the Stars.
• ●I want to participate—where can I jump in? Bring your voice or instrument to Open Mic Night or freestyle at Cypher Night: Freestyle Improv & Hip Hop.
• ●What time are the daytime shows? Volcano’s porch mele runs 11am–1pm on Friday; markets start as early as 8:30am on Wednesday and 4–7pm on Thursday.