|
Big Island Nighlife - Culture & the Arts
Nightlife on the Big Island is usually restricted to a few hotels and other nightspots offering live music and other entertainment. Normal tourist fare of luaus, dinner cruises, and cultural shows are available almost every night, seven days a week, somewhere on the island. With its high concentration of bars and dance clubs, Kona is probably your best bet for night action for those of you who are not wiped out after a day of snorkeling and hiking.
The Big Island is home to some of Hawaii’s most creative artists. Eclectic galleries can be found nestled away in some of the smaller towns. There are also numerous galleries to be savored in almost every hotel in resort areas all across the island.
Big Island Arts & Entertainbment
Merrie Monarch Hula Festival – For hula lovers, the biggest show of the year and the largest event of its kind in the world is the annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. Honoring the legacy of King David Kalakaua, Hawai'i's last king, the festival is staged in Hilo at the spacious Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium during the first week following Easter Sunday. Hula halau compete in various classes of ancient and modern dance styles. You need to reserve accommodations and tickets up to a year in advance. Hawai'i Naniloa Resort, 93 Banyan Dr., Hilo, HI 96720, USA. Telephone: (808) 935-9168.
Big Island Music
Hawaii Concert Society – A non-profit organization dedicated to bringing fine music and dance to East Hawaii. In addition to concert performances, they arrange master classes, workshops and other educational programs that enable area school children as well as music and performance students to come into contact with professional musicians and dancers. P.O. Box 233 Hilo, HI 96721, USA. Telephone: (808) 959-4064.
Volcano Art Center – The Volcano Art Center (VAC) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt, educational organization created in 1974 to promote, develop and perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawaii's people and environment through activities in the visual, literary and performing arts. Under a cooperating agreement with the National Park Service, VAC presents a wide variety of special and ongoing programs in and around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park including art exhibits and demonstrations, the Na Mea Hawaii Hula Kahiko performance series, music and dance concerts, theater presentations, and classes and workshops with guest artists. P.O. Box 104, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718, USA. Telephone: (808) 967-8222.
Theater is popular on the Big Island with several groups offering first-rate productions throughout the year. The following list will provide the necessary contact information for you choose one that’s right for you.
Kahilu Theater – For legitimate theater, the little town of Waimea is your best bet. The Kahilu Theater hosts regular internationally acclaimed performances and also shows foreign and art films. Parker Ranch Center, Hwys. 19 and 190, Waimea, HI, USA. Telephone: (808) 885-6868.
Waimea Community Theatre – Local talent performs in musicals and plays at the Parker School Theater. Uilani Plaza, Waimea, HI, USA. Telephone: (808) 885-5818.
Aloha Performing Arts Center – Local talent stages musicals and Broadway plays at this center near Kailua-Kona. Aloha Theatre Café, Hwy. 11, Kainaliu, HI, USA. Telephone: (808) 322-9924.
Big Island Bars & Music Clubs
Honu Bar – This elegant spot at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows on the Kohala Coast has a nice dance floor for weekend dancing to various types of music. This is a popular upscale gathering place that features, pupus, imported cigars and cognac. 68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr., Kohala Coast, HI, USA. Telephone: (808) 885-6622.
Michaelangelo's – Perhaps some fettucine and dancing is on your agenda? Then Michaelangelo’s is the place. Start by enjoying a fabulous Italian dinner and finish by working it off on the dance floor. The dance floor opens up nightly at 10 p.m. Waternt Row, Kailua-Kona, HI, USA. Telephone: (808) 329-4436.
Lulu's – A DJ spins the latest hip-hop, R&B and Rock on Friday and Saturday nights until 1:30 a.m. 75-5819 Ali'i Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI, USA. Telephone: (808) 331-2633.
Breakwater – This disco style club located in the Hawai’I Naniloa Resort in Hilo comes complete with the sound of crashing surf on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 10 p.m. 93 Banyan Dr., Hilo, HI, USA. Telephone: (808) 969-3333.
Hard Rock Café – If you like your music loud and raucous, this is the place for you. Address: 75-5815 Ali'i Drive Kailua-Kona, HI, USA. (808) 329 8866
Harbor House – Located in Honokohau Harbor (the place where all the fishing boats dock), this restaurant is a good spot to unwind. The beer is cold, tasty and cheap: only $3 for a hefty "schooner," or 18-ounce mug. Ten beers are on tap. While fish-n-chips menu gets mixed reviews, the ahi sandwich is a good bet. The atmosphere is casual. The highlight of the decor is the 1,600-pound marlin that is mounted on the wall. Most of the customers are the crew and guests of the many boats docked in the harbor. 74-425 Kealakehe Parkway (Honokohau Harbor) Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Telehone: (808) 326 4166.
Kona Brewing Company – 75-5629 Kuakini Highway, Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96740. (808) 334-BREW (2739), Office: (808) 334-1133, Fax: (808) 334-1884.
Huggo’s – The popular restaurant hosts a variety of bands from jazz to rock. They host an open mike night on Tuesdays. Call ahead to find out what’s on the bill for the evening. 75-5828 Kahakai Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI. Telephone: (808) 329-1493.
|
|
