By W Nowicki [CC BY-SA 3.0]
Did you know the Big Island is home to not one, but two great performing arts theaters? Both the Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu and the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea produce seasonally-themed plays and other live performances year round.
The Aloha Performing Arts Company (APAC) has been around for over 25 years and is a local favorite for entertainment in Kona. Their historic Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu is a great place to catch a performance, eat, drink, and socialize. APAC is currently putting on its annual production of the Rocky Horror Picture Show to celebrate Halloween. In December they will be hosting performances of Elf Jr. and Into the Woods for the holiday season. The Aloha Theatre is just a short 15-minute drive from the Holualoa Inn and offers great entertainment year round. Plus, visiting the theater is a great way to support the arts on the Big Island. You can visit their website to learn more, see their complete calendar of events, and purchase tickets online.
The Kahilu Theatre in Waimea was the culmination of the life’s work of Richard Smart, a renowned theater actor and heir to the Waimea Parker Ranch fortune. Smart sought to bring his love for theater to the Big Island by financing the construction of a 490-seat theater in his hometown. Today the Kahilu Theatre hosts a variety of performances by local and international artists and performing arts companies. The Kahilu Theatre will host a production of Nutcracker Ballet from December 21-23 with the West Hawaii Dance Theatre company. Kahilu Theatre is a bit farther form the Inn, but the hour’s drive is well worth it for the quality and variety of entertainment they offer. You can visit their website to learn more and see their listing of events.
The Donkey Mill Art Center (DMAC) is another great place to visit to support the arts on the Big Island. DMAC is dedicated to supporting local artists and facilitating art education for children on the Big Island. The DMAC studio opened its doors in Holualoa in 2002 as a collaborative space for local artists and an educational space for the community. They offer class and workshops throughout the year in a variety of mediums and disciplines. You can view their full class list and register for classes online. They also host events and exhibitions throughout the year. For example, DMAC hosted an exhibition entitled #coffeelover during the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival from November 1st through 9th. Whether you are interested in taking a class, visiting and exhibit, or just searching for gifts to take home with you, DMAC couldn’t be a more convenient place to visit during your stay with us.
Next time you stay with us at the Holualoa Inn, be sure to visit one or all of these centers for the arts, connect with our local community, and find some great entertainment!