Downtown Hilo will celebrate First Friday this week with a special program for the public called “Mauka to Makai,” showcasing the Big Island “from the mountains to the ocean and many downtown attractions in between,” said Connor Clay, Hilo Improvement Program community relations specialist.
Downtown Hilo will celebrate First Friday this week with a special program for the public called “Mauka to Makai,” showcasing the Big Island “from the mountains to the ocean and many downtown attractions in between,” said Connor Clay, Hilo Improvement Program community relations specialist.
“Two significant bookend events at either end of town helped us come up with a theme this time,” Clay said. “One is the celebration and presentation of the mauka Mauna Kea Reforestation Project Palila Bird mural by Kathleen Kam on Mamo Street. From 6-7 p.m., when palila puppets and volunteers parade, entertain and educate on the restoration project and the endangered palila bird.”
The mural is located on the Hilo Loan Shop Building and will have its grand reveal and dedication at 6:30 p.m.
The makai component will take place on the other side of town on the corner of Kamehameha Avenue and Kalakaua Street, with the Pacific Tsunami Museum promoting Tsunami Awareness Month with free admission from 6-8 p.m.
The museum promotes public tsunami education for the people of Hawaii and the Pacific Region, preserves the social and cultural history of Hawaii and promotes economic development on the Big Island, as well as statewide. The museum also serves as a living memorial to those who lost their lives in past tsunami events.
“Moving from mauka to makai via the Downtown Art Walk, prepare to experience something special at each participating gallery,” Clay said.
Major events include the 5:30 p.m. opening reception at EHCC/Hawaii Museum of Contemporary Art on Kalakaua Street for the Hale Naua III, Society of Maoli Arts exhibition of “Hoi Hou I ka Mole: Return to the Source.” One Gallery celebrates a grand reopening at its new location on Kamehameha with a blessing at 5 p.m. and musical guest Ben Kaili at 6 p.m.
High Fire Hawaii Gallery &Studio celebrates its sixth anniversary with musical guests The Bruce Marshall Project from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and opportunities to meet some of the gallery artists, enjoy refreshments and shop the special anniversary sale.
Several more shops open until at least 8 p.m. Friday include Basically Books and Extreme Exposure Fine Art Gallery on Kamehameha, And Pieces on Keawe Street, Hilo Fine Art Gallery on Haili Street, with live music and light pupus, and Big Island BookBuyers on Waianuenue Avenue, offering live music featuring shop owner Mary Bicknell’s husband, Albert, performing inspiring original music.
Albert’s song, “It’s Alright,” is now featured on iTunes.
Art show “As Eye See It” opens at Frostwych Gallery on Ponahawai Street with new digital art by gallery owner and artist Laura Acevedo.
“It will be a mixed reality opening. In other words, it will be taking place in the physical reality of Frostwych Gallery Hilo and the virtual reality of Frostwych Gallery Second Life simultaneously,” said Acevedo.
“This encompassing downtown Hilo event is sure to be great for everyone, from keiki to kupuna, kamaaina to malihini, celebrating the beauty, nature and community of Hawaii Island from mauka to makai, all in one place,” Clay said. “Please come join us and support our downtown small businesses and island artists.”
For more information, visit the Hilo Downtown Improvement Association Facebook page or visit www.downtownhilo.com.