🌷 May Day markets, monthly soul skate, and Kodomo No Hi

Hello friends!

May is Mental Health Awareness month, and this year’s theme #MoreThanEnough is something we all need to remember:

Even if all you did was wake up today, that’s more than enough.

No matter where you are on your journey — regardless of your diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background, or ability — you are more than enough.

These words might seem fluffy or uncomfortable when you first start to say or read them, but it’s important to consider the narratives we tell ourselves:

Somewhere along the line, society taught us we need to work hard in order to achieve success and financial security.

And the false narrative that our worth is measured by our productivity creates burnout, stress, and mental health issues. We start feeling less than enough because of these narratives in our head, but the truth is that you are not alone, and you are more than enough.

Access to mental health treatment isn’t easy. Not only can there be a high cost, but there’s still a stigma around mental health issues… and when you do finally get around to seeking help, you might still wait weeks for an appointment.

A lack of access to mental health services can contribute to outcomes like dropping out of school, going to prison, or even suicide.

So if you know someone who needs your support, being there is #MoreThanEnough. They might even need to hear they are #MoreThanEnough. And whatever you are going through, you are not alone.

Phew, typing got heavy for a second! Before I log off and hug my inner child, hereʻs whatʻs happening on the Big Island this week.

This is by no means an all-encompassing list, but a few ideas of events happening on Hawai’i Island.

May Day Markets (perfect for Mother’s Day shopping)

• Fri May 5: Waiākea High Schoolʻs Hōʻike Craft & Food Fair, 1-6pm at Waiākea Warrior Gym in Hilo. Featuring craft & food vendors!
• Sat May 6: St. Joseph School May Day Market, 10-2pm at St. Joseph School in Hilo.
• Sat May 6: May Day Celebration, 11:30-3:30pm at Keauhou Shopping Center.

Food

• Fri May 5: Cinco De Mayo by Birria Boss, 11am-Sold Out at HPM in Kailua-Kona. Agua fresca, tacos & burritos, and quesadillas.
• Sat May 7: Kodomo No Hi & Japanese Food Festival, 10:30-2pm at Old A’s Makaeʻo Pavilion. Food, entertainment, and activity booths!

Entertainment

• Thurs May 4: Star Wars: Episode IV, 7pm at Palace Theater in Hilo. Tix are $10 general or $9 for seniors, students, and veterans with ID. May the fourth be with you…
• Fri May 5: KidX Cinco De Mayo at Los Habeneros, 3-6pm at Keauhou Shopping Center. Registration required.
• Fri & Sat May 5-6: Chaos! A Cirque Variety Show, 8pm at Aloha Theatre. West Hawaii’s finest jugglers, aerialists and acrobats to create an explosive debut performance. Tix are $25-30 for adults and $10 for youth.
• Sat & Sun May 6-7: Bloom — a theatrical dance & aerial performance, at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. A coming-of-age story of teenagers Luana and Tao growing up in Hawaii — a fantastic tale reminding us we all have the power to write the story of our lives. The show starts at 7pm on Sat & 4pm on Sun. Tix range from $15-$50.
• Sat May 6: Saturday Movies Under the Stars — Jurassic World, 6:30pm at King Kamehameha Resort in Kailua-Kona.
• Sun May 7: Kapu — Sacred Hawaiʻi Burials, 5pm at Honokaʻa Peopleʻs Theatre. Free showing with a Q&A after.

Family + Community

• Sat May 6: AstroDay — Science at the Mall, 10-4pm at Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo.
• Sat May 6: Celebration & Exhibits of Edith Kanaka’ole, 11:30-12:30pm at UH Hilo Performing Arts Center.
• Sat May 6: Soul Skate, 4-8pm at Old Aʻs Beach Park Rink in Kailua-Kona. All ages until 7pm. Bring your own skates and wear protective gear. $5-15 donation.
• Sun May 7: Sound Bath, 4:30-5:30pm or 6:30-7:30pm at Kukuau Studio in Hilo. Bring a yoga mat, comfortable clothing, and anything to get comfortable.

Comedy

• Thurs May 4: May the 4th be With You Comedy Show, 8pm at My Bar in Kailua-Kona. Featuring standup acts with an open mic to follow.
• Fri May 5: Spicy Lady Comedy Show, 7pm at Moonsun Art Gallery in Kealakekua. Tix are $10 presale and $15 at the door.
• Sat May 6: James Mane, The Average Samoan Comedy Tour at Kona Elks Lodge in Kona. Samoan comedian raised in an Asian neighborhood in Hawai’i and played football in Buffalo, NY.

Music

• Fri May 5: Lucky Tongue Rock & Roll, 7-10:30pm at Gertrudeʻs Jazz Bar in Kailua-Kona. $10 cover.
• Sat May 6: Lopaka Rootz, 6:30-9:30pm at Blue Dragon Tavern in Kawaihae. Tix are $12.
• Sat May 6: Grand Slam Rockinʻ, 6-9pm at Lava Lounge at Kīlauea Military Camp. Classic rock and blues. $10 cover.
• Mon May 8: Weekly Jazz Jam, 6-9pm at Kukuau Studio in Hilo.

Volunteer Alert

• Aloha Theatre in Kealakekua-Kona is looking for front of house volunteers for a few upcoming performances. Ticket check, usher, concessions, and box office!
• The Food Basket needs volunteers to help with food donation sorting at their Hilo Warehouse on Sat May 13. Shifts available from 10-6pm.

P.S. Next Wednesday, May 10, ʻImiloa is screening the film Hometown Legends, which features five legendary Hawaiʻi Island kūpuna who share their moʻolelo of life and how they see it changing in todayʻs age. Itʻs $5 for non-members at 5-7pm in Hilo. Click here to learn more!