Let’s Get
Activated!
May 9, 2026 • 3PM - 10 PM
Former Akebono Theater & Luquin's Restaurant property
What is Activate Puna?
Activate Puna Town Party & Benefit Concert is a community-powered celebration rooted in resilience, creativity, and pride of place.
Launched in 2019 by Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz, Activate Puna was born in the aftermath of the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, at a moment when Lower Puna needed gathering, joy, and a reason to come back together. What began as a single event quickly grew into a beloved series of town parties that re-energized Downtown Pāhoa and reminded us of who we are when we show up for one another.
All funds raised will go to Pāhoa Lava Zone Museum for uplift projects in Lower Puna, including cultural and community events at Hale Hālāwai O Puna, academic scholarships for students graduating from Pāhoa schools, and museum operations.
But…why Puna?
These wildly successful events draw residents and visitors alike for an unforgettable evening of art, food, music, dance, and community connection. Activate Puna isn’t just a party; it’s a catalyst. A place to feel good, reconnect, and celebrate all that Lower Puna has to offer. It’s always been a party with a purpose.
Over the years, funds raised through Activate Puna have been reinvested directly into the community – supporting academic scholarships for graduates of Pāhoa-area high schools, community service projects in Pāhoa in partnership with the Rotary Club of South Hilo, school project support at Lower Puna campuses, public art and creative placemaking in Pāhoa, operational support for the Pāhoa Lava Zone Museum, and other initiatives that strengthen and give back to our local community.
Throwback! Check out how Activated we got last year!
Mahalo to everyone who joined us last year for another amazing Activate Puna Town Party. Since launching this series in 2019, our goal has been to reignite community spirit, strengthen connections, and bring people together through art, food, and music, especially in the wake of the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.
Hosting these events in Downtown Pāhoa has led to incredible collaborations, drawing people to experience the unique charm and beauty of a place they call home or may have never explored before. We’re excited about what’s ahead, with more town parties, upcoming night markets, community workshops, and cultural events planned at Hale Hālāwai O Puna, formerly Akebono Theater.
2026 Activation Programming
3:00 PM Gates Open: Food vendors, live art, beer garden
3:30 PM Opening Ceremony: Pule & Hula by Kumu Kini & Pāhoa High & Intermediate School Hālau
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM Live music (View lineup below)
5:00 PM Special Awards Presentation (academic scholarships x community leaders)
Throughout the evening, attendees will be able to experience an Imua Puna Hope Flags installation and a showcase of local fire dancers and aerialists.
2026 Music line Up
Drew Daniels
Hōʻaikane
Braddahoodz
Topshakas
Jimmy Weeks Project
Small Axe ft. Nick Kurosawa and Kapu Systems
2026 Activate Puna Vendor
Interested in being an Activated Vendor?
2026 Activate Puna Sponsor
Interested in being a 2026 Activated Sponsor?
Imua Flags
A signature feature at Activate Puna, the HOPE FLAGS installation was inspired by the handmade prayer flags sent to Pu‘uhonua o Puna a.k.a. “The Hub” during the 2018 lava flow. We are continuing this community-centered creative art project that fosters positive energy by bringing together one-of-a-kind works of art for the IMUA PUNA flag installation.
We are looking for seamstresses!
2026 Planning Team
Overall Coordination & Communication: Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz, District IV
Co-Coordinator: Jasmine Kierkiewicz-Duyao
Fiscal Sponsor: Pahoa Lava Zone Museum, Amedeo Markoff & Kevin Kushel
Music Venue: Sal & Kirstin Luquin
Music Curation: Jasmine Kierkiewicz
Event Documentation:
Activation Planning & Management: Ivory Quintal, Ku‘uhiapo Jeong
Support from: Susie Osborne, Mina Viritua, County Parks & Recreation; Police; Fire; & Public Works.