Let’s Get
Activated!
Saturday,
May 9, 2026
3:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Downtown Pāhoa at Hale Hālāwai O Puna
(Former location of Akebono Theater)
What is Activate Puna?
The 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.
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.
Party with a purpose! Over the years, funds raised have been reinvested back 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 Pāhoa Sunset x 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 our local community.
Throwback! Look how Activated we got in 2025
2026 Program
Pāhoa Village Road will be closed between Kauhale Street (Bank of Hawaiʻi) and Akeakamai Loop (Paul’s Repair) and transformed into a vibrant open-air marketplace featuring more than 40 local vendors. Guests are invited to stroll, shop, and support Hawaiʻi Island makers throughout the afternoon and evening.
The main music venue is a ticketed event with no re-entry permitted. Food trucks will be available along Pāhoa Village Road, inside the music venue, and at neighboring YBA. Ticketed guests will have access to the YBA area.
Schedule of Events
3:00 PM – Music venue gates open
3:30 PM – Opening ceremony featuring pule and hula
4:00 PM – 10:30 PM – Live music performances
At 5:00 PM we’ll have a Special Awards Presentation honoring Pāhoa students with academic scholarships and recognizing outstanding community leaders.
Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Please note that venue gates close at 9:00 PM. Guests may exit at any time; however, no additional ticket sales will occur after 9:00 PM.
We are proud to once again feature local fire dancers, aerialists, and the return of the Imua Puna Hope Flag installation as part of this final activation.
2026 Music line Up
4 PM - Drew Daniels & Friends
5 PM - Hōʻaikane
6 PM - Braddahoodz
7 PM - Topshakas
8 PM - Jimmy Weeks Project
9 PM - Small Axe ft. Nick Kurosawa and Kapu Systems
2026 Activate Puna Vendor
Interested in being a Vendor?
2026 Activate Puna Sponsor
Interested in Sponsoring Our Final Activation?
Imua Flags
A signature feature of Activate Puna is the IMUA PUNA Hope Flags installation inspired by the handmade prayer flags sent to Pu‘uhonua o Puna a.k.a. “The Hub” during the 2018 volcanic eruption. We are continuing this community-centered creative art project that fosters positive energy by bringing together one-of-a-kind works of art from Puna keiki and residents for a final installation.
We are looking for seamstresses!
2026 Planning Team
Activate Puna is the 5th and final activation of this placemaking series. It is driven by the Council District 4 Office - Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz, Ku‘uhiapo Jeong, and Ivory Quintal – in collaboration with numerous partners, including Sal & Kirstin Luquin (venue); Jasmine Kierkiewicz (entertainment); Amadeo Markoff, Kevin Kushel, (site and fiscal); Susie Osborne, Mina Viritua (community); County Parks & Recreation; Police; Fire; & Public Works.