But scratch the surface, you will discover that it is a hub of high quality arts and cultural activities, traditional as well as very contemporary!
Just take February as an instance!
An Indian music concert of evening ragas with spellbinding Parashuram Bhandari on sarangi, and Javad Butah on tabla will be at the at the East Hawaii Cultural Center on Friday, February 1 at 7:30pm.
Visual arts exhibitions, with oil and mixed media paintings by well known artist-Steve Irvine, personal views by photographer, Eddy Chen and digital art photography by the students of Hawaii Community College will open with an artists' reception on Friday, February 1st at 5:30. The exhibitions will continue through February 21st at the East Hawaii Cultural Center galleries.
On Sunday, February 10, 10am to 4pm, authentic Hawaiian hula with ukulele and slack key guitar music as well as informative talks on Hawaiian culture will all be offered FREE to the public. A free demonstration followed by a hands-on workshop of feather lei making with island style food to go will be offered with nominal fees. These “Aloha Sunday” programs have been a big hit with residents and visitors who enjoy mingling and sharing in these Hawaiian traditional activities.
At the EHCC, on February 15th starting at 7:30pm, slow dance to romantic live jazz music by the very popular Mauna Kea Jazz on the floor of this historic 1930's building. In addition, savor delectable chocolates, desserts by locals restaurants, wine from Volcano Winery and more!
Sudha's Art Gallery and Books will host Garth Floran, jewelry designer, formerly of Sak's Fifth Avenue, on February 9th from 10am to 4pm. Come in for exceptional books, oriental rugs and art by the best in Hawaii.
On Saturday, February 16th Hawaii's favorite Brown brothers, Kevin and Ikika, will offer Hawaii's own slack key guitar concert. Starts at 7:30pm at the EHCC
The East Hawaii Dance Festival is scheduled on Saturday, February 23. This is an exceptional opportunity to see Peter Espiritu dance on Hawaii Island. He will showcase a specially choreographed dance to show how hula is an evolving dance form. On Saturday and Sunday February 23 and 24, dance workshops will be held at the EHCC.
At the Palace Theater: Makaha Sons Valentine's Concert will be on February 14nd at 7:30pm.
In time for celebrating the Chinese New Year of the Rat, the Chinese Film festival will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2008. Starting at 11 am four different films will be shown: The Drummer, All in this Tea, Lust, Caution and Kung Fu Hustle, Tea Tasting Reception by Hawaii Tea Society will be held at the Lobby of the Palace. In addition a variety of films and performance events are scheduled at the Palace.
On February 16th Chinese New Year Festival will be held at the Kalakaua Park from 10am to celebrate the New Year of the Rat! Lion dance performances, fire works, great food will all be part of the Festival. A special personalized New Year Greetings in master calligraphy by professor Linus Chao at the EHCC is an event not to miss! You can take home a wonderful work of art!
Atamira Dance collective is on February 2 at 7:30pm the UHH Performance Center.
Anonymous 4, will be presented by the Hawaii Concert Society at the UHH Performance Center On February 22 at 7:30pm.
Many more arts and cultural events and visual arts exhibitions are are scheduled in Hilo Downtown galleries, at the EHCC, the University of Hawaii at Hilo Performance Center, Imiloa Center and Wailoa Center.
Please check the websites of the above listed organizations for details and please confirm dates and times just in case there are some changes.