An evening of Stand up comedy with Augie T. Over the past 30 years, Augie Tulba has become one of the most sought-after public speakers in Hawaii, moderators, and emcees in the State. His dynamic presence and ability to keep audiences engaged and excited sets him apart as a keynote speaker for both large and small venues. Whether he is speaking in a packed theatre or moderating in a more intimate room setting, Augie is able to connect with and inspire every type of audience.

An evening to be grateful! The Palace Theater and Uila Records proudly present Althea Later live in concert. Hawaii's all-star band is made up of Dan Brauer on guitar/vocals, Jason Sherbundy on keyboards/vocals, Jason Smith on bass/vocals, and Kristin Bolton on drums.

Laurie Sumiye’s film is an enchanting, yet harrowing tale of the yellow finch of Palila v. Hawai‘i, a landmark case where nature took humanity to court to stave off extinction. A PARADISE LOST unfolds through the POV of the animated Palila called Anuenue who stood as the client in 1979 court trials. The legal battle leveraged the Endangered Species Act to protect māmane forests where 2,500 Palila competed with introduced sheep & goats. He explains how they won in court, but are still in jeopardy; in 2024, only 300 Palila remain. Today, a Native Hawaiian conservationist struggles to save them amidst escalating threats of climate change, wildfires, introduced predators, diseases, and governmental neglect.

In May 2024, Samoa was rocked by the shocking news that acclaimed novelist and poet Sia Figiel had killed her close friend, also a poet. For eight years, Hawai‘i-based filmmaker Kimberlee Bassford (PATSY MINK: AHEAD OF THE MAJORITY) had been documenting Sia’s life and career when the tragedy unfolded. This powerful film shifts from portrait to reckoning, exploring the complexities of untreated mental illness, the stigma surrounding it, and its devastating ripple effects on families and communities.

with short films TWISTED BRAID & A LINE TO DRAW CHRISTY synopsis: Sydney Sweeney delivers a tour-de-force performance as trailblazing boxer Christy Martin in CHRISTY, a fierce story of survival and self-discovery. From her early days in West Virginia “Toughwoman” contests to breaking barriers in professional boxing, Christy fights her way to the top of a male-dominated sport. But outside the ring, she faces a volatile marriage to her coach Jim Martin (Ben Foster), marked by abuse and control. Sweeney embodies Martin’s grit and vulnerability in this riveting true-life drama of self-actualization in the face of terrifying adversity. A LINE TO DRAW synopsis: In a poignant journey of self-discovery and environmental activism, "A Line to Draw" captures Kahana's efforts to reconnect with his Hawaiian roots by rescuing a coral reef from a dangerous rogue fishing net, mirroring his personal struggle to reclaim his cultural identity after years away in the city. TWISTED BRAID synopsis: A love letter to a little town built on culture, connection, and creativity.

Plastic pollution threatens to overwhelm our oceans, with projections that by 2050 it could outweigh all marine life. Directed by Georgia Scott and narrated by Woody Harrelson, KULEANA uses Hawai‘i’s fragile beauty as a backdrop to explore this global crisis. Former MLB player Chris Dickerson and athletes like Kolten Wong, Kai Lenny, Kimi Werner, and Mike Coots join scientists and NGOs to reveal both the wonder of Hawai‘i and the urgent call to protect it.

Produced and directed by Maui residents with deep Lāhainā roots, LAHAINA RISING is the definitive documentary delving into the life-altering events of August 8th, 2023, when the historic town was devastated by the largest wildfire in American history. The fire obliterated the entire town, displacing over 13,000 residents who continue to face ongoing hardships. This film not only sheds light on the injustices faced by Lāhainā natives in the aftermath of the fire, but systemic issues posed to the people of Hawai’i for generations. Through devastation and destruction, a community comes together and rises from its ashes.

Introverted lesbian space princess Saira embarks on a mission to rescue her ex from evil incel aliens, enlisting the help of an enby popstar and a cantankerous boomer spaceship. Brimming with colors as bright as its gay in-jokes, and shades of offbeat animated romps like ADVENTURE TIME and SCOTT PILGRIM, LESBIAN SPACE PRINCESS is a frenetic sci-fi-comedy musical that isn’t afraid to ‘lez’ it all out.

A violent and reckless samurai is shipwrecked on a remote island left without an avenue for his rage. After undertaking a spiritual journey to appease his aggressive thoughts, he finds himself abducted by external demons taking the form of cannibals, putting his sense of reality and deadly talents to the test. A blend of classic chanbara with some acid-trip BONE TOMAHAWK tinges, the film is both old school and existential with a stellar performance by Shogen as the eponymous LONE SAMURAI.

Featuring the following films: THE ARRANGEMENTS, SLACK TIDE, BREAKING THE TIDE, WHAT WE CARRY, DASHER, BIRDS OF PARADISE THE ARRANGEMENTS : Three Micronesian boys in Hawaii have a day to prepare for a funeral and find their friend’s hidden treasure. SLACK TIDE: On his last day in Hawaii before returning to school, a young man drifts through moments with family and friends, quietly reflecting on what it means to leave home behind. BREAKING THE TIDE: On the North Shore of Oahu, siblings Jesse and Hunter are shaped by the unforgiving surf culture and their father's relentless pressure. What begins as playful dares escalates into a dangerous rivalry, pushing them toward a life-altering reckoning with their fears, their bond, and the powerful tides that control them both. WHAT WE CARRY: After years of heartbreaking miscarriages, Sala and her husband are losing hope of becoming parents. But when tragedy and fate collide, Sala finds herself confronted with an impossible choice. Torn between the weight of her losses and the possibility of a new beginning, she must decide if opening her heart again will bring healing—or a pain too heavy to bear. DASHER: A down-and-out food delivery driver and a wayward restaurant worker team up for a chaotic night of deliveries on Christmas Eve. BIRDS OF PARADISE: Birds of Paradise is a deeply personal exploration of the emotional tides experienced by individuals caught in cycles of unhealthy relationships

Nestled on the western shore of Oʻahu, Hawai‘i, Mākua Valley is a sacred place where Native Hawaiian creation stories speak of earth and sky deities giving birth to the first people. Once a thriving community rich in natural abundance, Mākua’s fate changed just days after the 1941 Pearl Harbor bombing, when the U.S. Army forcibly evicted its residents. For decades, the valley and its pristine beach were subjected to relentless military target practice, scarring both land and spirit in the name of national security. MĀLAMA MĀKUA traces the valley’s transformation from a place of deep cultural roots to a rallying point for grassroots activism. It chronicles the ongoing struggle to restore U.S. military-occupied lands to Native Hawaiian stewardship, connecting this local fight to global movements for peace, demilitarization, and environmental justice. With the U.S. government’s lease set to expire in 2029, the call for Mākua’s return grows more urgent—and more hopeful—than ever. CREDITS Director(s): Mikey Inouye Producer(s): Laurel Mei-Singh, Ciara Lacy Writer(s): Laurel Mei-Singh, Mikey Inouye Cast: Sparky Rodrigues, Lynette Cruz, Vince Dodge, Leandra Wai, Fred Dodge Cinematographer(s): Michael Cruickshank With Short Films: HO’OMAU Ho‘omau is an animated short that explores grief, love, and the eternal bond between mother and daughter. Af... 4 min | Hana Mcevilly | WORLD PREMIERE | English | Open Captions (text that is always visible on screen and cannot be turned off, displaying spoken dialogue and relevant sounds for accessibility) BACK TO THE LOKO A group of indigenous Hawaiians come together to not only revitalise a native fish population in their local f... 16 min | Ricky-Thomas Serikawa | WORLD PREMIERE | English, Hawaiian (‘olelo Hawai‘i) | Open Captions (text that is always visible on screen and cannot be turned off, displaying spoken dialogue and relevant sounds for accessibility) MEMORY AS MISSIONARY POSITION Through the language of poetry and the art of movement, a Pasifika wahine reawakens her connection to the land... 4 min | Brigitte Leilani Axelrode | HAWAI''I PREMIERE | English | Open Captions (text that is always visible on screen and cannot be turned off, displaying spoken dialogue and relevant sounds for accessibility)

PIKE RIVER, starring Melanie Lynskey and Sonya Rockhouse, is a powerful dramatization of one of New Zealand’s worst industrial disasters. The film tells the true story of the 2010 Pike River Mine explosion, which killed 29 men. The devastating event serves as the catalyst for an unflinching fight for justice. As official investigations stall and company leaders evade accountability, the two women form an unbreakable bond and lead a tireless campaign to expose the truth and challenge institutional neglect.

Guided by two-time Oscar winning director Ben Proudfoot and executive producers President Barack and Michelle Obama, this film captures a sacred passing of the torch. Chris Hesse, Ghana’s legendary cameraman, now in his twilight years, stands as both witness and architect of a nation’s cinematic memory. At his side, filmmaker Anita Afonu receives his vision, carrying forward not just a craft, but a legacy woven into the spirit of Ghana itself — a testament to cinema’s timeless power to preserve, transform, and endure.

The nation of Qatar has a street cat population equal to the entire human population of the entire country - and is growing fast. Disease is rampant, and local adoption is rare. 25 CATS FROM QATAR follows one mission - led by a network of multinational underground animal rescuers in Doha and a Milwaukee flight attendant/cat cafe owner - to transport out 25 lucky felines and find homes for them abroad, all the while searching for a long-term solution to the crisis.

All Access weekend pass for the 2025 Hawai'i International Film Festival program at the Hilo Palace Theater. Screenings take place from Nov 13-16

Live in Concert featuring Jackson Waldhoff & Justin Kawika Young. Get ready to immerse yourself in the magical spirit of the holidays as the ukulele virtuoso and beloved ambassador of aloha, Jake Shimabukuro, presents his highly anticipated seasonal extravaganza: Jake Shimabukuro, Holidays in Hawai’i! This festive show promises to be a sensational gift to music lovers worldwide, delivering an unforgettable experience filled with joy, warmth, and the infectious charm of the ukulele. Jake Shimabukuro’s unparalleled talent on the ukulele has captivated audiences around the globe, and now he’s here to spread his unique brand of holiday cheer. Prepare to be enchanted as he strums his way through a dynamic repertoire that combines his signature show favorites with a vibrant collection of holiday classics. From the timeless melodies of “We Three Kings” and “O Holy Night” to the playful tunes of “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” Jake will transport you to a musical wonderland, reimagining these beloved songs in his own inimitable style. But that’s not all! As a special treat, Jake will also showcase selections from his new album “Grateful,” which is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed duets album with artists from Willie Nelson, Ziggy Marley and Bette Midler to Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson, and Kenny Loggins. It was these collaborations that inspired him to go back to the beginning and play with the musicians who first inspired him as he was growing up in Hawai`i. Jake shares a connection with each and every artist on this album. Joining Jake Shimabukuro on stage will be the talented bassist Jackson Waldhoff, whose rhythmic prowess will provide the perfect foundation for the melodic brilliance of the ukulele. Additionally, the show will feature the soulful and captivating voice of special guest singer-songwriter Justin Kawika Young. Together, this exceptional ensemble will create an atmosphere of pure merriment, ensuring that spirits remain bright throughout the entire performance. Jake Shimabukuro, Holidays in Hawai’i is not just a concert; it’s a celebration of the holiday season, a fusion of musical excellence, and a testament to the power of harmonious unity. So, gather your loved ones, embrace the magic of the ukulele, and let Jake Shimabukuro transport you to a world where music and the spirit of aloha intertwine to create an unforgettable holiday experience. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary celebration – book your tickets now and prepare to embark on a musical journey like no other!

N2 Dance presents an original musical production: “Alice Finds Wonderland” at the Hilo Palace Theater, Wed, Nov 19, 6:30 PM and Thur, Nov 20, 6:30 PM at the Hilo Palace Theater. Pre-sale tickets are available at HiloPalace.com or at the Hilo Palace Theater box office ($20 General, $30 Preferred Seating, $15 keiki 12 and under). Tickets are $5 more on the day of show. This magical musical is presented through acting, singing, and dancing (Hip-hop, Jazz, Hula, B-boy, and Contemporary). It tells the story of Alice (Kaluhea Kekaualua), a modern-day teenager, who has not yet found herself nor her purpose in life and has a strained relationship with her family. One evening Alice sneaks away and through a tragic accident gets sucked into a world called Wonderland. There she encounters many interesting characters such as the Cheshire Cat (Tatianna Vares-Kanaele), the Mad Hatter (Ezra Sugioka-Kai), Cat-a-Pillar (Reef Masaoka), White Queen (Abrea Hahn), Rabbit (Tehani Lawson), Dodo (Miya Yamada), Mouse (Nahla Close), Gecko (M.J. Hahn), and The Dawg (Chiefson Wong) who all play a role in helping her find both herself and her way back home. Along the way, she runs across other characters that distract her or even antagonize her such as the Queen of Hearts (Stella Sundt) and her army, Twiddle Dee (Ari Sugioka-Kai) and Twiddle Dum (Jonah Polloi), and the Flowers. However, her greatest battle is with the Jabberwocky Dragon. In order to defeat the dragon and get back home she must unite all of Wonderland. How will she do this? Come and see!

Experience effervescent dancing and warm, honeyed vocals filling the Palace stage with energy! Nobuntu is a female a cappella quartet from Zimbabwe that radiates joy. Nobuntu has garnered international acclaim for its inventive performances, which range from traditional Zimbabwean songs to Afro-jazz to Gospel. The ensemble’s concerts are performed with pure voices, augmented by minimalistic percussion, traditional instruments such as the Mbira (thumb piano) and organic, authentic dance movements. Nobuntu means ‘mothers of humanity’. The singers come from Bulawayo, the second-largest city in Zimbabwe, where the language spoken chiefly is Ndebele. In Ndebele, ‘no’ stands for ‘mother,’ and ‘ubuntu’ is an umbrella term for everything good — love, peace, forgiveness, and everything that a woman or a mother embraces. The ensemble performs many Mbube-style songs, which is a South African genre. The Mbube genre is dominated by men, making Nobuntu the first all-women Mbube group not only in Zimbabwe but in the world. The ensemble’s mission is based on the belief that music can be a powerful vehicle for change, one that transcends racial, tribal, religious, gender, and economic boundaries. Tickets are On Sale Now.

An oral history documentary film exploring the legacy of the historic Palace Theater via storytelling interviews with Hilo kupuna, community patrons, Theater staff and Board members. Once Upon a Palace is presented in celebration of the theater's Centennial year. Accompanying the film are a selection of archival films from the time the theater opened, showcasing the bustling sugarcane industry days and railroad system around Big Island. ONCE UPON A PALACE is directed by filmmaker and Palace Board Member Beth Block.

A killer surf movie An old Hawaii myth of a plank-board cursed to protect the queen and her heirs is awakened. Will Police Captain Merry Miller (Amy Jennings) be able to protect her daughter Lili (Leilani Ramos), descendant of the throne, and stop the devil board from absorbing the soul of every last surfer in Kailua town? Murmurs of danger. Whispers of murder and betrayal. A hushed tale of an old plank board. Hawaiian locals talk story of a fierce king, his radiant queen and his scheming brother. Amidst a celebratory luau, the king’s brother over powers the queen and takes her honor atop an old plank board in the water at night. Furious, the king calls upon the spirits of his ancestors to deliver a curse. A pig’s foot, the vessel to enact revenge, is thrown at the brother but misses, and instead hits the old board, cursing it to an eternity. Some say the old plank board still floats adrift at sea. Others say the curse has been passed to newer boards throughout the generations. Still, it waits silently adrift waiting to protect the queen’s heirs, awakened only by the stench of fresh pork. The more the board kills, the stronger it becomes. This board is back. This board is deadly. This board is NOT human!

Step into the spirit of the season with Rocky Mountain High Experience®: A John Denver Christmas—an intimate, nostalgic journey back to the 1970s, when John Denver’s music filled the airwaves and hearts across the country. Led by acclaimed performer Rick Schuler, this enchanting holiday concert features beloved Denver classics like “Rocky Mountain High,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Annie’s Song,” and “Sunshine On My Shoulders.” The evening also includes a heartfelt tribute to Denver’s iconic holiday specials, with seasonal favorites such as “Aspenglow,” “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” and “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.” Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering Denver’s music for the first time, this show will leave you feeling inspired and full of holiday cheer. A true celebration for all ages—don’t miss the unforgettable event that brings the magic of John Denver to life.

Aerial Arts Hawai'i returns to the Hilo Palace with the 2nd annual TEASE THE SEASON, a cheeky holiday aerial cabaret! Come enjoy an evening of high flying aerial acrobatics and playful burlesque, suitable for audiences 18+ Directed by Bonnie Margolis Produced by Aerial Arts Hawai'i Tickets Available Now: $ 42 VIP Priority Orchestra Seating (First 4 rows of auditorium) $ 27 General Admission *All tickets $5 more on Day of Show.

Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home cause confusion.

What happens when a comedian walks into a volcano? In 2023, Ben Miller was the artist in residence at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, the first ever stand-up comedian ever selected. This was probably a terrible idea on their part. Come watch this show where scientist turned stand-up comedian Ben Miller explores volcanology, entomology, Hawaiian history, cats, cookies, and more. Ben Miller is an NYC based scientist turned comedian who has been working for the past 9 years. In that time, he has performed at all the top clubs in the city such as Broadway Comedy Club, Carolines, and The Stand. Ben was once ranked as the top roast battler in NYC. He has a degree in Materials Science and Engineering, worked on a science bus, 3D printed cookies and has defused a few bar fights while on stage. In 2022, Ben Miller's debut hour, Stand-Up Science, had a completely sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and he now tours internationally. This show is recommended for ages 18+ Praise for the show: “Ben Miller's nerdy and vivid comic mind erupts in this hour-long set! - Winnipeg Free Press “Ben does a fantastic job of getting the facts across and making us laugh at the same time! A real and rare treat. - The Mumble “Ben had us laughing until we cried - very funny and very clever! – Audience member