If you were at last year’s 808 Day, you already know how it’s going down but for those of you new to this, here’s a breakdown of what makes 808 Day so special.
1. The Music
It’s crazy to think that this will be Landon McNamara’s first time playing on the Big Island. We have heard his songs on KWXX for years, now we can see them live along with Through the Roots, Irie Love, These Guys performing with Ku’ulei Music, Naea Kaʻōpua, and Drew Daniels. This year’s Play 808 Day Winners, Abe & Haku Po will be kicking it off in their hometown. All day into the night DJ Hapa Boy will be spinning bangers with Bosscutz as our MC. And if that wasn’t enough, Boombox HI will be spinning from their mobile DJ booth as you exit the party!
2. The Art
This year we are hosting a Cultivating Art Tent with multiple artists including live painting from William Gilliam, Knucklefat Luck, Dan Madsen, and Kirk “Paintmouth” O’Hara. Caricature Party will also be doing their hilarious caricatures. and MoonKineTingz will be doing live screen printing of some custom 808 Day designs.
3. The Food & Drink
Some of our favorite local spots including HiCo, Malama Mushrooms, Kula Shave Ice, Kanaka Kava, Kalo Bombs, Elvolcan Taqueria, Big Island Grindz, Gallery Thai, Meli Brew, and more will be sharing festival friendly food and drinks to keep the vibes charged and the munchies satisfied. Expect plenty hot day treats like shave ice, kombucha floats, cold kava, and iced lattes along with plates ranging from Thai to Mexican and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Most vendors accept card but always a good idea to bring some extra cash.
4. The VIP Experience
The VIP Experience is for those looking to experience the day with a little more comfort. The tented brewyard has private luas and a private bar where VIP guests will receive a complimentary drink and the very first chance to taste the Kona Brewing Co x Big Island Grown collaboration beer before released to the public! Based on the popular BIG gummy flavor, Liliko’i ‘Olena, Kona Brew is also using locally grown ingredients to make this limited time summer sipper.
VIPs also get a gift from Big Island Grown, a complimentary pupu courtesy of ‘Ula’ula Fish Co., open seating options, and a little extra space with great views of the stage.
5. Get a Room and Make it a Night
This year’s event is sponsored by King Kamehameha Hotel & Resort and they are giving everyone a killer room rate for the night. For only $209 (including parking) you can get a room that is a short walk from the event. If you’re coming from outer islands or just the East side of Big Island, this is a great way to ensure your night ends safe and comfortable!
6. It’s the Big Island Grown Kona Dispensary 4 Year Anniversary!
Did you know that 808 Day started solely as an anniversary celebration for the Big Island Grown Kona dispensary? This year will be the 4th Year of operation and we are celebrating with all kinds of deals for our patients.
At all of our dispensary locations, we will be running our Mento Bento special where you can get any 4 Pakalolo 8ths for just $99. Hilo and Waimea will be closing at 12pm this day, so that all of our crew can join in the fun of the festival!
Exclusively at our Kona dispensary (conveniently located inside the festival grounds of 808 Day!) we will be offering $8.08 1g flower, All Farmer’s Choice 8ths are only $30, all Live Resin Carts are only $40 with a free battery! Show your 808 Day wristband and get an extra 10% off your order. All specials are no limit, while supplies last)
7. The Hookups
This year there are so many cool hookups and giveaways going on!
King Kam & Kona Brew are giving away a complimentary room at the resort and $200 giftcard along with VIP tickets.
Prime Footage is giving away a VIP Upgrade package with a packed cooler, a Meet & Greet with Through the Roots, concert tickets to 3 upcoming BAMP shows, $250 BIG gift card and ToyMunkee and These Guys swag!
Waiakea Water is giving away a VIP Experience hosted by Zavier Cummings aka Howsdisguy. They will also be giving away complimentary water to attendees throughout the day.
At the event, all kinds of goodies will be available. Big Island Grown will be busting out the giant wheel once again, Caricature Party will be drawing attendees form 4:30-8:30 and MoonKineTingz wills be doing live screen printing, so bring something to get printed!
8. The Money Raised Goes Back into our Community
Aside from the money going to our local musicians, artists and vendors, all profits from ticket sales go to the Big Dreams Foundation, a new non-profit organization started as a way to generate and cycle awareness and funding for local, community-minded projects. Kona Brew is also donating a portion of all beer sales to Big Dreams and every vendor is donating 10% of their sales to a local organization of their choice. So not only is 808 Day good times, it supports the arts, local businesses and other community-minded endeavors.
.08. The After Party!
For those of you looking to keep the party going, the Official 808 Day After Party will be held at MyBar. HybridVigor and DJ Green Planet will be doing a B2B set while DJ Seufert will be warming up the vibes. Vibes Production is bringing out the stage and sound to the lot to make sure plenty of dance floor is available!
We HIGHLY encourage you come out and join us for a day of great music, ono grinds, a plethora of beverages and the most irie Big Island vibes at 808 Day. Tickets are available online and in all Big Island Grown dispensaries while they last. Let’s celebrate the 808 together!
