I find myself needing to leave a review because of a negative review I read here today. I always tell tourists this is an awesome spot if they want to get a feel of the real parts of the island, albeit not fancy, not expensive, not anything like you would expect. The first time I went here I was like, "wow, this is different." It really is and if you like jazz, you must try the Monday night jazz jam. There is no cover, although there should be. Bub the owner runs this jam every single Monday night no matter what the holiday or what's happening in town. Yes, he is different than maybe you and certainly me, but he is a loving, wonderful, caring individual even though he's against masking and has a different viewpoint on covid. So what, many people do. The sax player who was disrespectful was indeed kicked out of the joint and that guy hasn't been seen since. Its a shame too, cause he was at one time in his life a good sax player. Alas, the dude cannot handle his liquor. Anyway, I just wanted to say that despite what you read from a couple people about this place, it's a GEM and a real treat to experience a Monday night there. I don't partake in any other events that he throws in there but a lot of people do and it's a safe space. I'll support Bub always. read more

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My friend and I got harassed by the older sax player that frequents jazz night. Many people stood by and watched this happen. After speaking out about it, other women of Hilo reported that he had also harassed and even unconsensually kissed them. None of the "regulars" confronted him or held him accountable. We also watched him call other fem presenting people "hot" and "sexy" from up on stage. Shared my story on fb and the owner, Bub, was tagged. He commented on the post sharing his sincere apologies for our experience. He stated this goes against kukuau studio values and shared that this man would be completely banned from the studio! read more

A wild collision of 19th and 21st century Hilo. Evolving venue off the beaten track, speakeasy feel. "Music instruction by day, performance art gallery by night" Monday night electric jazz jam session BLEW MY MIND. Wow! It's early (6-9 PM) due to close proximity to neighbors. No a/c; can get a little warm upstairs. Participate more actively downstairs or listen/view from upstairs lounge nooks, small theater seat section, or at the railing. Other events on their full calendar include life drawing, poetry slams, and "campfire" (acoustic kanikapila) at http://kukuaustudio.com/calendar/all/ read more

this place is super dope. the number one jazz spot for both locals and tourists. here, you'll find many folks from all walks of life, many music enthusiasts and professional musicians who do this for a living. there's no cover charge, the vibes are great, people just want to have a good time here. If you ever find yourself in Hilo, or as the Kūkūau Curator calls it, the Belly Button of The World, please give yourself a favor and walk right in to Kūkūau Studio on Mondays, 6-9PM where everybody is welcomed. read more

If you love jazz. come here on Monday night... There is nothing better on the island... Its deliciously delicious and oh so funky... read more

Kukuau Studio - a group of people playing instruments - Music Venues Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Best spot for live music! Comedy, community events and more! Music instruction, recording...and more! Bring back the dancing too!

My friends introduced me to this place on Monday nights, and I want to go back over and over again. The artists who play... PHENOMENAL. They really set the vibe for the entire place, and I already miss it. read more

An amazing place to see and hear jazz! You'll think you're at a small underground club in Greenwich Village... with a Hawaiian touch (cool murals and Kava at the bar). These are a mixture of professionals and amateurs jamming, and the atmosphere is electric. It's all about the music here, and the vibe is accepting and full of love. Small amount of seats and standing/dancing room downstairs, seats and some tables upstairs. No cover fee. Monday nights only, though other events occur sometimes in other nights of the week. Parking is tight in the neighborhood. Get their early (by 6), because it gets really packed by 7 pm. This being Hilo, it all ends fairly early (9-ish). This place is a gem! read more

Came for the Monday night jazz jam session and it so much fun with great musicians. Very casual atmosphere. I'm planning to go whenever I'm in town on Monday. read more

This place is so cool. I think maybe the only cool artistic performance venue I have experienced on this island. Every time I go there I find a bubbly crowd, an awesome vibe and some great performance art. Keep it up Kukuau!!! read more