And on Sunday, it is World Oceans Day, whose purpose is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans, according to the United Nations.

On the Big Island, both will be celebrated. The 153rd King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade will take place on Saturday in Kailua-Kona and the North Kohala community celebrates the birth of King Kamehameha I on June 11, as the Ali‘i was born in North Kohala.

On World Ocean Day, Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa has a talk about how its Aloha Culture Center protects the reef at Kahalu‘u Bay.

There is plenty of other activities to keep a person busy around the Big Island. Check out our Top 10 list for this upcoming week.

No. 1 – 8th annual Taste of the Pacific & Asia (Kailua-Kona, June 6-8)

When: Friday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Location: Courtyard Marriott’s King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Palani Road

This three-day event will be packed with food, fashion, cultural expressions, hula, cultural workshops, and the islandʻs only fire knife competition. The event begins Friday with the opening celebration, which includes protocol from the various cultures represented and a hula hoike (celebration).

Saturday is filled with a wearable art fashion show, arts & crafts, and a Samoan fire knife competition. Enjoy a delicious culinary experience at the Taste of Pacific & Asia on Sunday.

For in-person ticket information, visit www.HiKuauli.com or attend virtually on www.HiKuauli.com.

More information: http://www.HiKuauli.com

No. 2 – Kamehameha Day Parade (Kailua-Kona, June 7)

When: Saturday at 9 a.m.

Location: Ali‘i Drive

The 153rd King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade is an iconic event that celebrates the pa‘ū princess riders, where a princess, representing each island, is selected to ride a horse in holoku. This year, the Pa‘ū queen is Bonnie J. Lumahiwa Schutte Sanchez.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/p/King-Kamehameha-Day-Celebration-Parade-Kailua-Kona-100066701856312/

Following the parade, attend the annual King Kamehameha Day Ho‘olaule‘a at Hulihe‘e Palace, located on Ali‘i Drive, starting at 11 a.m. Entry into the festival is free.

We are excited to open the doors and welcome kama‘āina and visitors to: tour the Palace, enjoy the grounds, and support local vendors and artisans, while enjoying musical entertainment and ‘ono food. Admission into the Palace Museum for Self-Guided Palace Tours are:

• $8 General
• $3 Youth (5-12 years old)
• $1 Children (4 years and under)
• $5 Kama‘āina (with valid ID)

All proceeds from the Day go towards the historic preservation, maintenance and operations of the Palace and grounds.

More information: https://daughtersofhawaii.org/events/hoolaulea/

No. 3 – Kamehameha Day lei draping (North Kohala, June 11)

When: June 11, starting at 9 a.m.

Location: Kamehameha Park, 54382 Kamehameha Park Rd. in Kapa‘au

The North Kohala community celebrates the birth of King Kamehameha I on June 11, as the Ali‘i was born in North Kohala. The event starts with the traditional Hawaiian sunrise protocol and the traditional lei draping ceremony at Kamehameha’s Statue, located in Kapa‘au. It is followed by the walking in of the royal court and royal societies.

At 9 a.m., Akoni Pule Highway will close for a floral parade. After the parade, head to Kamehameha Park for a Ho’olaule’a filled with Hawaiian music, local foods, arts and crafts.

More information: http://www.kamehamehadaycelebration.org

No. 4 – World Ocean Day (Kona, June 8)

When: Sunday from 9 to 11 a.m.

Location: Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, 78-128 Ehukai St.

Learn about World Ocean Day through culture and action. Start the morning at the resort’s Aloha Culture Center and listen to Cindi Punihaole, director of Kahaluʻu Bay Education Center, talk about how the center protects the reef at Kahalu‘u Bay.

The public is also invited to participate in Reef Teach at 12:30 p.m. at the bay. Participate in reef-safe education and restoration. Learn how to protect coral and marine life and connect with community and share aloha with the ocean.

More information: https://event.outrigger.com/outrigger-kona-resort-and-spa/events/kailua-kona/celebrate-world-ocean-day-10072971

No. 5 – Artists Tomiko Jones and Emily Moores opening reception (Kamuela, June 7)

When: Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Rd.

Kahilu presents two solo exhibitions by accomplished artists living outside of Hawaiʻi: Tomiko Jones and Emily Moores. Tomiko Jones’s Hatsubon will be on view in Kahilu’s Simperman Gallery, while Emily Moores’ installation, Undercurrent, will fill Kahilu’s Suli T. Go Gallery.

Both exhibitions open with a free public reception on Saturday, and will remain on view through July 27.

No. 6 – Holy Ghost Feast (Honoka‘a, June 8)

When: Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Location: Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 45-5028 Plumeria St.

The Holy Ghost Feast is a traditional event that the whole family can enjoy. Come eat food from hot Portuguese malassadas, Filipino plates, BBQ plates and other local food. There will be entertainment, games and Thrift Shop deals. And don’t miss out on the traditional Portuguese Charola auction.

No. 7 – HI-larious Improv (Kailua-Kona, June 6)

When: Friday from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Location: 74-5606 Pawai Place, Bay 8

HI-larious Improv, a Big Island improv comedy group, will be bringing their unique style of island-inspired humor to Puna Chocolate Company.

If you’ve seen Who’s Line is it Anyway, you’re already familiar with magic of comedy made up on the spot!

Limited tickets are available for this intimate show. Purchase tickets online for $22. Tickets will also be available at the door for $25. Each ticket gives you entrance to the event and one free drink from the Puna Chocolate Bar & Cafe.

Click here to purchase a ticket.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/hilariousimprov/

No. 8 – Beach Cleanup (Kailua-Kona, June 7)

When: Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

Location: Old Kona Airport Beach Park, 75-5560 Kuakini Highway

The Chee Pono Foundation is hosting a beach cleanup with a focus on microplastics. Event starts at 8:30 a.m. and volunteers will get entered to win raffle prizes from supporting sponsors, including ukulele made from recycled materials by Kala Ukulele.

No. 9 – Limu: Seaweed Exploration (Hilo, June 9)

When: Monday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: ʻImiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, 600 Imiloa Place

Come bring your keiki to participate in ʻImiloa Astronomy Center’s Hālau ‘Ōkupu Play and Learn program where they will learn about seaweed. From the delicate strands of ‘ōkala to the vibrant hues of manauea, each species of limu is an important part of our coastal ecosystem and has a special story to tell. Come explore with us.

This program is for children between the ages of 1 and 4. Ticket prices range from $20 to $30.

More information: https://imiloahawaii.org/event-calendar/2025/6/9/hlau-kupu-limu-seaweed-exploration

No. 10 – Samba Rio Style class (Hilo, June 12, 19 and 26)

When: From 7 to 8 p.m.

Location: Hilo Elks Lodge, 150 Kino’ole St.

Come learn the Samba with dance instructor Juli Isaza. Cost is $25 per person per class. She will be at the Elk’s Lodge on Jun 19 and 26. Isaza has been performing and teaching Samba for over 20 years. Every year she represents a samba school in The Rio de Janeiro Carnaval as Musa.

“This is the first time we’re having multiple events for Halloween,” CEO Wendy Botelho said. “We’ve had haunted houses in the past, but I donʻt like the idea of scaring people, so we’re looking to embrace the family this year.”

This year’s goal is to provide families with a place to feel safe and have a good time together, she said.

The YMCA will start the week on Tuesday with a Halloween Carnival, which will feature games hosted by other small businesses and community organizations, including Job Challenge Academy, Goodwill, Girls Scouts of Hawaiʻi, Big Wave Dance Academy, the Keaukaha General Store and the YMCAʻs Junior Leaders Club.  

Carnival admission is free and open to everyone. It runs from 4 to 8 p.m., with costumes encouraged.

For the carnival, each business or organization’s team is creating and hosting a game and collecting tickets from families wanting to participate. The YMCA is not keeping any proceeds from the event. It is about community engagement and is serving as a fundraiser for all the group participants, said Ashley Hanohano, the YMCA’s youth programs director.

“At the end of the night, we’ll cut them a check depending on how many tickets they get,” she said. “We had a ton of different businesses and teams of people that wanted to be part of this, so it’s been pretty easy to get it all together.”

While the carnival fun will be in the upper and lower parking lots of the YMCA, three Zumba classes and a Tahitian dance class will be offered for free inside the gym.

Instructors Liko Nathaniel and Moses Lee will start the Zumba classes from 4 to 5 p.m., Maxine Barrere will host a class from 5 to 6 p.m. and Maryline Kettavong will teach from 6 to 7 p.m. Romy Salvador will finish the night with Tahitian cardio featuring live drums from 7 to 8 p.m.

The free classes during the carnival will showcase just a portion of what is offered through the YMCAʻs gym, which hosts about 60 classes each week. Classes are free with the membership and include qigong, group fitness, circuit training, strength and conditioning.

The YMCA’s Halloween fun will continue on Wednesday with cars filling the same parking lots from 4 to 8 p.m. for Trunk-or-Treat, a different version of the traditional trick-or-treating at residences. 

Volunteers will be filling the trunks of their cars with decorations and candy for a safe event that is perfect for costumed keiki and families. There is an award for “Best Decorated Trunk” and volunteers also are encouraged to wear costumes. 

“Wendy decided to give everyone who has signed up to volunteer and stays the entire night a free gym membership for six months, which is over $200,” Hanohano said. “We got a ton of sign-ups and our parking lot will be full of cars with plenty of candy.”

On Halloween, the YMCA is hosting a potluck for members and staff from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Guests can bring a main or side dish to share, or they can bring a dessert and participate in a sweet contest with a chance to win prizes.

While the homemade food brings everyone together, the annual event is a way for the YMCA team to open a dialogue with their members and gauge how they are feeling about the organizationʻs programming and gym.

To RSVP for the potluck, call the YMCA at 808-935-3721, or email Hanohano at ashley.hanohano@islandofhawaiiymca.org.

“On any given day, there are about 700 people who come through our gym alone, so we’re expecting a large crowd here on Friday,” Botelho said. “It’s a great way to talk with our members and it helps us focus on the community, so we can cater to the current needs of the community, whatever they are.”

Since starting at the YMCA, Botelho said she has been able to foster an excellent team of dedicated employees at the nonprofit. More keiki have been able to attend camps, gym memberships grow every year, programming has expanded and the YMCA is able to host more events for the community. . 

“Our calendar for 2025 is almost full and that has never been the case before,” Botelho said. “I’m sure changes will be made, but for me, it’s amazing to see so many community events planned as we expand our reach into the community.”  

Anytime a challenge comes up, Botelho and her team, including Hanohano, face it and start brainstorming what would be best for their members.

“You have to be creative and able to jump at a moment’s notice. Wendy and I are good at coming up with ideas on the fly within minutes, which definitely helps,” Hanohano said. “I think you have to have that skill in a job like this, especially when there isnʻt much money coming in. You have to be creative and we do a good job of that in my opinion.” 

After Halloween, the YMCA will be preparing for its annual Christmas tree sale, which will be held in the parking lot in December. The online pre-sale is currently open and will close at midnight on Friday, Nov. 1. 

Proceeds from the sale are used to provide scholarships for the YMCA’s school break day camps, which go to children in need. 

“Our Christmas tree sale is amazing and always goes back to the kids in our programs, which is very important since many of them are from lower income homes and working families,” Botelho said. “Everyone deserves a safe place to go, and sometimes that place is the Y for kids. We hope to continue meeting families where they are and doing everything we can for them.”

Applications for the YMCAʻs winter break camp are now open online. Working families are encouraged to apply since the camp gives keiki 5- to 13-years old a safe environment to stay for eight full days while school is out during the holidays.

Keiki will be participating in arts and crafts, gardening, creative writing, physical activities, sports and other excursions during camp, which will be from Dec. 23 to 27 and from Dec. 30 to Jan. 3. Camp will be closed for Christmas and New Year’s Day.  

For more information on the Halloween events, the gym, keiki camps and more programming, visit the Island of Hawaiʻi YMCA website.

According to a press release about the the day-long free festival, the event was hosted by ʻImiloa in partnership with community groups Lonoa Honua and ʻOhana Waʻa and over 1,000 people turned out.

“We are so grateful to see our community come together at ʻImiloa for this meaningful event,” said ʻImiloa Executive Director, Kaʻiu Kimura in a statement.

“The ʻIkuwā Festival strengthens our understanding of our interdependence with the environment, from the mountains to the sea, and honors the voices of the past
and present.”

This year’s theme, “Hoʻōla Lāhui Manu: Who is Your Flock?” highlighted the importance of honoring and protecting Hawaiʻi’s native bird species. These manu (birds) hold significant ecological and cultural roles in Hawaiian life, from guiding navigators to symbolizing cherished values in Hawaiian traditions.

Participants engaged in learning about the crucial efforts to safeguard endangered species, with presentations on conservation efforts and the role of birds in maintaining the balance of Hawaiʻi’s delicate ecosystem.

“The ʻIkuwā season is a time of deep reflection, where the land speaks to us through the sounds of storms, the cries of birds, and the crash of waves,” shared Kekuhi Kealiʻikanakaʻoleohaililani, owner and creator of Lonoa Honua.

“Today, we embraced that resounding energy and reflected on the harmony of
living with the earth. From the waʻa to the manu, every element plays a role in our survival and our stories.”

Festival highlights included hula performances, storytelling sessions, and interactive cultural workshops. Community members participated in hands-on activities, including
traditional Hawaiian crafts, Makahiki games, and oli (chant) competitions. The day also featured local vendors, food stalls, and presentations on Hawaiian navigation and environmental stewardship.

“The canoe serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to each other and to the ʻāina,” said ʻOhana Waʻa Board Member, Pōmai Bertelmann.

“The shared experience of voyaging brings people together, and this festival is a reflection of that unity.”

The ʻIkuwā Festival was made possible by the generous support of the Ama OluKai Foundation and KS Kaiaulu.

The event concluded with the community departing with a renewed sense of mālama ʻāina (care for the land) and a deeper understanding of their role in protecting Hawaiʻi’s native birds and natural resources, the press release stated.

This is where Native Hawaiians made contact with the outside world in 1779 when British explorer Capt. James Cook arrived on its shores. In modern times, the bay has lured tourists with its rocky and steep Ka‘awaloa Trail and its reef, with distinct turquoise and deep blue waters that plunge from 2 to 300 feet within 30 yards.

“It’s a special and magical spot,” said Frank Carpenter, co-owner of Kona Boys, a company that rents snorkeling equipment, kayaks and surfboards, and offers tours to explore the bay and see fish, dolphins and humpback whales.

But Carpenter said that it also is “a place you should enter with reverence.”

For four decades, the tourism industry, lineal descendants of the wahi pana (storied place) and the state have discussed the best management of tourism and preservation of the cultural significance of the famous bay.

Hoāla Kealakekua Nui, a nonprofit founded in 2016 that initially focused on maintenance and preservation of the park, partnered with the Nature Conservancy 2020 to create a shared vision of co-management and sustainable stewardship amongst the community members, businesses, government agencies, researchers and nonprofit partners.

After creating a community action plan in 2022, Akoni Nelsen, lineal descendant of Kealakekua Bay and president of Hoāla Kealakekua Nui, said the state Department of Land and Natural Resources adopted it into the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Parkʻs final master plan of improvements to preserve the bay and its surrounding land.

Kona Boys was among the partners that helped create the community action plan and supports it by educating its customers during kayaking trips to the bay about its culture and history.

Kona Boys, which has been in business since 1996, is one of only three kayaking tour companies permitted by the state to operate in the bay.

Creating permits and limiting the number was critical to managing visitors who had been exploring the bay without understanding the sacredness of the space.

“We’ve always cared about that community. They look at us as partners,” Carpenter said.

The objectives of the bay’s master plan is to address the site’s community, heritage and environment. Work to enact the plan has already begun. Hoāla Kealakekua Nui works with community partners to raise money to create robust stewardship programs to remove invasive species, plant coral and maintain historical sites like Hikiau Heiau, a traditional religious site.

Carpenter said it took so long for the master plan to come together because cultural, state and commercial entities all had different concerns for the bay.

“You’re looking at preserving the spirit of the place, dealing with invasive species and creating a space to continue cultural practices,” Carpenter said. “It’s a holistic viewpoint.”

At the Kona Boys rental shop, located at 79-7539 Māmalahoa Highway, pamphlets outlining the community action plan were scattered on shelves amid the kayaks, surfboards, snorkel gear and apparel.

Nelsen is working with various community partners and Carpenter, a board member of the organization, to enact the plan that embraces regenerative tourism.

Nelsen said in the 1990s, kayaking the bay started to become popular and soon it was inundated with boats, kayaks and snorkelers.

Nelsen said it was good to have commercial entities part of the master plan, describing Carpenter and his employees as passionate about the culture of the area. Carpenter also paid his employees to attend a cultural education workshop.

“He’s built trust with us,” Nelsen said.

While the community and lineal descendants steward and take care of the bay, Nelsen said Carpenter and his employees respect and engage in the preservation work.

“That’s what businesses need to do,” Nelsen said.

As a transplant from California, Carpenter said it’s the culture that drew him and many others to Hawai‘i: “You can’t come to Hawai‘i and want to take. You have to want to give.”

The first Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival began on Oct. 5 and runs through Oct. 20, with plenty of fun and educational events.

The festival created by the Honokaʻa Heritage Center was born from the desire to honor the stories and people who built the economy and culture of the Hāmākua Coast.

“We’re finding that many people now don’t know that 90% of the economy in this region had to do with sugar and that it employed all the immigrant groups in Hawaiʻi at the time,” said Nicole Garcia, executive director of the Heritage Center. “While planning the anniversary celebration, we decided to make it big, so everyone could recognize the importance of the sugar industry to Hāmākua and throughout the entire island.”

The Honokaʻa Heritage Center began planning the festival after receiving a grant in the spring of 2023. It has worked closely with local organizations to create a community-driven lineup of events across Honokaʻa.

Last Saturday, about 700 former sugar workers and their families, some who traveled from out of state, gathered at a luncheon to talk story with one another. It led to the realization that the deep history of sugar plantations is being lost on the younger generations. 

“The festival is giving former sugar workers the opportunity to reconnect with their own stories and with each other as well,” Garcia said. “A monocrop economy is not a good thing, but it’s what created this community. The values that were fostered on the plantation are important for those who lived here during that time. And, we want to honor that.”

The Hāmākua County Fair will serve as the Hāmākua Sugar Days’ main event starting with a parade through Honokaʻa, beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The excitement will continue all day with music, food and more at the Honokaʻa Park Complex.

A main stage will be set up at the park with live entertainment, including Halau Kuaunu, Ryan Hiraoka, Kingside, Pas and Sala, Hui Hoʻokani, the Honokaʻa Jazz Band and the Kalapana Awa Band. Parents can also expect an abundance of keiki activities, including a pumpkin patch, costume contest, races, STEM games, face painting and a bounce house.

Adults also can have a fun time in “Sugar Town,” which will take over the Honokaʻa County gym with vendors of all things sweet, a student art show, festival merchandise, lucky number drawings and commemorative pogs.

The Hāmākua Energy Agriculture and Sustainability Expo will be at the Honoka’a Park Complex as well with exhibitors offering information, activities and giveaways for attendees interested in exploring traditional and modern farming techniques and learning how to incorporate sustainable practices.

After looking back at old newspaper stories from the 1940s in Honoka’a, the Heritage Center has also planned a “Mutt Contest” to be held at 12 p.m. during the Hamakua County Fair at the former Bank of Hawaiʻi parking lot. 

“We couldn’t find a ton of details on the mutt contest, so we made it our own by making it a ‘most indistinguishable dog’ contest,” Garcia said. “All dogs are welcomed to register for the contest and we’ll have multiple prizes, including dog DNA kits and custom portraits for winning dogs.”

On Mamane Street, visitors can walk through the cultural village at the Honokaʻa Heritage Center, which will have exhibits and demonstrations. Former sugar workers are invited throughout the day to gather at the Honokaʻa Union Hall to share stories and record oral histories.

Free shuttles will transport attendees from remote parking lots throughout the event, so parking should not be an issue, Garcia said. 

“Sugar heritage is the same whether you’re in Hāmākua or elsewhere on the island, so we hope people come from all over to enjoy the day,” Garcia said. 

Throughout the weekend, the Honokaʻa People’s Theatre will be showing five free screenings of the Honokaʻa Heritage Center’s film based on its 2023 oral history project: “Roots of Resilience: Stories of Hāmākua Sugar.”

The one-hour documentary features compelling first-person stories from local sugar workers, their families and community members, which capture the profound impact of the sugar plantation era in Hāmākua. Screenings will be at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday, 2 p.m. on Saturday, and 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday.

The week following the Hāmākua County Fair will be all about cultural heritage events to celebrate the diverse ethnic groups who immigrated to work on plantations, put down roots and contribute to the local culture that characterizes Hawaii today.

• Japanese Night will begin at 5 p.m. on Oct. 14 with a presentation by Dr. Patsy Iwasaki about Katsu Goto along with Japanese cuisine. The film, “Picture Bride,” will follow beginning at 7 p.m. at the Honokaʻa Peopleʻs Theatre.

• Portuguese Night will feature Portuguese games, food, demonstrations and exhibits from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 15 at the Honoka‘a Heritage Center.

• Filipino Night will have a guest speaker on Filipino contributions to the labor movement, food and refreshments from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 16.

• Puerto Rican Night will be all about music with a meet and greet with John Guzman, a master cuatro maker and Katchi Katchi music to dance to at the People’s Theatre. Food and exhibits also will be featured from 6 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 17.

• Hawaiian Night, which was set for Oct. 18, has been postponed and not yet rescheduled. However, sugar workers will be honored at halftime during the Honokaʻa High School football game against Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy at 6 p.m.

The festival will conclude with a Plantation Golf Tournament at the historic plantation-era Hāmākua Country Club on Oct. 20. Players must pay to enter, but it will be free to watch.

According to the Heritage Center, the County of Hawaiʻi and several corporate sponsors have made this premier event possible with financial support, logistical assistance and donations.

For more information, a full schedule of events, or to register as a volunteer, visit hamakuasugardays.org.

That means many of you get an extra day of rest and relaxation. An extra day to enjoy time with the family or friends. More time to take in some of the events and activities going on around the island.

And it doesn’t look like there are any hurricanes to get in the way.

Maybe some heavy rain from the remnants of a couple of storms, but nothing like Hone last weekend.

So get out there and go. What’s stopping you?

From the annual Queen Lili‘uokalani Canoe Races, the World’s Largest Long Distance Canoe Race, in Kona to the Ladies That Rock Summer Showcase in Hilo, this 3-day Labor Day holiday weekend has music, dancing, a rodeo, a chance to honor World War II veterans, an opportunity to help those in need and much more.

Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Aug. 29-Sept. 4.

No. 1 — Queen Lili‘uokalani Canoe Races (Kailua-Kona, Aug. 29-Sept. 3)

When: Various times

Where: All races start at Kailua Pier

The World’s Largest Long Distance Canoe Race returns for its 52nd year this Labor Day Weekend as more than 2,500 paddlers from around the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, Florida, California, Canada and of course, Hawai‘i, among others, descend on the west side of the Big Island for this annual event named in honor of the last reigning monarch of the islands.

The fun launches with the OC4 races today. The main event is Saturday with the strenuous single-hull canoe races, covering 18 miles between Kailua-Kona and Hōnaunau. The double-hull, OC1, OC2 and SUP races are Sunday, followed up Monday with the Kūpuna Classic, a southward and northward paddle from Kailua-Kona to Keauhou Bay for paddlers 50 and older.

The canoe racing fun also includes a torchlight parade Saturday night and an awards lū‘au Sunday. For more information, including race schedules, visit the event website.

No. 2 — 4th annaul Fill A Cruiser Food Drive (Kailua-Kona, Aug. 30)

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Costco parking lot, 73-5600 Maiua St.

The Hawai‘i Police Department’s Kona Community Policing Section — in partnership with Kona Costco, KAPA Radio personality Tommy Ching and the Food Basket, Hawai‘i Island’s food bank — will have a blue-and-white marked police cruiser stationed in front of the store, where members and the general public are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items.

Donors can place their contributions directly into the police cruiser and take a photo with officers. All collected food and monetary donations will be distributed by the Food Basket to those in need around the Big Island. The food drive has collected more than 9,270 pounds of food and $10,957 in donations during its first 3 years.

All donations stay on Hawai‘i Island and benefit the island community. For more information, contact Kona Community Policing Officer Dwayne Sluss at 808-326-4646, ext. 259, or via email at Dwayne.sluss@hawaiicounty.gov.

No. 3 — Mōlehu Ma ‘Imiloa (Hilo, Aug. 30)

When: 5:30 p.m.

Location: ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, 600 ‘Imiloa Place

The first event in the new ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center twilight event series invites guests to wine, dine and dive into fungi, featuring the planetarium film “Fungi: Web of Life.”

The evening will also include a wine tasting and pupus with wine and food provided by Lehua Restaurant and a presentation about Hawai‘i fungi by “Mushroom Man” himself Don Hemmes.

Come be immersed in the magical kingdom of fungi during a spore-tacular and engaging evening. Click here to reserve your spot.

No. 4 — Ladies That Rock Summer Showcase (Hilo, Aug. 30)

When: 5:30 p.m.; doors open at 5 p.m.

Location: The Venue, Suites 4-5, 811 Laukapu St.

They saved the best one for last! This will be an incredible showcase of ladies doing their thing — music, comedy, art and food. The ladies rule the night of course, but all are welcome to enjoy the fourth and biggest show of the summer, featuring some of the most talented women on the Big Island.

There will also be raffles, prizes, a photo booth, live painting, desserts and kava. This is a finale you don’t want to miss. Seats are limited. BYOB if you’re 21 or older with a valid ID. Bring cash as each lady gets tipped individually.

Bring your friends and co-workers. Tickets are $15 in advance and can be purchased via PayPal using the email address ophelansean@gmail.com or by calling 808-345-0398. The price at the door is $20.

No. 5 — Bee Dance (Pāhoa, Aug. 30)

When: 6 to 11 p.m.

Location: Hawaiian Sanctuary, 13-3194 Pāhoa-Kalapana Road (mile marker 12 on Highway 130)

It’s time to get out and shake it out. There’s not a better power combo than Leapin’ Lygress and Sarita Sol for bass droppin’ and booty poppin’ pure dance fun. We all deserve to be loved and appreciated for our uniqueness — our drip is a fine nectar.

Venturing across genres, Leapin’ Lygress roams the sonic jungles, hunting for beats, breaks and melodies that resonate with the soul. Sarita Sol is a spicy Latina who weaves her heritage into her sounds and transmissions to make you melt into the warming and delicious frequency of her soul.

Get those bee’s knees on the dance floor for some sound healing therapy with creative frequencies during this weekly dance buzzzzz! For more information, call the Hawaiian Sanctuary at 800-309-8010 or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

No. 6 — Exploring Within at the Cloud Forest Sanctuary (Kailua-Kona, Aug. 31)

When: 8 a.m.

Location: Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary, 73-1865 Hao St.

Discover the enchantment of the magical cloud forest like never before during this guided immersive journey led by visionary Briana Sophia Torres, the naturalist creator of this unique and transformative experience.

You’ll engage with the sanctuary through dance, sensory exploration and playful activities, all while learning about the forest’s profound beauty and wisdom. This experience is designed to inspire joy, well-being, freedom, belonging, acceptance, community, authentic expression and deep connections to self, others and nature.

You are invited to explore at your own pace and find peace in your inner world. There is no right or wrong way to explore. No experience necessary. Cost starts at $89. Click here for additional information.

No. 7 — 48th annual Parker Ranch Round-Up Club Labor Day Scholarship Rodeo (Waimea, Aug. 31-Sept. 1)

When: Various times

Location: Parker Ranch Arena, 66-1304 Hawai‘i Belt Road

This year actually marks the club’s 50th anniversary because it was unable to host the rodeo for 2 years during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it promises a ton of family fun all to raise funds to provide scholarships for children of Parker Ranch employees.

The weekend kicks off at noon Saturday with rodeo events from team roping, double mugging and Po‘o Wai U to bull riding, wahine barrel racing and wahine breakaway roping. Sunday’s horse auction starts at 9 a.m. and the rodeo bucks back into action at noon.

Events also include the Lei Papale Contest, which this year features a new division for keiki 14 and younger. There’s ‘ono grinds and refreshments, a variety of vendors selling a variety of western merchandise, a petting zoo and more. So saddle up, throw on your boots and cowboy hat! Hope to see you all there.

Tickets are $10 per person in advance or $15 at the gate. Children 12 and younger are free. Advance tickets can be purchased at Pukalani Stables or online. For more information, email to p.r.roundup@gmail.com.

No. 8 — Pink Presents: Songs of the Summer (Hilo, Aug. 31)

When: 9 p.m.; doors open at 8 p.m.

Location: Hilo Town Tavern, 168 Keawe St.

Get ready to heat up your summer nights during this electrifying drag event featuring favorite queens Karizma Mirage, Natalia Rose, Scarlet McQueen and Cherry Mash, serving fierce looks and lip-syncing to the hottest summer anthems!

From “Summer Lovin'” to “Hot in Herre,” these sisters have got all the hits to make you “Shake It Off” and feel “Good as Hell.” Plus, Daddy D-Lite, Akeem The Dream and DJ Boy Taco will spin all the tunes that will make you want to drop it like it’s hot.

Must be 21 or older to attend. Use the QR code or click here for table reservations. Otherwise, tickets are $10 at the door.

No. 9 — Kahuku Agricultural Field System Community Day (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Sept. 1)

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station

Discover two pre-contact agricultural field system excavation sites in Kahuku. This guided hike will be led by Janae Garcia with the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Cultural Resources program.

Reservations are required and limited to the first 25 to register. Email to wendy_scott-vance@nps.gov for more information and to reserve your spot.

The Kahuku Unit entrance is located in Kaʻū near the 70.5-mile marker off Highway 11, about an hour from the park’s main entrance.

No. 10 — World War II Memorial dedication ceremony (Kailua-Kona, Sept. 2)

When: 10 a.m.

Location: West Hawai‘i Veterans Cemetery, 72-3245 Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway

Constructed in three panels, the new memorial offers a walk-in experience that depicts various aspects of World War II, with a special emphasis on the significant role of Hawai‘i in the war effort in terms of combatants and civilian support.

The dedication ceremony also takes place on the 79th anniversary of “Victory Over Japan Day,” when Japan formally surrendered aboard the U.S.S. Missouri, bringing an end to the war.

The ceremony will include playing of World War II-era musical selections by the Hawai‘i County Band; a video display of photos contributed by friends and family members of some of the men and women who served during World War II; keynote speaker former U.S. Congressman Lt. Col. Kaiali‘i “Kai” Kahele, deputy commander of the 201st Air Mobility Operations Squadron, Hawai‘i Air National Guard at Hickam Air Force Base, and former Hawai‘i state senator; and reading of the names of 262 World War II veterans laid to rest at West Hawai‘i Veterans Cemetery.

Those who attend are invited to explore the memorial and enjoy refreshments following the dedication ceremony.

* * * * * * * * * *

Want to check for yourself what’s going on around the island?

We admit. We can’t fit everything going on each week in our top 10. So here are websites for some popular Big Island venues that you can peruse to discover other events, activities, shows, festivals or workshops that pique your interest.

• Aloha Theatre, Kealakekua: https://apachawaii.org/
• Blue Dragon Tavern, Kawaihae: https://www.bluedragontavern.com/
• Donkey Mill Art Center, Hōlualoa: https://donkeymillartcenter.org/
• East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, Hilo: https://ehcc.org/
• Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
• Hilo Town Market, Hilo: https://hilotownmarket.co/events
• Hilo Town Tavern, Hilo (on Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041333509786
• Honoka‘a People’s Theatre, Honoka‘a: https://www.honokaapeople.com/
• Kahilu Theatre, Waimea: https://kahilu.org/
• Keauhou Shopping Center, Kailua-Kona: https://keauhoushoppingcenter.com/experience/
• Kona Commons, Kailua-Kona: https://www.konacommons.com/events
• Lava Shack, Pāhoa (on Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/lavashackpahoa/?hl=en
• Lyman Museum, Hilo: https://lymanmuseum.org/
• MyBar Kona, Kailua-Kona: https://www.mybarkona.com/
• Palace Theater, Hilo: https://hilopalace.com/
• University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Performing Arts Center, Hilo: https://artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu/
• Volcano Art Center, Volcano: https://volcanoartcenter.org/
• Wailoa Center, Hilo: https://www.wailoacenter.com/
• Willy’s Hot Chicken, Kailua-Kona: https://willieshotchicken.com/

Ho‘ōla Nā Pua, meaning New Life for Our Children, was founded in 2009 to shine a light on the dark criminal enterprise of sex trafficking, placing the health of Hawai‘i’s youth at the center of the group’s mission and vision for the island community.

The sign waving will take place across the islands on July 30 from 3 to 5 p.m. For those on Hawai‘i Island, they can participate in front of the King Kamehameha statue along the Hilo Bayfront.

The sign-waving initiative aims to unite the community in raising awareness about human trafficking and exploitation, shedding light on the critical issues that affect countless individuals globally.

Not only does Ho‘ōla Nā Pua offer integrated programming that reaches thousands of youth, community members and stakeholders across the state of Hawai‘i annually, but is considered a national partner and a rising standard in the global effort to stop sex trafficking, permanently.

Ho’ola Nā Pua invites everyone to participate in this “powerful demonstration of solidarity.” By joining hands and waving signs, the nonprofit believes “we can make a significant difference and contribute to the global fight against human trafficking.”

“We believe that through unity and awareness, we can shine a light on the dark enterprise of human trafficking and inspire action within our community,” said Jessica Munoz, founder of Ho’ola Nā Pua. “Our goal is to bring attention to this pressing issue and foster a sense of collective responsibility in eradicating exploitation.”

Those interested in participating are encouraged to register for the event to “make a visible and impactful statement against trafficking.”

Click here to register. For more information, contact Andrew Aguirre, Ho’ōla Nā Pua Business Education & Development Director Andrew.aguirre@hoolanapua.org or 808-374-2566.

The fair starts at 9 a.m. and goes till 5 p.m. Wednesday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, with free admission. Over 150 of Hawai‘i’s finest artisans will present their work in Hilo, along with local food trucks, daily entertainment from local hālau, and demonstrations including pa‘u drum making, kapa and more.

Click here for this week’s schedule of entertainment and craft fair locations.

“We are overjoyed to join hands with our beloved Hilo community once again to embrace the rich traditions of hula, culture, arts, and crafts. The success of our fair is a testament to the exceptional contributions of our vendors and community volunteers. Their unwavering support has helped us create a significant event that brings people together from all over the world. For this, we are deeply grateful,” says co-chairman Kegan Miura. “We take pride in providing a destination for our community to support small, local businesses too – an opportunity that benefits everyone.”

Hawaiian Airlines and Big Island Candies will provide complimentary shuttle service on Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shuttle routes include Hilo International Airport, Prince Kuhio Plaza, Banyan Drive, Big Island Candies and the Hilo Civic Center.

Learn more about the shuttle service on Facebook and Instagram @merriemonarchcraftfair.

Attendees can expect various locally-made arts and crafts, including aloha wear, woodwork, photography, jewelry, food, music, skincare, gifts, and official Merrie Monarch merchandise such as t-shirts, hoodies, programs, and more.

An on-site ATM will also be available, as some vendors require cash payments.

For more information, follow Merrie Monarch Arts & Crafts Fair on Facebook and Instagram @merriemonarchcraftfair or visit www.merriemonarch.com.

The Keauhou Bird Conservation Center, near Volcano, is one of two centers operated through a partnership between San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, for the care and perpetuation of numerous critically endangered Hawaiian forest birds.

During this ‘Year of the Forest Birds’ (ka Makahiki o Nā Manu Nahele), the focus is on five species that are really in trouble. One way to spread information and to educate keiki is through the production of what is known as a virtual field trip: a collection of 360˚ images, videos, and interviews that allow students to learn about places and species they might not get to see in person.

Click here to join the virtual field trip.

Dr. Josh Atwood, DOFAW Information and Education Specialist is producing the latest field trip, and has created several others over the past four years.

“We really started this program during COVID, thinking people were unable to get out of their classrooms and to see different places around Hawai‘i,” Atwood said. He explained that after the pandemic virtual field trips remained a good educational tool because not everyone can visit ecologically sensitive places like KBCC in person. Other entries in the virtual field trip program include visits to closed areas like the laboratory for the Snail Extinction Prevention Program or the site of Kamehameha III’s summer palace at Kaniakapūpū, where in-person classroom visits would not be possible. “With a virtual field trip, a class anywhere in Hawai‘i can experience the center and develop an appreciation for the state’s forest birds.”

In late February, armed with a collection of cameras and technology, Atwood worked with the ‘host’ of the conservation center virtual field trip, wildlife care supervisor Lisa Mason. First standing outside the facility, Atwood records Mason as she delivers her introduction. “On your field trip today, you’ll get to see our facility and some of the birds who call this center their home. ʻAlalā, Palila, ʻAkikiki, ʻAkekeʻe, and Kiwikiu,” she says into the camera.

“By putting a tour into a virtual format, it not only makes it available to a broader number of classrooms, but students can explore it at their own pace. It’s a great way to have something that would be good in-person and enhance it by having it as a virtual field trip experience,” Atwood added.

Once inside the center, taping continues, first in the center’s “keiki corner” surrounded by a floor-to-ceiling mural of forest birds, gifted by local artist Kathleen Kam. “Here on this mural, you can see many of the birds that live across our islands, represented in their native habitats,” Mason explains.

She and the cameras then moved into the library which features the second part of the mural. It’s dedicated to the native Hawaiian crow (ʻAlalā), which viewers will see in real life, once the shades are raised. In addition to ecological education, the virtual field trip also addresses the importance of forest birds and culture.

“To Kānaka Maoli, our native Hawaiian birds are very important to us. They have many roles in the forest as forest engineers,” Mason said. “They help to pollinate plants and to spread seeds to regenerate forests.”

According to Atwood, acceptance and utilization of previously produced virtual field trips has been good, and his team is currently working with the Department of Education to align the virtual field trips with curriculum standards.

“We’ve only had our virtual field trips online for a few years and we have something like 70,000 page views. We’ve heard from teachers and students how useful the virtual field trips are,” Atwood said. “There are clearly places where entire groups of people cannot travel, so this educational tool allows us to provide the next best thing.”

The week-long cultural festival is expected to draw thousands of participants and enthusiasts to Hawai‘i Island, which could mean increased crowds and limited parking at Hawai‘i’s five busiest airports. The Hilo International Airport in particular is expected to be busy throughout the festival week, and travelers flying into and out of Hilo should plan accordingly.

The state offers the following tips for air travelers during this period, whether heading to Hilo or other destinations:

• Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled flight departure to allow sufficient time to park, check-in and get through security.
• Check with your airline on the status of your flight, including any delays, gate assignments and baggage claim area if you are picking up arriving passengers.
• Consider catching a ride to the airport, as parking stalls fill up quickly during holidays and special events. If using airport public parking garages, travelers are advised to arrive early and allow for additional walking time to the ticket lobbies, as some lots are farther from the main terminal than others. The maximum parking rate for a 24-hour period is $24 for all five of Hawai‘i’s busiest airports.

The Transportation Security Administration has created a series of videos to help you before you go through security checkpoints. See https://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/flights/tsa-travel-tips/ for a collection of videos and link to additional TSA resources.

Those departing Hilo are also advised to leave all ʻōhiʻa flowers, leaves and plant parts on Hawaiʻi Island to reduce the spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death. Warning signs about the fungal disease that has killed more than one million native ʻōhiʻa trees will be posted inside the Hilo Airport.

To learn more about ROD visit the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture page here. 

A schedule of modified traffic patterns during the festival and parade are posted on the Merrie Monarch website.

Michele Rundgren – the owner-operator of Tiki ‘Iniki, the only tiki bar on the Hawaiian island of Kaua‘i – has spent a lifetime in the spotlight.

Her long and varied career has included stints as a trapeze artist, off-off-Broadway performer, rock ‘n’ roll singer and dancer, standup comedian and local radio host. She is also the longtime wife of rockstar Todd Rundgren – a multitalented musician whose diverse résumé contains gentle ’70s hits “Hello It’s Me” and “I Saw the Light,” the hyperactive “Bang the Drum All Day” and production credits on the iconic Meat Loaf extravaganza “Bat Out of Hell.”

“I’m an entertainer … although I’m no longer going to be the worldwide entertainer I thought I would be,” laughed Michele during a recent interview at Tiki ‘Iniki. “But that’s OK. I’ve had a pretty damn good life, and more to go.”

The usually bubbly woman was reflective that night. She had good reason to be.

“I’m going to give you a scoop,” Michele revealed nearly an hour into a seemingly endless stream of conversation and tropical cocktails, pupus and entrées. “I’ve been at this for a long time. I am ready to sell Tiki ‘Iniki.”

Michele opened the 1,500-square-foot bar and restaurant at the rear of the Princeville Shopping Center in 2013, after her plans for a small music venue in the same North Shore space fell through. She had dreamed of opening a tiki bar since joining The Tubes rock ‘n’ roll band in the early 80s – the twilight of the tiki era.

“They took me out to celebrate at the Tonga Room in San Francisco,” she said. “Every town we went to, we checked out the local tiki bar. That’s in Japan, in France, wherever we were touring … I just fell in love with tiki.”

According to Michele, she first bonded with Todd over a shared love of the exotic subculture, which began as a mid-century craze that delivered a romanticized version of Polynesia to countless mainland Americans. Todd would go on to release “With a Twist…” in 1997, a bossa nova album he performed live amidst an onstage tiki bar.

“As an audience member, you were looking at a little 1950s stage with Todd as the lead singer in the band,” Michele recalled. “Over here was a tiki bar. I think I had four little tables.”

In the role of hostess, Michele would invite members of the audience to sit onstage and enjoy Todd’s music up close. She would then serve them cocktails; once they had finished their drinks, they would leave the tables to make room for more fans.

Despite Michele’s decision to part with her bar, devotees of tiki have nothing to fear: She will only sell to “the perfect buyer” willing to maintain the establishment in all its rum-soaked glory.

“I’m 67 … I would like to sing more. I think I could put a band together on Kaua‘i. A tiki dance band. I can’t do that and run a restaurant,” Michele, who has lived on the Garden Isle for decades, explained. “There’s nothing more fun than dancing with a live band. There’s a lot of music things going on here, but they’re for younger people. I think people my age and people who remember ’80s, ’90s and 2000s rock, I think they’d still like to dance and sing along and laugh.

“Also, Todd’s still touring like crazy, so when he’s home, I would actually like to hang out with my boyfriend,” she added. “I call my husband my boyfriend. I always have.”

With thoughts of her planned life change likely top of mind, Michele gave an enthusiastic tour of Tiki ‘Iniki’s interior before showcasing her establishment’s food and drink menus. Exotic ornaments are crammed into every available inch of its wall and ceiling space. This is only right: Any tiki bar worth its salt is dedicated to such excess.

Michele’s favorite pieces include a massive ornamental lamp and drums salvaged from the remains of Coco Palms, a fabled Kaua‘i resort destroyed by Hurricane ‘Iniki in 1992. (It famously catered to celebrities during the last act of the Golden Age of Hollywood; Elvis Presley strummed a ʻukulele there in the 1961 musical “Blue Hawai‘i.” Today, the future of the historic property is contested by locals opposed to mainland developers’ plans for a new hotel.)

Also on display are a vintage sign and carving from Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room in Disneyland, fan-made artwork of Todd and a puffer fish lamp. The lamp is one of many pieces sourced from Oceanic Arts, a now-defunct restaurant supply business that played an integral role during tiki’s heyday, sourcing authentic items from around the Pacific to dress world-famous bars and restaurants throughout the United States.

Moving to the Tiki ‘Iniki bar, Michele ordered a series of cocktails ranging from the classic – such as a mai tai – to the original, like The ‘Iniki and the Velvet Gorilla, a massive libation inspired by Michele’s band Intoxicats. Each potion incorporates a staggering number of fresh-squeezed juices and liquors, all served in ornate glasses and topped with elaborate garnishes.

“Our standard pour is about two ounces, which is pretty heavy compared to other places. That’s the whole tiki thing: strong drinks,” said bartender and general manager Jay Armstrong, showing off a laminated recipe card covered in precise measurements. “If you can bartend here, you can bartend anywhere.”

No less an authority than Jeff “Beachbum” Berry – an author, mixologist and bar owner who is one of the world’s foremost experts on all things tiki – agreed with Armstrong.

“He’s absolutely right,” Berry said. “People don’t realize this is the hardest form of bartending that there is.”

Berry, who was introduced to tiki bars as a child in mid-1960s Los Angeles, extolled upon their magic.

“It’s the hermetically-sealed movie set. That Technicolor faux-Polynesia vibe that you get when you walk into one of these places if it’s been properly done,” he said. “The original places back in the ’30s and ’40s, all the way up until everything petered out in the ’70s, the good ones didn’t have any windows.

“When you stepped through the front door – whether you were in Los Angeles or Chicago or Indianapolis or wherever – you stepped through the door and you were in this completely art-directed Polynesia of the mind,” Berry continued, noting tiki is now in the midst of a renaissance.

Michele has certainly created a properly done bar in line with the Beachbum’s high standards.

“It’s all about escape and having fun. I think that’s why we’re so successful here,” she said. “Tourists come here and are so happy to look around. I think this embodies what they expected to find.”

The weeklong event starts March 31 and culminates in the hula competition at Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium. The soloist competition will take place on April 4, the group kahiko, or ancient hula, will take place on April 5 and the competition ends with group ‘auana, or modern, performances on April 6.

Festival officials announced this year’s judges last week:

• Maelia Carter
• Ed Collier
• Ainsley Halemanu
• Leimomi Ho
• Nālani Kanaka‘ole
• Nani Lim Yap
• Kealiʻi Reichel

Twenty-two hālau hula are participating this year. Hālau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaehu, under the direction of Kumu Hula Kasie Puahala Kaleohano and Brandi Nohelani Barrett, is the only Big Island group participating in this year’s competition.

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala, under the direction of Kumu Hula Leinā‘ala Pavao Jardin, is the sole group haling from Kalāheo, Kaua‘i.

Only one hālau is traveling out-of-state to compete in the prestigious competition. Academy of Hawaiian Arts, under the direction of Kumu Hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu, will be representing Oakland, Calif.

Four groups will travel from Maui:

• Hālau Hula Kauluokalā, under the direction of Kumu Hula Uluwehi Guerrero, from Kahului

• Hālau o ka Hanu Lehua, under the direction of Kumu Hula Carlson Kamaka Kukona III, from Waikapū

• Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi, under the direction of Nā Kumu Hula Haunani & ‘Iliahi Paredes, from Wailuku

• Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka, under the direction of Kumu Hula Nāpua Silva, from Waiohuli

Most of the hālau that will descend on Hilo are coming from O‘ahu with 14 groups participating:

• Hālau Lilia Makanoe, under the direction of Kumu Hula Shelsea Lilia Ai, from ʻAiea

• Hālau I Ka Wēkiu, under the direction of Nā Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang, from Pauoa

• Hālau Nā Mamo O Pu‘uanahulu, under the direction of Nā Kumu Hula William Kahakuleilehua Haunu‘u “Sonny” Ching & Lōpaka Igarta-De Vera, from Kapahulu

• Hālau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniākea, under the direction of Kumu Hula Kapua Dalire-Moe, from Kāne‘ohe

• Hālau Mōhala ‘Ilima, under the direction of Kumu Hula Māpuana de Silva, from Ka‘ōhao

• Hālau Keolakapuokalani, under the direction of Kumu Hula Drake Keolakapu Dudoit Delaforcé, from Āliamanu & Nānākuli

• Nā Pualei O Likolehua, under the direction of Kumu Hula Niuliʻi Heine, from Kapālama

• Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima, under the direction of Kumu Hula Vicky Hanakaʻulaniokamāmalu Holt Takamine & Jeff Kānekaiwilani Takamine, from Honolulu

• Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela, under the direction of Nā Kumu Hula Kunewa Mook & Kau‘ionālani Kamana‘o, from Kalihi & Waimānalo

• Hālau Hi‘iakaināmakalehua, under the direction of Nā Kumu Hula Hula Robert Ke‘ano Ka‘upu IV & Lono Padilla, from Niuhelewai, Kona

• Ka Lā ‘Ōnohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e, under the direction of Nā Kumu Hula Tracie & Keawe Lopes, from Pū‘ahu‘ula, Ko‘olaupoko

• Ke Kai O Kahiki, under the direction of Kumu Hula La‘akea Perry, from Wai‘anae

• Kawai‘ulaokalā, under the direction of Kumu Hula Keli‘iho‘omalu Puchalski, from Kaiwiʻulā

• Hālau Hula O Kauhionāmauna, under the direction of Kumu Hula Theresa Kauhionāmauna Ramento Tehiva, from Waipahū

• Hālau Hula Ka Lehua Tuahine, under the direction of Kumu Hula Ka‘ilihiwa Vaughan-Darval, from Mānoa & Waimānalo

“The Ka‘ū community voiced the need to better manage tourism impacts on the natural resources in Punalu‘u through place-based curriculum,” said Mufi Hannemann, HTA Board Chair who spent part of his career working in Pāhala and living in Nāʻālehu. “We thank Ka ‘Ohana O Honu‘apo for facilitating this community effort and the work of these local stewards to ensure the protection and preservation of this special place.”

Facilitated by the non-profit Ka ‘Ohana o Honu‘apo, a resource stewardship organization based in Nā‘ālehu, the “Ka‘ū Hoa Pili ‘Āina” program focused on recruiting and training ten local stewards in the practices of mālama ‘āina built on the foundation of cultural practices and protocols, conservation and biological sciences, and place-based messaging about the Ka‘ū area.

“It’s important to HTA that we continue to listen to our residents and support the collaborative initiatives they want to see within their communities,” said Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i, HTA’s interim president and CEO. “Mahalo to these stewards for committing themselves to the rigors of the training and the stewardship of their home moku (district), Ka ‘Ohana O Honu‘apo for their leadership and collaboration, and the many kumu and organizations for providing their mana‘o in this process.”

HTA is funding the Ka‘ū Hoa Pili ‘Āina program under its destination stewardship and community efforts as guided by its Hawai‘i Island Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP).

“This pilot program is a partnership with the community to support place-based, kamaʻāina and visitor education efforts while mitigating user impacts in Punalu‘u and the greater Ka‘ū area,” said Rachel Kaiama, Island of Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau’s (IHVB) destination manager.

As part of the training, Ka ‘Ohana o Honu‘apo worked with 13 other organizations to share information on a wealth of topics, including the Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund, Nā Mamo O Kāwā, Kua‘āina Ulu Auamo (KUA)’s Limu Hui, The Nature Conservancy, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Kalanihale, Hui Aloha Kīholo, Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation, Kamehameha Schools, Volcano Rare Plant Facility, Kaulana Mahina, Island CPR and Mālama Pono Punalu‘u.

Trainees delved into land-use changes, watershed protection, heritage management and coastal restoration projects. They completed CPR and First Aid training and learned communication skills for sharing the importance of pono practices with visitors and kama‘āina.

In addition to learning species identification and monitoring practices, the trainees took their skills out in the field to conduct ʻopihi monitoring and limu surveys. Other immersive activities included forest and loko i‘a (Hawaiian fish pond) restoration, marine debris removal, community-based management, communication skills building, mo‘olelo sharing and learning about impacts to watersheds.

Speaking on behalf of Ka ‘Ohana o Honu‘apo, a representative said the training was not intended to steward one place or one ʻāina, but instead, was a landscape-scale, comprehensive training program for the entire district of Ka‘ū.

“The trainees learned a great deal about the resources within Kaʻū, plus land-use changes over time, the impacts of climate change, invasive species, etc., and heard from experts in their fields relative to conservation and stewardship,” detailed the Ka ‘Ohana O Honu‘apo representative. “They also formed collaborations and partnerships with other organizations and community members, which opened up the potential to learn and incorporate stewardship activities not yet happening in Kaʻū.”

A potential stewardship opportunity cited was the success of community-based management in Miloliʻi, and how to bring those practices to the Kaʻū coastline. The trainees also studied the impacts of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death on Hawai‘i’s forests and ways to mitigate its spread through decontamination strategies and protocols.

Trainees received a monthly stipend for their participation and were required to attend all instructional events and steward-related opportunities, as well as engage with visitors to effectively communicate pono behaviors and safety protocols. In addition, they participated in a number of volunteer opportunities with multiple groups and organizations in Ka‘ū and South Kona. Trainees hailed from across the Kaʻū District.

Sharing how the stewardship program has directed her “to a purposeful life,” trainee Chelsae-Lynn Kobzi said the best part of the program was working with organizations and “seeing whatʻs available out there as there is so much to do.” She added participation has “brought me purpose, confidence and a whole new perspective.”

With a deeper connection to their ‘āina, the newly launched group of stewards can seek to reconnect with the different organizations and individuals they worked with during the training to remain involved in efforts to help mālama ‘āina. This can be done on a volunteer basis or through employment opportunities.

Looking to the future, Kaiama said the idea for the training program is to show how community stewardship training and implementation can be done and then hope for more like it to be self-sustained or partially-supported by state and county agencies.

“It would be ideal for community-based steward programs to foster the economic job diversification we need as these volunteers and others like them can benefit from well-paying jobs that uplift their community while protecting the natural and cultural resources of the island,” added Kaiama. “This is the regenerative tourism model we would like to see more of.”

Funded and supported by HTA and administered by IHVB, the Hawai‘i Island Community-Based Action Stewardship Program builds on the success of other community-based programs around the state including at Hanauma Bay State Park, Hā‘ena State Park and Lē‘ahi (Diamond Head State Monument). 

To learn more about how destination management and stewardship is advancing on the island of Hawai‘i, visit: https://holomua.hawaiitourismauthority.org/hawaii-island/.

From resorts to boutique hotels, the Big Island offers a unique experience for visitors and residents alike. Listed below are just a few locations in West Hawai‘i that might entice a stay.

Kona Tiki Hotel

At the Kona Tiki Hotel, “ocean views” is an understatement. “It’s like a ship on land,” said Joe
Schneckenburger, who bought the boutique hotel on Ali’i in 2018. “Some people need earplugs
because the surf is so loud, it’s that close to the ocean.”

The three-story hotel, tucked away behind a group of palm trees on Ali’i Drive, provides an oasis for guests who stay there. The hotel overlooks Kahului Bay, where one can find yellow tang fish, dolphins, turtles, eels, crabs and manta rays. The hotel pool, separated by the sea wall, is often times flooded with ocean creatures.

“Sometimes, folks like to go fishing when they come to Hawai‘i. Sometimes, they can catch
something right in our pool,” Schneckenburger laughed.

The building painted “Tiki blue” with white panels, offers a calm and relaxing atmosphere for
guests, along with cozy and luxurious amenities. Each room has a balcony (and balcony seating) perfect for drinking morning coffee or watching the sunset.

Hotel managers Derick and Michelle Dumont, a couple who moved to Big Island this April, can
be found sitting in the small lobby, out front, crammed with beach chairs, sunblock, pool floats,
lifejackets, snorkeling gear, maps and big island books.

“I have the coolest job in the world,” said Michelle Dumont. “There’s dolphins out there. Each
morning I sit and look out, and I usually see, two, maybe three dolphins swim by.”

Dumont noted that the area (located between two white sand beaches: Honls and Magic
Sands) felt safe and friendly.

“If you drive down the road you see community,” she said. “There’s people gathered at the beach. There’s families barbecuing. There’s Aloha. People are health conscious here as well. You see people running, jogging and walking Ali‘i Drive. It’s rejuvenating.”

About 5 minutes South is Green Flash Coffee, a coffee shop that serves Kona Coffee, smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, paninis and more. The small cafe closes at 11:30 a.m., so get there early to jumpstart your day. For lunch, right up the road is Christine’s Deli, a small sandwich shop with exquisite sandwiches you can order to go (no inside dining available).

Schneckenburger, who purchased the Kona Tiki Hotel for 4.2 million, said that the hotel needed a “facelift” when he first bought it.

“The seller called in 1980s modern,” he joked. “The bedspreads were hideous. I’m not great on
taste but they were definitely from the 80s. It was pretty good. The rooms were carpeted instead of tile, there were huge dressers, you used to not be able to see the ocean through the rooms, so we took out the old doors and put in glass doors instead.”

“People say they feel at home here,” Dumont said. “And oftentimes, they come back for
weddings, anniversaries, special occasions, etc.”

One guest, who asked that her name remain private, got married on the sea wall after visiting the hotel over half a dozen times. Another guest, a CPA who checked in during the COVID-19
pandemic decided to live and work at the hotel. “She had the whole place to herself,”
Schneckenburger added.

Schneckenburger remembers one family who stayed, and each day, their kids went out fishing.
“Finally, on the last day, the little boy caught a fish. And it was in our pool. It washed over the
sea wall. I’ll never forget it.”

Rooms average about $300 per night, and guests can enjoy 10% off most rooms up until the new year.

PACIFIC 19 Kona- Adventure Traveler’s Paradise

There’s no denying it, PACIFIC 19 Kona, a boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown
Kailua-Kona, is chic.

You can tell the moment you walk into the lobby, with its dark green walls, grey sofas, dimmed
lights, dark wood floors, hanging orb lights and tropical plants (including a giant monkeypox
tree). Hotel staff are there to greet you in white shirts and blazers.

Marketed as an island-urban hotel for independent travelers, PACIFIC 19 Kona prides itself on is serving as a “basecamp” for guests, solo travelers and adventurous alike.

“PACIFIC 19 Kona is focused on providing adventure travelers with the tools needed to
experience the best of Kona” said James Evans, managing partner, Nine Brains, which owns the hotel, in Hawaii Magazine.

“Guests will have access to custom-tailored island itineraries to explore the 4,000 square miles of Hawai‘i Island. We’re putting a lot of effort into building a curated travel guide and custom
itineraries, including being able to book adventures right from the website with hand-picked
local outfitters,” he continued.

There are no TVs in any of the hotel rooms. Instead, there are “macro bars,” which consist of dry bags, sunscreen, facial products, microfiber towels, even journals and colored pencils. The field notes journal is $5, the Sun Bum sunscreen lotion is $18 and the dry bag is $12.

“It’s all fun stuff for the adventure traveler,” Katharina Findlay, the hotel’s previous general
manager said.

The rooms, with their sandy taupe, palm green, black lava and whitecap color palette were
designed to encourage guests to get outside and adventure. More, the furniture was designed
specifically for the hotel – from the wooden credenzas to upholstered headboards.

Hotel rooms start at $299 a night, with kamaʻāina rates available as well. They also offer
amenities such as yoga classes, Waimea Coffee Co., pool access, parking, special events and
more.

The Hilton Waikōloa

With its 62 acres of amenities and activities and 647 rooms that hold up to 2,500 guests — this South Kohala resort is sure to entertain the whole family.

The Hilton Waikōloa offers a wide range of activities, including multiple pools and water
features (water slides, hot tubs, kiddie pools), golf courses, tennis courts, a spa, saltwater lagoon, etc. The resort also has several restaurants and bars, from casual to fine dining.

“Everything you need is within the resort,” said a spokesperson for the Hilton. “Guests can enjoy everything without leaving the property.”

More, the Hilton also has an electric boat that traverses through the property’s boatway, along
with a tram/ train to get to all the different places. “It’s a fun and convenient way to get around,”
Hilton Spokesman continued. “The boats were custom designed and built at Disney World in
Florida for Waikōloa, then shipped to Hawaii for the resort opening in 1988. Recently, the boats
were converted from gas to electric power.”

“We had a really good experience at The Hilton when we stayed,” said Erin Kristek, a local
resident in Kailua-Kona. “We selected the location because our 2-year-old was coming with us, and her favorite thing to do was ride the tram around to different spots and explore.”

“My husband and I found a secret spot: the pool bar,” Kristek laughed. Notably, The Hilton Waikōloa also offers 24 hours a day text support for any guest questions or concerns, along with a well-trained 24-hour safety and security team. And, 24-hour Hawai‘i State certified security guards on duty. All are trained in CPR and emergency response.

The large resort just welcomed a new chef, Robert Love, to their restaurant Kamuela Provision
Company. Love has revamped the menu to include a farm-to-table dining experience.

“It’s about harvesting local food,” Love said. “Our ingredients come straight from the earth.”

“Staying here was definitely an experience you wouldn’t find at a smaller hotel or Airbnb. It was
totally worth the little splurge and a nice change of scenery for us all,” Kristek concluded.

The draft plan lays out existing barriers to accessibility, provides recommendations for improving in-park access and proposes timeframes to implement changes. Suggested improvements include upgrades to park structures, programs and services.

“It is important that visitors of all abilities are able to enjoy the incredible experience that Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offers,” said park Superintendent Rhonda Loh. “This plan describes our proposed strategy to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment in popular locations throughout the park. We look forward to hearing from you.”

Comments will be accepted through Jan. 11, 2024, and can be submitted at the project website by clicking “Open for Comment.”

All comments, including personal information, could be made public at any time; although, those who respond can request their comments and personal information be withheld from public review.

The draft Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan resulted from the work of an interdisciplinary team in the National Park Service, including individuals with expertise in planning, design, construction and interpretive, resource, visitor safety, maintenance and accessibility specialists.

The team developed site plans identifying the location of accessibility barriers and crafted an implementation strategy to assist park staff in scheduling and performing required actions and documenting completed work.

No. 1 — Wiwoʻole Maui Benefit Concert (Livestreaming, Aug. 19)

In this historic occurrence of unprecedented and catastrophic loss, the unifying and healing power of mele (music) has summoned Maui’s celebrated recording artists and hālau to gather for the Wiwoʻole Maui Benefit Concert (Livestream) on Saturday live-streamed from Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort.

Wiwoʻole #MauiStrong is dedicated to raising essential disaster relief funds urgently needed to support and sustain the victims of the Aug. 8 Maui wildfires that affected communities across the island and devastated the historic town of Lāhainā (traditionally known as Maluʻuluʻolele). Click here for more information and the livestream.

No. 2 — Benefit concert to support Maui wildfire relief and recovery efforts (Hawī, Aug. 17)

This benefit event for the families most affected by the deadly wildfires on Maui features the Big Island’s hottest Latin band Fuego and is planned for 5 to 9 p.m. tonight at the Kohala Resilience Hub Barn in Hawī.

Along with live music there will be a silent auction, potluck (bring your own beverage) and other services and goods offered by donation, with 100% of proceeds going toward relief and recovery efforts.

No. 3 — Maui Ola: A Benefit Concert for Maui (Waimea and livestreamed Aug. 20)

Hawaiʻi’s musicians, production professionals, media community and dozens of others are coming together from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday to raise funds to aloha Maui, using music as a vehicle to help the healing process, rallying much needed aid from throughout Hawai‘i and around the world to help with Maui wildfire relief and recovery efforts.

The benefit concert event will feature Mark Yamanaka, Kalaʻe & Kalena, Hoʻaikane, The Lim Family, Blayne Asing, Loeka and Kenny T., among others.

Show your support by heading to in-person concerts on O‘ahu and at the Parker Ranch Center in Waimea on the Big Island. Tune in on TV, at mele.com, on social media or on the radio. Invite family and friends to join you. Share the calls for support with everyone you know. Click here for more information.

No. 4 — “Bladerunner” for Throwback Thursday (Hilo, Aug. 17)

The historic Palace Theater in Downtown Hilo will be showing the 1982 action, drama, sci-fi film “Bladerunner” for Throwback Thursday. Starring Harrison Ford, this futurist film tells the story of a blade runner, forced by police continue his old job as a Replicant Hunter.

Box office and concessions open at 6:30 p.m. and the film starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available now. General admission is $10 and cost for seniors or students is $9. The film is rated R. Click here for more information.

No. 5 — Stephen Inglis Cuts the Dead Some Slack (Hilo, Aug. 18)

Grammy nominated Na Hōkū Hanohano winning artist Stephen Inglis takes you on a transportational slack key journey through the songbook of the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan and more.

The event takes place Friday at 7:30 p.m. Doors and concession open at 6:30 p.m. Live concert tickets are available now for $25. General admission is $35. For priority orchestra seating, with extra leg room, that ticket cost is $50. All tickets $5 more on day of the show. Tickets are non-refundable. Click here for more information.

No. 6 — Kōkua Kailua Monthly Stroll (Kailua-Kona, Aug. 20)

Kōkua Kailua Monthly Stroll is back on Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. Kona’s Historic Kailua Village closes to vehicular traffic and becomes a festive, pedestrian-only outdoor marketplace that makes for a fun family-friendly day. Leashed dogs are welcome to stroll too.

The stroll stretches from Kailua Pier through Historic Kailua Village to Hualālai Road. Highlights include nearly 100 vendor booths showcasing the work of local artisans and crafters, musicians, and merchants offering a fantastic shopping experience and delicious dining options. Click here for more information.

No. 7 — Tanabata Japanese Star Festival (Hilo, Aug. 19)

The Tanabata Japanese Star Festival is back and happening at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i in Hilo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free for the whole family to enjoy special planetarium shows, Japanese crafts and traditional games, bon dance lessons, taiko performances, entertainment, ʻono food and more.

“‘Imiloa is a place that celebrates Hawai‘i and its diverse community,” says ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center Executive Director, Ka‘iu Kimura. “We’re thrilled to be able to host the Tanabata Japanese Star Festival at ‘Imiloa again with the support of local sponsors and organizations. The last event in 2019 was a huge success and we look forward to welcoming the community at-large to enjoy Japanese cultural activities, crafts and entertainment.” Click here for more information.

No. 8 — Hana No‘eau Hawaiian Arts Festival (Hilo, Aug. 18-19)

The Edith Kanakaʻole Tennis Stadium in Hilo is hosting the Hana No‘eau Hawaiian Arts Festival, dedicated to the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture and arts, from 2 to 7 p.m. Aug. 18 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 19. The event is free and open to the public.

“Hana No‘eau” is often translated to “art,” but it can also include a wide variety of creative mediums. The festival spotlights creativity in the visual arts, literary arts and performing arts that link the past, present and future. The festival features the works of some of Hawai‘i’s finest artisans and producers of Hawaiian arts and crafts alongside cultural demonstrations and entertainment. Click here for more information.

No. 9 — Hot Potaytahs at the Lava Lounge (Volcano, Aug. 19)

Check out the local band Hot Potaytahs from 5 to 10 p.m. Aug. 19 at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge. The band’s playlist is comprised of fresh arrangements of classic songs by artists such as Steely Dan, James Brown, The Meters, Bruno Mars, Doobie Brothers, Prince, Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Bonnie Raitt, David Bowie, No Doubt, Average White Band, Bee Gees, Freda Payne, Talking Heads and more.

Saturday’s event promises live music and a fun. Click here for more information.

No. 10 — Celebrate Hawaiian Honeycreeper Day (Hilo, Aug. 20)

Come visit the Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens, located at 800 Stainback Highway in Hilo, on Aug. 20 in Hilo to help highlight and celebrate the relationships we have with our wonderful manu and learn about ongoing conservation efforts on Maui for the honeycreepers and the environments they call home.

The event is free and family-friendly.

No. 11 — Floating Lantern Festival (Kohala Aug. 20)

The public is invited to attend the this festival from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 20 at Fairmont Orchid, a resort on the Kohala Coast, in partnership with North Hawai‘i Hospice.

The event will include live music, hula, taiko drummers, Hawaiian chanting and a sunset lantern release into Pauoa Bay. Admission is free. Floating lanterns for inscribing messages and decorating will be provided for a suggested donation of $25; however, lantern quantities are limited. Lanterns can be reserved online in advance.

No. 12 — 13th Annual Abstract Only! National Exhibit (Hilo, through Sept. 14)

This is one of Wailoa Centerʻs most popular juried shows and features abstract works by artists from throughout the United States and Hawaiʻi. Come focus on texture, color, composition and line work in this celebration of abstract art.

​This year exhibit at the Hilo art center includes 75 pieces by 63 different artists. Works were selected by juror Ming Li Jiang, whose works are featured in the center’s Fountain Gallery.

The art center’s hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first Saturday of each month. Click here for more information.

No. 13 — “Toil & Trouble” (Kealakekua, Aug. 18-20)

This hilarious adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” pits friend against friend, ambition against fate, pet-sitting against miniature vicuna mogul-dom. Don’t miss this the last weekend of this show at Aloha Theater. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18-19 and 4 p.m. Aug. 20.

Underemployed friends Adam, Matt and Beth are desperate to beat the recession any way they can — like combining forces to take over a small island in South America. But when a fortune cookie tells Matt that he will rule and Beth gets a little too handy with a dagger, plans go awry. Click here for more information.

No. 14 — Soundbath & Tea (Hilo, Aug. 19)

Connect with community over local-grown herbal tea beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday, then luxuriate in awareness-expanding and soothing meditation and music. Bring a friend, a pillow and a blanket.

Guided by Lindsay Cloyd and Amanda Rose, both vocalists and multi-instrumentalists who delight in the opportunity to weave together and create harmony, this event is hosted by Hot Yoga Hilo, located at 336 Kamehameha Ave., the only heated yoga studio in Downtown Hilo.

No. 15 — Silly School Photos (Kailua-Kona, Aug. 23)

Come down to Keauhou Shopping Center, located at 78-6831 Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona, from 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 23 for some silly pictures for the 2023-24 school year.

Get “eXcited” and capture the back-to-school spirit of keiki. The shopping center is bringing the goofy props and camera; it’s up to the kids to bring the smiles, fashion and fun. Click here for more information.

No. 16 — Story Time at Hawaiʻi Keiki Museum (Kailua-Kona, Aug. 21)

The museum, located at 75-5533 Luhia St. Building D in Kailua-Kona, hosts this event from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. each Monday for children up to 5 years old. The event offers a safe space for keiki and their caregivers to meet and enjoy an organized story time led by local retired preschool teachers.

Featured during this month’s installments are Hawaiʻi favorites.

No. 17 — Community Dinner & a Movie on Taco Tuesday (Honokaʻa, Aug. 22)

From 4 to 10 p.m. each Tuesday, Creative Energy Lab, located at 45-163 Kia Manu Rd. #6 in Honokaʻa, picks a movie at random from a list of requests, with a little keiki friendly movie from 4 to 6:44 p.m. and movies with PG-13 or higher ratings from 7 to 10 p.m.

Come early to play and eat tacos (a $3 donation per taco is appreciated but no one will be turned away for lack of funds) before getting cozy for the movie. The space is just getting started, so those who attend are asked to bring their own chairs, blankets, tarps, pillows, futons, etc., and head lamps, lanterns, flashlights or no spill candles for lighting.

No. 18 — Hilo Town Market in Downtown (Hilo, Aug. 18)

The Hilo Town Market on Friday nights is always a happening time. The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. in Downtown Hilo near the old Hilo Shark’s Coffee at 69 Waianuenue Ave. and last until 9 p.m.

As always, there will be live music, a variety of craft vendors, jewelry and specialty items for sale, artists and, of course, food. The market is free entrance for all ages.

No. 19 — Explore the Summit at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (Volcano, daily)

Meet outside the Kīlauea Visitor Center entrance any day at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. for this guided 1-hour hike to discover what makes Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park such a special place.

Take a short (up to a half-mile) walk with a ranger as you explore the summit. Topics vary from geology and ecology to Hawaiian culture. Check at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai for more information on topics for the day, and to see additional offerings.

No. 20 — Niaulani Nature Walk (Volcano, Aug. 21)

Guided nature walks through the rain forest at Niaulani are offered at 9:30 a.m. Mondays at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. The one hour, free guided walks introduce individuals, families and groups to the most diverse, intact and accessible, old-growth koa/’ohi’a rain forest remaining in the state. No reservations are required for groups of five or less.

Participants meet at the art center’s Niaulani Gallery. Donations are greatly appreciated. Click here for more information.

Editorʻs Note: You can send inquiries or event listings with attached photographs about Big Island entertainment, arts and community events to newsdesk@bigislandnow.com. To add events directly to the Big Island Events Calendar, click here.

The Hawaiʻi State Art Museum in Honolulu has opened its new exhibit: “Creatures and Characters.”

Museum visitors are invited to explore 44 artworks by 39 artists in the ʻEwa gallery on the second floor. Through a diverse mix of media and artistic approaches, the depictions of creatures and characters suggest stories and ideas that unfold in surprising, unusual, and amusing ways.

This exhibit, which runs throughout the summer of 2024, is intended for all ages, with a special focus on students in the museum’s Art Bento program for Hawaiʻi public and charter schools.

The Hawaiʻi State Art Museum is a learning laboratory for thousands of elementary school students every year in the Art Bento program, using artworks to practice observation, critical thinking, and communication skills. 

Some artworks are recent additions to the collection, on display to the public for the first time:

• “Aloha Wear(y)” archival inkjet print by Brandon Ng
• “Bessemer Bubbles” intaglio and monoprint print by Katya Hutchinson
• “Artisan Slaves” mixed media by Rodrigo Manzano
• “Living Landscape 2” and “Living Landscape 3” drawings by Solomon Enos
• “Confrontation in the Garden of the Chinese Poet” ceramic sculpture by Suzanne Wolfe

“Creatures and Characters” also features two significant gifts to the state collection: a painting by prominent Mexican painter Diego Rivera, “Phyllis Dobson”, gifted to the state by Dobson (well known as an interior designer under her married name, Phyllis Hume Spalding, she was involved in the restoration of ʻIolani Palace and the design of the Hawaiʻi State Capitol building), and a lithographic print by renowned artist, teacher, and playwright Jean Charlot, “Mexican Mother and Child” (gifted to the state by the Seiji and Ayako Ifuku Estate).

Artworks from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts ’s Art in Public Places Collection are displayed in state government sites across the state, including schools, libraries, and state office buildings. For over fifty years, the Art in Public Places Collection of the Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts has been recognized as one of the most significant collections of contemporary art of Hawaiʻi. 

The museum is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and is closed on Sunday and state and federal holidays.

Admission is free. The Hawaiʻi State Art Museum and the Art in Public Places Collection are a part the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ Art in Public Places Program.

No. 1 — Give to Lahaina

With the onset of devastation occurring on the neighboring island of Maui, Big Island businesses and residents are organizing donations and help throughout the island.

For the best way to donate, click here for some official options.

No.2 — Flower Fest (Honoka’a, Aug. 12)

The second annual Flower Fest will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. in Honoka’a at Grace Flowers Hawai’i on Saturday.

There will be food trucks and a few other vendors offering lunch options and goodies for purchase. You can sign up to make lei, engage in plant talks with floricutlure industry leaders, participate in team competitions, live fashion show and enjoy live music and flower talk. Learn more here.

No. 3 — Pāhoa Art Walk (Pāhoa, Aug. 12)

This Saturday from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., head to downtown Pāhoa for a special art walk where local businesses will be hosting art-related events, music, food and more throughout East Hawai‘i.

Check out the local stores for some featured live art, or try some coconut weaving or catch some live DJ’s all day.

No. 4— Tribute to Carlos Santana (Hilo, Aug. 12)

On Saturday at the Hilo Palace Theater you can catch Lightning Larry Dupio’s Tribute to Carlos Santana performance that will include a line up of other musicians such as Yumbel Marassi, Trever Veilleux, Leo Brayman, Reggae McGowan, Jason Sherbundy, Joshua Timmons, Noa Eads, with more surprises in store.

Show starts at 7 p.m., with doors, box office and concessions opening at 6 p.m. Tickets are available now for $30 general admissions. All tickets are $5 more on the day of the show.

No. 5 — West African Drum & Dance (Wailoa, Aug. 12)

Learn how the art of African drum and dance at Wailoa State Park on Saturday starting at 1:30 p.m. with dance happening around 2:45 p.m.

Cost is $15 for one class or $20 for both. Keiki get in free! 

No. 6 — Weldon Kekauoha (Kona, Aug. 10)

Tonight (Thursday, Aug. 10) you can head down to Umekes in Kona from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. for a live show by Weldon Kekauoha.

Enjoy a live performance with dinner and drinks. The restaurant, located in West Hawai’i’s brewery block district, is ran by owner and head Chef Nakoa Pabre, and you can enjoy the sounds of this Grammy Award nominated, multi Na Hoku Hanohano Award winning Hawaiian singer, songwriter. and recording artist.

No. 7— Grand Slam Rockin’ the Eagles Aerie (Kea’au, Aug. 11)

Local band Grand Slam Rockin’ will be playing in Kea’au on Friday at the Eagles Aerie from 6:30-9:30 p.m. $10 to enter. The music show will take place in the East Hawai‘i town to bring music to the crowd.

No. 8— West Coast Swing Social Dance (Kona, Aug. 12)

This Saturday (Aug. 12) you can bring your dancing shoes to the West Coast Swing Social Dance Night. Hosted by Warren D’Aquin at the Hale Hana located at 74-5583 Luhia Street Suite 1A in Kona, will include all levels of dance with tips and tricks to help elevate your dancing game.

Cost to entry is $15.

No. 9— Greg and Shirley’s Big Swing (Hilo, Aug. 12)

The show on Saturday will take place from 5-9:30 p.m. at the Kawaihae-based bar and restaurant The Blue Dragon Tavern. The band features a three-piece horn section, fully rhythm section, and 7-piece band covers everything from Big Bad Voodoo Daddies to Brian Setzer Orchestra.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the show starting at 6:30 p.m. and running until 9:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at bluedragontavern.com. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door with children 12 and under free.

No. 10— Long Beach Poly vs Konawaena High School Football LIVE (Kealakekua, Aug. 12)

Konawaena will begin its 2023 season against the Long Beach Poly (Calif.) on Saturday at 7 p.m. The Jackrabbits are ranked 50th in the country, according to MaxPreps. The game is away but you can catch it online.

Cost unknown.

No. 11— Unko Ponch (Kona, Aug. 12)

More music in West Hawai‘i at Oceans Sports Bar starting at 7 p.m. and lasting until 10 p.m. Unko Ponch will be playing ukulele music, followed by DJ Bodie who will be playing music into the evening. Call or text 808-990-4589 for more information. Entry free.

No. 12— Reflecting and Looking Ahead at Uēkahuna (Volcano, Aug. 12)

This free event taking place at the former Jaggar Museum on Saturday will begin around 10:30 a.m. and last about an hour. It’s a guided tour and hike.

Right now, the Jaggar museum and the buildings once used by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists at the Kīlauea summit will soon be deconstructed. Park Ranger Mequette Gallegos will discuss the sacred landscape, and offer participants a chance to can envision a return of open space and viewing area with expansive views of Kaluapele (the caldera). Meet in front of the bathrooms.

No. 13— HI Country Band (Kona, Aug. 12)

HI Country Band, focused on honkey tonk, line dancing, and all-things country will be performing Saturday for two shows at Gertude’s Jazz Bar & Bistro. With one at 7 p.m. and again at 9 p.m., reservations can be made online. Cost of show is $5 (each).

No. 14— Free Hula Show (Kona, Aug. 12)

Keauhou Shopping Center is hosting Free Friday Hula Shows at the shopping plaza’s Center Courtyard at 6 p.m.

No same hālau performs twice each time, and the event is free to the public. Learn more here.

No. 15— Kamehameha Hawai‘i Vs. Kea‘au LIVE | High-School Football (Kea’au, Aug. 11)

Starting at 7:30 p.m., Kamehameha Hawai‘i will take on Kea‘au High School live on Friday. It will be the Warriors at the Cougars’s stadium, with Kea‘au hosting the non conference game. Cost unknown.

No. 16— Big Island Art Fair (Waimea, Aug. 10-12)

Starting Thursday and lasting until Saturday, there will be a Big Island Art Fair show running from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., except on Sunday where the exhibit at Kahilu Town Hall will start at 9 a.m. and last until 4 p.m.

The show will feature more than 20 Big Island Artists. There will also be a drawing with a chance to win $100 at the event on Friday, with a Saturday announcement on the winners of an art contest. Learn more here. Cost unknown.

No. 17— Latin Night (Hilo, Aug. 16)

Here’s a dance opportunity for East Hawai’i residents next Wednesday.

Located at 301 Keawe St. in Hilo at the Soil to Soul establishment, for $10 online or $15 on the door, you can participate in a special salsa dance class starting around 7 p.m. Event is BYOB.

No. 18— Walk to End Homelessness (Hilo, Aug. 12)

Interfaith Communities in Action (ICIA) will be holding a FUNdraising walk Saturday morning at 8 a.m. at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Tennis Stadium, located at 350 Kalanikoa St. in Hilo, to support their signature fund “Hale ka Po‘e Keiki” (Homes for Children). 

This fund was established in January 2022 to support local non-profit organizations helping our East Hawai‘i community end family homelessness. The 2023 recipient of the ICIA “Hale ka Po‘e Keiki” fund is Habitat for Humanity Hawai‘i Island. Costs for adults is $15, with ages 6-12 costing $10. Kids 5 years old or younger can walk for free. Prizes will be awarded for the top three walkers who have collected the most donations. Decorated baby strollers and wheelchairs are welcome as walkers. Sign up the day of the event.

No. 19— Hoʻopili ʻĀina Gathering on Reusable Foodware (Hilo, Aug. 16)

Join in designing a reusable foodware system that is informed by kānaka maoli, pacific relatives, and kanaka, ʻāina, akua connections at Aunt Sally Kaleohano’s Lū‘au Hale at 799 Piilani Street Hilo, HI 96720 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. You can sign up the day of the event. 

This is an opportunity for indigenous people and perspectives to take precedence in informing the design of a reusable foodware system for Hilo. Contact K. Kuʻulei Kanahele (Perreira-Keawekane) at 808-940-6989 or on Instagram @kuuleimusic for more information on Saturday’s event.

No. 20— Girl’s Night Out (Volcano, Aug. 12)

Happening this Saturday for a $10 cover at the Lava Lounge at the Kīlauea Military Camp, you can check out a hot dance band from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Featuring a full band and singers, the live music will play into the evening.

Aloha Festivals, Hawai‘i’s longest running cultural festival, returns in September 2023 on Oʻahu with its month-long celebration of the spirit of aloha and the diverse traditions and cultures of the islands. 

Building on last year’s theme, Aloha ‘Āina, Aloha Festivals will continue to explore the integral relationship that all people have with the land with its 2023 theme Piliʻāina – to have kinship with the land. 

“Pili” means to have a personal connection to, or close relationship with someone or something, and this theme encourages people to reconnect with their natural surroundings in both old and new ways. “Piliʻāina” urges everyone to physically interact with Hawai‘i’s land and environment by going on a hike, exploring the wonder of our destinations’ living reefs, stopping to smell the flowers or making a lei.

The theme also aims to inspire locals and visitors to rediscover and use traditional place names like Lēʻahi, the traditional name for Diamond Head, a contraction of Laeʻahi (brow of the tuna), and the stories connected to these places through mele (song/poetry) and hula.  

The lyrics of the mele, “Lēʻahi”, by Mary Pulaʻa Robins & John Noble tells a story: “… Hōkū kau ʻale kai aʻo Māmala…,” “…Rising star of Māmala…” Māmala is the traditional name of Honolulu Habor, named in honor of a shark woman who dwelled in those waters. 

“Knowing and using these traditional place names and their mele helps us to deepen our pilina (connection) to the land,” said Nakanelua-Richards.

Aloha Festivals will officially kick off on Sept. 9. The festival begins with The Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony on Sept. 9; followed by Hawai‘i’s largest block party at the 69th Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a on Sept. 23. The celebration concludes with the capstone 75^th Annual Floral Parade presented by ‘Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach on Sept. 30. 

Aloha Festivals 2023 Signature Events Schedule

Royal Court Investiture and Opening Ceremony
Sept. 9 from 4 – 6 p.m.: Coconut Grove at The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort

• The Royal Court Investiture and Opening Ceremony will kick off the month-long Aloha Festivals celebration with its treasured cultural protocols. The evening will begin with the Royal Court Investiture at the Coconut Grove located at The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort. In a stately ceremony that honors Hawaiʻi’s aliʻi (ruling chiefs), this year’s Aloha Festivals Royal Court will don regalia worn only by aliʻi of the highest rank. As representatives of Hawaiʻi’s past, the Aloha Festivals Royal Court ensures the festival is rooted in the most cherished traditions of Hawaiʻi. Following the Investiture, the Opening Ceremony at The Royal Grove at the neighboring Royal Hawaiian Center will feature hula and mele in the heart of Waikīkī, marking a spectacular start to the month of Aloha Festivals. 

69th Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a
Sept. 23 from 6 – 9:30 p.m.: Kalākaua Avenue

• Aloha Festivals hosts Hawai‘i’s premier block party with the 69th Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a. Unlike any other event, Waikīkī’s beachfront Kalākaua Avenue will come to life with booths highlighting Hawai‘i cuisine, crafts and culture. Attendees can taste the best of local flavors, peruse artisan-made crafts, and enjoy multiple stages of entertainment ranging from contemporary, high-energy genres to the sweet sounds of traditional Hawaiian music. 

75th Annual Floral Parade presented by ‘Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach
Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: From Ala Moana Park through Kalākaua Ave. to Kapi‘olani Park

• The 75th Annual Floral Parade presented by ‘Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach will conclude the Aloha Festivals with a colorful procession of Hawaiian culture through Waikīkī. As the state’s largest parade, intricate floats will be decorated with a rainbow of fresh flowers, men and women on horseback will showcase the traditional art of pāʻū riding, and participants from marching bands to civic leaders will display the unique aloha spirit that unites Hawai‘i’s community. 

“Now that the world has reopened, it’s time for us to reconnect, nurture and provide attention to our land here in Hawai‘i,” said Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, co-chair of Aloha Festivals. “At Aloha Festivals this year, we want to inspire everyone to get out, explore, and appreciate the beauty of our world and let it leave its mark on you.”

The mission of Aloha Festivals is to foster the aloha spirit through the perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture and the celebration of the diverse customs and traditions of Hawai‘i. 

Aloha Festivals 2023 is supported by title sponsor the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Other sponsors include Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort, ‘Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach, City & County of Honolulu, Hawaiian Airlines, Royal Hawaiian Center, and Hawaii’s Finest.  

For more information about Aloha Festivals, visit www.AlohaFestivals.com.

Aloha Festivals is seeking applicants for its 2023 Royal Court and participants in the Annual Floral Parade to be held on Sept. 30. Applications are available at www.AlohaFestivals.com/Participate.

Hawai‘i residents of native Hawaiian ancestry are invited to apply for the 2023 Aloha Festivals
Royal Court. The festival committee is seeking applicants for all positions on the court, including, Mō‘ī Kāne (King), Mō‘ī Wahine (Queen), Kamāli‘i Kāne (Prince), Kamāli‘i Wahine (Princess) and a variety of other attendant court positions.

The Royal Court is modeled after the Ali‘i courts of the past and will preside over all Aloha Festivals 2023 events. Participants have the special honor of perpetuating the royal legacy of the Hawaiian people.

“The Royal Court is a foundational element of the Aloha Festivals,” said Debbie Nakanelua-
Richards, co-chair of Aloha Festivals. “It provides a reminder to all who attend of the grandeur of Hawai‘i’s regal heritage, and connects each Aloha Festivals event to our people, culture, and
history.”

The court will begin their reign at the Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony on Sept. 9, 2023 with a ceremonial transfer of rule from the 2022 court to this year’s court members. The royal court will have a significant presence during Aloha Festivals’ various events throughout the month of September and their reign will extend until the succession of the next royal court in 2024.

In an effort to support the education of the next generation of native Hawaiians, Aloha Festivals
will award scholarships for post-high school education to those selected to the Kamāli‘i Kāne
and Kamāli‘i Wahine court positions. Kamāli‘i Kāne and Kamāli‘i Wahine applicants must be
between 16-20 years of age, and Mō‘ī Kāne and Mō‘ī Wahine applicants must be 35 years of
age or older.

The deadline for the Aloha Festivals Royal Court applications is July 15.

The festival committee also is accepting applications for the 75th Annual Floral Parade
presented by ‘Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach. On Sept. 30, the floral parade will
march from the ‘Ewa Entrance of Ala Moana Regional Park, through Kalākaua Avenue, to Queen
Kapi‘olani Regional Park.

“The Aloha Festivals Floral Parade embodies our vibrant culture in the islands, and it showcases the unity we share in the spirit of aloha,” said Sam Shenkus, co-chair of Aloha Festivals. “It is a remarkable showcase that brings together diverse communities and celebrates our traditions. We encourage local businesses and organizations to join us for the 75th annual parade.”

Building on last year’s theme, Aloha ‘Āina, Aloha Festivals will continue to explore the integral
relationship that all people have with the land with its 2023 theme Piliʻāina – to have kinship
with the land. Pili means to have a personal connection to or close relationship with someone
or something, and this theme will be reflected in the parade and throughout the Aloha Festivals
events.

Applications are being accepted for a variety of parade participants including marching bands,
floats, specialty cars, pāʻū equestrian units and specialty marching units. The deadline for these applications is Aug. 19.

The mission of Aloha Festivals is to foster the aloha spirit through the perpetuation of the
Hawaiian culture and the celebration of the diverse customs and traditions of Hawai‘i. For more
information about Aloha Festivals, visit www.AlohaFestivals.com.

The Events Calendar includes concerts, shows, entertainment, community events and outdoor/farmers markets.

Here is the Top 20 list of things to do for June 22-28.

No. 1 — 11th annual Hawai‘i Island LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Festival is back (June 24, Hilo)

The 11th annual Hawai‘i Island LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Festival is back on Saturday in downtown Hilo, with the parade beginning at 11 a.m. and including a variety of floats, music and individuals celebrating the month’s mission of raising awareness about equality.

But there are also many other events and activities around the island for Pride Weekend, which kicks off at 8 p.m. on June 23 with the Lava Shack in Pāhoa featuring Lava Phish, a monthly drag revue. Doors open at 7 p.m. and there is a $5 cover charge. For a comprehensive story about Pride Weekend, click here.

No. 2 — KATCHAFIRE

Hailing from New Zealand, KATCHAFIRE has become a global roots reggae phenomenon. The all-Maori reggae band has created a universal vibe, crafting their sound from the foundations of classic roots reggae with an R’n’B and funk rub, fusing modern dancehall and with slinky pop, cool grooves and uplifting vibes.

With five successful studio albums, multiple awards, platinum sales, high-selling singles and a massive fanbase selling out shows around the world, the band have been celebrating 20 years of existence as they tour their new “Legacy” album around the world. They will play on June 22 at KBXTREME in the Lanihau Center in Kona. Tickets are available online at www.tmrevents.net.

No. 3 — Honokaʻa Car Show with free showings of “Grease” (June 24, Honokaʻa)

Nothing says summer quite like a car show. On June 24, you can check out awesome trucks, cars, bikes, food and pop up vendors in downtown Honoka’a for the annual Andrade car show. There also will be two free showings of the movie “Grease” at the People’s Theater.

Temporary one-way traffic will be enforced on Māmane Street from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to accommodate participants attending the show. Grab your chair and cooler and sit back and enjoy the ride!

No. 4 — Rock musical “Rent” at Kahilu Theatre (June 24 & 25, Waimea)

The award-winning rock musical “Rent” will be performed on June 24 at 7 p.m. and on June 25 at 3 p.m. at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea.

“Rent” tells the story about a diverse group of friends and struggling artists chasing their dreams under the shadow of drug addictions and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The performance in Waimea is directed by Maikai Nash, choreographed by Angel Prince and has vocal direction by Val Underwood. For tickets – which cost between $25 and $45 – and more information, click here.

No. 5 — Keller Williams one-man jam band to play at People’s Theater (June 23, Honokaʻa)

Keller Williams is a one man jam band who is described as “electro-hippie acoustic downtempo dance looper!”

He is on tour in Hawaiʻi and will be playing on Friday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Honoka’a People’s Theatre, a historic theater in the heart of the east side town. For more information, click here.

No. 6 — Kona Kick Off marlin tournament (June 24 & 25, Kona)

The Kona Kick Off is the Second Event in the 2023 Hawaiʻi Marlin Tournament Series. The largest ahi, ono and mahi each earn 20% of the base purse. The event also includes a “Four Flags” tournament, with the largest marlin earning 40% of the base purse.

Registration begins on June 23, with fishing running from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 24 and 25. Learn more here.

No. 7 — Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park 62nd Anniversary and Annual Cultural Festival (June 24, Hōnaunau)

No. 8 — Greg Shirley’s Big Swing Band at Gertrudesʻs Jazz Bar (June 25, Kona)

Greg Shirley’s Big Swing delivers a snappy,  upbeat, swinging groove from the very first beat. Featuring a three-piece horn section and a full rhythm section, this seven-piece band performs covers by the likes of Big Bad Voodoo Daddies, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies and Brian Setzer Orchestra.

The band will play at Gertude’s Jazz Bar & Bistro in the heart of Kona on June 25 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. There is a $10 cover. Reservations can be made at yelp.com. Learn more here.

No. 9 — Creative Ceramics for teenagers with Joey Chiarello (Through 26-29)

Artist Joey Chiarello is teaching young students how to tell stories using figurative sculpture and surface decoration with this class. Students ages 13 to 17 can explore their ‘aumakua or spirit animal using cylinders made from clay slabs and hand building techniques that will inform movement, mood and style to further explore the limitless possibilities in their own work. 

The class runs June 26-29 at the Donkey Mill Art Center in Hōlualoa. It costs $235 for members and $295 for nonmembers, with a $30 supply fee. For more information and to register, click here.

No. 10 — Juneteenth Jam Session at Kukuau Studio (June 23, Hilo)

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Local musicians will be performing in honor of the day of recognition on June 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Kukuau Studio at 43 Kukuau Street in Hilo.

Yuma Long & an All-Star band will host the event that will get you on the dance floor with blues, rock, hip-hop performances, jams and cyphers. It costs $10 at the door. Find out more here.

No. 11 — Summer Solstice Sound Healing and Midsummer Dance (June 25, Pāhoa)

A summer solstice festivity with sound healing and an easy midsummer dance will be held complete with Tibetan bowls on June 25 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Maka’i Studio in Leilani Estates in Pāhoa.

The summer solstice is a time to celebrate the sun and marks the first official day of summer as the longest day of the year with the most sunlight. The solstice has been observed for thousands of years by people all over the world, celebrating the sun and the life it gives. It costs $10. To learn more and RSVP, click here.

No. 12 — Community Meal at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church (June 26, Kapa’au)

The St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Kapa’au is hosting a Community Meal on June 26 from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. They will be serving kalua pork and cabbage with rice.

You can also volunteer at this event if you’re looking to do some good in your community.

No. 13 — Super Secret Comedy Show on Taco Tuesday (June 27, Kona)

If taco Tuesday is your thing, make sure to check out the Super Secret Comedy Show at the Kona Elk’s Lodge on June 27 at 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy cheap tacos ($10) and a few laughs. Check it out.

No. 14 — Kiwanis Kūpuna Spelling Bee in East Hawaiʻi (June 24, Hilo)

The Kiwanis Club of East Hawaiʻi is hosting the 2nd Annual Kiwanis Kūpuna Spelling Bee preliminary at Hawai’i Island Adult Care, 561 Kupuna Place in Hilo on June 24 at 9 a.m.

The competition is for kūpuna 60 and up. Registration is closed, but you can watch the event. The top three finalists will be flown to Oʻahu, along with a companion, to compete in the state final on July 29.  The winner of the July 29 Bee will receive airfare for two on Alaska Airlines and hotel accommodations at the California Hotel in Las Vegas.

No. 15 — 6th Annual Mālama Nā Keiki Festival at Pahala Community Center (June 24, Kaʻū)

The family-friendly 6th annual Mālama Nā Keiki Festival will be held at the Pahala Community Center for a variety of games and fun on June 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is being put on by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi, a nonprofit that focuses on improving the health and wellbeing of Hawai’i Island residents. Learn more here.

No. 16— Live Music with Genesis at SCP Hotel (June 25, Hilo)

In Hilo, the Soul Community Planet Hotel hosts a variety of live music and events during the week. This weekend you can check out  Live Music with Genesis Pua-Kaipo and enjoy the sweet sounds against the backdrop of Hilo’s waters.

Find out more here.

No. 17— Food Truck Friday at Tony Honda (June 23, Kona)

It’s another Food Truck Friday at Tony Honda in Kona. It runs from 4 to 7:30 p.m. and includes a variety of vendors and live music.

Here’s a look at the schedule.

No. 18 — Throwback Thursday features “Paris is Burning” (June 22, Hilo)

For Throwback Thursday, Palace Theater in Hilo is shwoing the classic film “Paris is Burning” at 7 p.m. The cost is $10 general admission, and $9 for seniors, students and veterans.

The 1990 documentary focuses on balls, vouging and the ambitions and dreams of those who gave the era it s warmth and vitality.

No. 19 — Waipiʻo Valley paint party at the Olivia Clare Boutique (June 24, Kona)

The Olivia Claire Boutique is holding a Waipiʻo Valley paint party on June 24 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Kona Loft at 74-5606 Pawai Place, Bay 5, in Kailua-Kona).

The event is led by artist Tia Starr Whiteaker. Guests will be painting their own versions of an art piece titled “Waipi’o Valley” on a 12″ x 16″ canvas they can keep. It costs $65 and includes all materials. It’s also BYOB. For information and to reserve a spot, click here.

No. 20 — Roll Bounce Skate Night at Old Airport’s Skate Rink (June 26, Kona)

The Pa’apono Volleyball Club is hosting a Roll Bounce Skate Night on June 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Old Airport’s Skate Rink. The event includes music, lights, concession and a raffle. It’s $5 in advance or $10 at the door. For tickets, click here.

Kings’ Shops in Waikōloa Beach Resort has launched its new live entertainment experience, the “Fires Of Polynesia.”

The free performance, presented by Tiana Productions, is designed to showcase the strength and beauty of the dancers while wielding the hypnotic power of fire.

“Fires of Polynesia” plays on the first and last Fridays of each month at 7:30 p.m. on Center Stage. The Kingsʻ Shops are located at 250 Waikōloa Beach Dr. in Waikōloa.

The “Fires of Polynesia” is hosted by Stephanie “Aunty Tutu” Lindsey and brother Kaleo Lindsey. They take the audience on a huakaʻi (voyage) from the flaming torches and fire fans of Tahiti, to the fire poi balls of New Zealand, volcanic fires of Hawai‘i and breathtaking fire knife of Sāmoa.

The Lindseys are fourth-generation Hawaiian entertainers, musicians, kumu hula and dancers. Stephanie Lindsey has worked for some of the finest resorts and lu‘au shows in Hawai‘i, and is also a wedding officiant.

“We are delighted to be able to bring this original production to Kings’ Shops,” said Cheryl Beckley, marketing and local leasing manager. “The pandemic put our live entertainment programs on pause for a while, but now we can once again welcome visitors and residents to come and enjoy dinner, a little shopping, and a Polynesian dance show that is really something special.”

For more information about Kings’ Shops, visit: www.kingsshops.com.

Big Island kupuna are invited to the upcoming Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee presented by Alaska Airlines.

The competition is open to Hawai’i residents, 60 years and older.

The Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee preliminary event on Hawai‘i Island will be held on June 24 at 9 a.m. at Hawai’i Island Adult Care.

To participate and receive a Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee t-shirt, interested participants are asked to register and pay a $25 registration fee at Kupunaspellingbee.com by May 31. Net proceeds from this annual event will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.

First, second, and third place winners from each preliminary contest will receive medal and be eligible to compete in the Kiwanis Kupuna Spelling Bee Finals on July 29 at 1 p.m. at Lanakila Multipurpose Center. The grand prize winner will receive prizes, including a trip for two to any destination Alaska Airlines flies.

For more information or sponsorship opportunities, email kiwaniskupunaspellingbee@gmail.com or contact the Hawai‘ Island preliminary spelling bee organizers at 808-937-1231.

The statewide Hawaiʻi Coffee Association is perking with its upcoming annual conference June 15-17 at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa in Līhu‘e.

The event will include a new Latte Art Throwdown, plus interactive workshops on cupping, roasting, green grading, brewing, grinding and field grafting. Also on tap are seminars on coffee fermentation and roast theory.

The gathering is open to the public.

Marc Marquez will be the keynote speaker. He is director of Savor Brands and a Certified Q Grader who leads Savor’s coffee-focused initiatives throughout the world.

In 2022, he launched the Pono Collective, a series of educational experiences to introduce Hawaiʻi coffees from a holistic approach.

In addition, the Hawaiʻi Coffee Association will host its 14th annual Statewide Coffee Cupping Competition with winners announced June 16. Attendees are invited to sample the top scoring coffee from each growing region.

Competition coffees will be blindly cupped using the Specialty Coffee Association’s scoring system. Qualifying entries will be accepted through May 3 and Pacific Coffee Research in Kona is overseeing the competition. Complete rules and entry forms may be found on the Hawaii Coffee Association’s website.

Local baristas will vie in the first Latte Art Throwdown competition June 17 at Collab Café in Kapa‘a. A panel of judges will choose the best latte art pours as baristas compete toe-to-toe in a bracket competition. This event is open to the public; admission is free.

“This year’s conference offers both informative and fun activities,” said Hawaiʻi Coffee Association Executive Director Chris Manfredi. “In addition to the dozen breakout educational opportunities, we’ll provide updates on the latest industry research, legislative issues and coffee traceability, plus panel discussions on Coffee Leaf Rust and farm profitability. Attendees will also enjoy a trade show, silent auction and plenty of networking opportunities.”

Register for the conference here. Sponsorship and trade show exhibitor opportunities are available and silent auction donations are welcome.

Find the official rules and required entry form for the Cupping Competition here.

Kalani Retreat Center in Pāhoa is offering a new series of free community classes called “Grow Resilience.”

The free classes will take place every other Tuesday until Sept. 19. They run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center, located at 12-6860 Kalapana Kapoho Rd.

The classes will focus on growing your own food, the importance of native crops and canoe species, and methods for more sustainable living. 

Attendees also can participate in the Kalani community’s Garden Club from 9 to 11 a.m. for a hands-on learning experience that ties into the lessons from the series.

The “Grow Resilience” class series is made possible through partnerships with Vibrant Hawaiʻi and an array of facilitators, including people with the Hawaʻi Farmers Union United network.

Visitors can learn more about the speakers and class schedules as the series progresses by visiting kalani.com/grow-resilience.