Top 10 things to do on Big Island for July 11-17: Women’s Ministry Group Rummage Sale, Hilo Brewfest, Hilo Hawaiian Music Festival and more

You know, the top 10 often includes many of the big ticket events, festivals and activities happening each week around the Big Island, compiled in a tidy list for you, our awesome readers, to check out all the deets.

That’s “details,” for anyone 40 and older in case you didn’t know, since the word’s first known use wasn’t until 1986.

We also frequently highlight them in our introduction.

Don’t fret. Several of those larger events and activities are included this week, but we’re starting off by taking a road less traveled, if you will.

We decided to spotlight an event that might be considered by many to be somewhat on the small side; however, it’s one we think is definitely just as big ticket as any other because of its purpose.

On the calendar this weekend — and the second Sunday of every month — is a stellar sale hosted by the Women’s Ministry Group at Puna Seventh-day Adventist Church.

It’s an opportunity for you to discover some truly unique treasures at bargain prices and connect with your fellow community members at the same time. Plus, the women’s group members get to declutter their homes a little.

There will be a varity of items up for grabs such as clothing, household goods, toys and much more.

The best part: It’s all for a good cause. This rummage sale promotes sustainability, community engagement and raises funds for local and international causes.

It’s a win-win-win situation.

Other upcoming events to note include the 12th annual Hilo Brewfest, Hilo Hawaiian Music Festival, a free screening of the documentary “Sugarcane” and 12th activation of the Revitalize Puna initiative.

There’s definitely something for everyone — at least we think so. Take a look. We think you will, too.

Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for July 11-17.

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No: 1 — Free screening of “Sugarcane” and live panel discussion (Hilo, July 11)

When: 7 p.m.; doors, box office and concessions open at 6:30 p.m.

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

A groundbreaking investigation exposes a shocking cover-up of cultural genocide perpetrated by the Catholic Church and government, illuminating the enduring love, beauty and courage of an indigenous community. A stunning tribute to the resilience of native people and their way of life, this feature documentary is an epic cinematic portrait of a community during a moment of international reckoning. Rated R. Live panel discussion with directors Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie plus documentary participant Ed Archie NoiseCat will follow the screening.

More info/RSVP: Visit the Palace Theater website.

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No: 2 — Eli-Mac Live in Concert (Hilo, July 11)

When: 7 to 11:30 p.m.

Location: The Crown Room, Grand Naniloa Hotel, 93 Banyan Drive

Prepare for an unforgettable night of live music and good vibes filled with powerful vocals, fierce energy and a fearless blend of reggae, soul and hip-hop through a bold, raw sound that is uniquely Eli-Mac. Revel in an evening filled with music, passion and soulful vibes. Come early, grab a drink and get ready to enjoy a spectacular show in the heart of paradise. Must be 18 years old or older to attend. General admission is $46.59, including all fees and taxes.

More info/tickets: Visit PromoTix.

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No: 3 — 12th activation of the Revitalize Puna initiative: Community Preparedness & Resilience (Pāhoa, July 12)

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

Location: William “Billy” Kenoi District Park Gym, 15-3022 Kauhale St.

Puna community members are invited — and encouraged — to join this free community-driven effort launched in 2021 to support Puna’s resilience and long-term recovery following the 2018 Kīlauea lower East Rift Zone eruption. The event will feature disaster preparedness resources and demonstrations; updates about recovery infrastructure projects, including Pohoiki boat ramp restoration; as well as family activities, plant giveaways and community meals.

More info/registration: You can register in advance at Eventbrite. Visit the Hawai‘i County Kīlauea Eruption Recovery website for more about Revitalize Puna.

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No: 4 — Hilo Hawaiian Music Festival (Hilo, July 12)

When: Noon until pau; doors, box office and concessions open at 11 a.m.

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

Everyone is invited, from keiki to kūpuna, to Downtown Hilo’s historic Old Dame herself for one of the best music festivals of the year, featuring all Hawaiian music. What a lineup, too. The Palace Theater stage will be graced with the likes of some of the most talented local musicians: Mark Yamanaka, Sonny Lim, Kevin Brown, Ipo Kumukahi, Kris Fuchigami, Lopaka Kenoi, Kehau Tamure, Kihei Ahuna, Rick n Ricky boy Alaniz of Mokuleo, Rick J., JJ Ahuna, Victor Chock, Dwight Tokumoto, Ben Kaili and many others. Festival emcee is none other than songbird of Hawai‘i Christy Leina‘ala Lassiter, the newly named 2025 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Female Vocalist of the Year. Tickets are just $15 pesale or $20 at the door.

More info/tickets: Visit the Hilo Hawaiian Music Festival website. Presale tickets also are available at Basically Books and Hilo Town Tavern in Hilo.

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No: 5 — 12th annual Hilo Brewfest (Hilo, July 12)

When: 2 to 5:15 p.m. general admission

Location: Hilo Yacht Club, 77 Laehala St.

Get ready for a day to remember with amazing live music from Sudden Rush, Girls Night Out, and Body & Soul paired with more than 70 individual flavors of craft beers, seltzers and ciders from 35 breweries to sample; tasty dishes from 15 local restaurants and food vendors; plus a stunning ocean view on the grounds of Hilo Yacht Club. Join the Rotary Club of Hilo for the 2025 installment of this popular suds celebration, with proceeds to benefit Hilo Benioff Medical Center’s physician training, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center and Aloha ‘Īlio Rescue. Must be 21 years old or older to attend and present valid ID at the gate. General admission is $75. Designated drivers can get tickets for just $50.

More info/tickets: Visit the Hilo Brewfest website.

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No: 6 — “The Marriage of Figaro” (Waimea, July 12-13)

When: 3 p.m. both days

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Schemes, secrets and sharp wit collide in one of the world’s most frequently performed operas, composed by Mozart and bursting with unforgettable music and lively mischief. Sung in Italian with English supertitles, the production is presented by Hawai‘i Performing Arts Festival, featuring a full orchestra. You can even add a Behind the Curtain experience for free, getting behind the scenes for a candid preshow conversation with the creative team. Tickets start at $40.

More info/tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

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No: 7 — Live reggae concert with Josh Heinrichs, Fortunate Youth and 77Jefferson plus guests (Kailua-Kona, July 12)

When: 4:30 to 11 p.m.; doors open at 3:30 p.m.

Location: Willie’s Hot Chicken, Suites 1 and 2, 74-5599 Pāwai Place

Don’t miss this chance to see three of the biggest names in reggae on one stage for one night only on the Big Island and in Hawai‘i. This concert will feature a full band experience, with horn sections, keys, percussion and nothing but good times. Guests of the artists also will take the stage to get the crowd pumped before 77Jefferson gets the ball rolling at 6 p.m. followed by Josh Heinrichs at 7:30 p.m. and Fortunate Youth closing out the night beginning at 9 p.m. All ages welcome. General admission starts at $39. VIP experiences available for those 21 years old and older.

More info/tickets: Visit Eventbrite.

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No: 8 — Women’s Ministry Group Rummage Sale (Kea‘au, July 13)

When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Puna Seventh-day Adventist Church, 15-1530 Kaloli Drive

Could there be any better way to spend a Sunday than snagging great deals while you connect with the community and help a good cause, too? If your answer is it is the best, then this women’s ministry group has an event designed and tailored just right for you. This rummage sale provides an excellent chance for the group’s members to declutter their homes while allowing community members to discover unique treasures and bargains, typically featuring a wide variety of items for sale, including clothing, household goods, toys and more. The event also promotes community engagement, sustainability and fundraising efforts for local and international causes. The group hosts rummage sales the second Sunday of each month.

More info: Contact Puna Seventh-day Adventist Church at 808-238-7607.

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No: 9 — Kahuku Unit guided hike (Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, July 13)

When: 9:30 a.m.

Location: Meet at the Kahuku Visitor Contact Station (turn into Kahuku, near the 70.5-mile marker on Highway 11 in Kaʻū, about an hour from the park’s main entrance)

Ranger-guided hikes are back every Sunday in July. Learn about the Kaʻū field system during the “Farming the Rock” guided hike. Walk along an old ranch road to the remnants of the Kahuku field system and discover how Hawaiians farmed this area to feed the large population of Kaʻū, long before Western contact. Free.

More info: Call Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park at 808-985-6011.

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No: 10 — Robotics: Rolling and Flying (Waikōloa, July 14-18)

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day

Location: Hawai‘i Keiki Museum, K104, 69-250 Waikōloa Beach Drive

Kids ages 8 to 18 years old will embark on a robotics adventure starting with rolling robots featuring the same gyroscopic technology as BB-8 from the “Star Wars” sequels. Participants will dive into the basics of programming robots, merging coding with play. Then they’ll explore the skies using drones. Robots unleash creativity, problem-solving and the excitement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics exploration in this dynamic and fun-filled experience. No coding experience needed. Cost is $250 per child.

More info/registration: Visit the Hawai‘i Keiki Museum website.

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Check for yourself to see what’s happening around the Big 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.

• Willy’s Hot Chicken, Kailua-Kona: https://willieshotchicken.com/
• 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/