Festivals, feasts and volunteer opportunities coming to Big Island throughout summer

The Island of Hawaiʻi Visitors Bureau is highlighting the volunteer work of visitors and residents, which has had a significant effect in preserving and protecting the Big Island’s natural world for generations to come.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau makes it easy for visitors to discover volunteer opportunities on the Hawaiian Islands. Check out www.gohawaii.com/malama to learn about volunteer activities on the Big Island. They include Body Glove Cruises’ Snorkel and Ocean Debris Cleanup on the Kona Coast; the Hawai‘i Forest and Trail’s Maunakea Summit and Stars Giveback Experience; and more.

Other upcoming events and activities on the Big Island include the following:

• Parker Ranch Annual Fourth of July Rodeo and Horse Races
  Paniolo (cowboys) compete in multiple events including horse racing, ranch mugging, team roping and more. The community is invited to enjoy crafts and food from local vendors and keiki activities including a petting zoo. For more information, visit ParkerRanch.com.
  
• Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race
  Adopt a rubber duckie to benefit the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawai‘i this Independence Day. The first 50 finishers and last-place duckie win prizes. Additional highlights include live entertainment, free keiki activities, merchant offers and more. For more information, visit UnitedCerebralPalsyHawaii.org.
  
• Independence Day at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
  A local-style feast and offshore fireworks display. Tickets are on sale to the public now and can be purchased online. Reservations are required. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
  
• 40th Annual Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Hawaiian Cultural Festival
  The free July 20 event will feature local performers, hula and Hawaiian arts and craft demonstrations. Visitors will also learn about local conservation efforts through interactive exhibits. For more information, click here.

• Experience Volcano Festival
  A July 27-28 celebration of the culture, people and traditions that make the Volcano Village area of the Big Island so unique. For more information, visit ExperienceVolcano.com.
  
• Pūʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site’s 52nd Anniversary & Annual Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival
  Festivities, set for Aug. 17-18, will include a hoʻokupu (ceremonial gift giving), multiple workshops and demonstrations showcasing traditional Hawaiian arts and crafts, and more. For more information, visit NPS.gov/PuHe.
  
• 2024 Native Hawaiian Convention
  Set for Sept. 17 through 19 at Hilton Waikoloa Village, this three-day event offers an opportunity for residents and visitors to connect, learn and immerse themselves in the vibrancy of the Hawaiian culture and its heritage. For more information, click here.
  
• Queens’ Culinary Market
  Attendees can engage with local farmers and chefs, enjoy live music and experience a shopping atmosphere celebrating all things local. The Queens’ Culinary Market launches in June and will happen on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. For more information, click here.
  
• Kona Salt Farm & the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project
  Discover the Hawaiian craft of salt making at Kona Salt Farm and support conservation efforts through its give-back program, the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project. For more information, click here.