Top 10 things to do on Big Island for July 11-17: Follow the Yellow Brick Road, get reacquainted with the Bard, beat the summer heat and more

From beach cleanups to a timeless trip down the Yellow Brick Road and Shakespeare on the lawn, plenty is going on during the next 7 days around the Big Island.

There’s even a business panel coming up next week full of experts who will talk about opportunities to do business on the island and workshops for keiki interested in learning about performing arts.

If none of that strikes your interest, then check out music from an iconic local slack-key guitarist who will be performing at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park or go beat the summer heat with some fun at the pop-up waterpark in Kailua-Kona.

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

No. 1 — Hawai’i Island Business Panel (Hilo, July 12)

When: Noon to 3 p.m.

Location: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Drive

Pacific Business News is coming to Hilo. Get insights from a panel of experts about current business issues on Hawai’i Island. Topics will include opportunities to do business on the Big Island, strategies for recruitment and retention, exploring sustainable tourism, the economic outlook for the island and more.

Panel experts will be Bonnie Irwin, chancellor of the University of Hawai’i at Hilo; David Kurohara, president-elect of the Hawai’i Island Chamber of Commerce; Geoff Pearson, general manager of OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa; Matthew Pickett, general manager of Hilo Hawaiian Hotel; and Toby Taniguchi, president and CEO of KTA Super Stores.

The event is co-hosted by the Island of Hawai’i YMCA. To register, click here. For more information or any questions, contact Rose Balagtas at 808-955-8072 or via email at rbalagtas@bizjournals.com.

No. 2 — “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)” (Hilo, beginning July 12)

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, July 12-28

Location: University of Hawai’i at Hilo Performing Arts Center lawn, 200 W. Kāwili St.

This hilarious and fast-paced production headlines this year’s 47th annual Shakespeare in the Park Festival. The critically acclaimed play condenses all of the Bard’s timeless works into a whirlwind of comedic delight.

The Big Island show, adapted for all ages and perfect for a summer outing, stars some of Hilo’s best talent including Sean Douglas, Wilfred Gee, Saul Rollason and Theon Weber, with special guest John Kooistra. There also will be three shows at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2-3 and 2:30 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Honokaʻa Sports Complex located at 45-541 Lehua St. in Honokaʻa.

Admission is free; however, donations are greatly appreciated. Guests are encouraged to bring their own seating, such as mats, blankets and chairs to comfortably enjoy the outdoor performances.

So no matter if you’re an aficionado of the Bard or new to his works, come celebrate the magic of Shakespeare under the stars with the Hilo Community Players. The festival promises something for everyone. For more information, click here.

No. 3 — Hōlualoa Bay Beach Cleanup (Banyans surfing area, July 13)

When: 9 a.m. to noon

Location: Lymans and Banyans beaches, Hōlualoa Bay

Clean Rewards has partnered with local businesses and Kākoʻo Zahz Hewlen, a candidate for Hawai‘i County Council District 7, to host a beach cleanup at two of the most beloved surf spots and beaches in Kona.

Come out and help while collecting rewards for every hour you pick up trash. Then, use those rewards like cash at the participating businesses, which include a variety of restaurants and shops. This incredible model gets people engaged, stimulates local economy and keeps trash out of the ocean.

Meet at the Lymans parking area, located at 77-6335 Ali’i Drive in Kailua-Kona. Look for the pop-up tents with blue and orange buckets. Register to participate by clicking here or in person at the check-in station the morning of the event.

No. 4 — International Shark Day Film and Benefit Event (Kailua-Kona, July 13)

When: 4 p.m.

Location: Kona Elks Lodge 2616, 75-170 Hualālai Road

Big Island divers, surfers, swimmers and ocean lovers are invited to join Shark Stewards in celebration of the beauty and importance of sharks while helping a community education organization in Miloli’i during this special event featuring shark films.

Films will include Brittany Bigg’s brilliant animation “Manō,” Shark Steward’s “Kahu Manō: Guardians of the Shark” and others, created entirely in Hawai’i.

A suggested $10 donation is requested. Additional food and drink will be available for sale courtesy of the Elks Kona Lodge. Proceeds will benefit Kalanihale.org. Click here for additional information and advance tickets.

No. 5 — “Shakespeare Shorts” (Hilo, beginning July 13)

When: 4 and 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, July 13-28

Location: University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Performing Arts Center lawn, 200 W. Kāwili St.

This family-friendly production offers a delightful introduction to Shakespeare’s works for younger audiences. It is also part of this year’s 47th annual Shakespeare in the Park Festival and features a cast of incredible youth, teen and adult performers.

Admission is free. Donations are greatly appreciated, however, and support the Hilo Community Players. Guests are encouraged to bring their own seating, such as mats, blankets and chairs, to comfortably enjoy the outdoor performances.

Come out and enjoy these entertaining adaptations of Shakespeare’s classics while celebrating the magic of the Bard under the stars. For more information, click here.

No. 6 — “The Coronation of Poppea” (Waimea, July 13-14)

When: 3 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Stage director Scott Skiba puts a modern twist on Monteverdi’s classic and timeless masterpiece by setting it in present-day and drawing inspiration from graphic novels, comics and iconic films such as “Sin City,” bringing audiences into the gritty underworld of organized crime and corrupt politics.

Prepare to be enthralled by a chamber ensemble of period instruments as themes of morality, loyalty, revenge and power struggles come alive in a way reminiscent of “The Godfather” trilogy while lust, love, betrayal and revenge collide as Poppea schemes to become the new empress at any cost. Sung in Italian with English dialogue and supertitles.

The show is part of the 20th anniversary season of the Hawai’i Performing Arts Festival. The theme for this year’s festival is “A Season of Celebration.” Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased online.

No. 7 — Get Behind the Scenes and Make Your Own Musical! (Kainaliu, beginning July 15)

When: July 15 through Aug. 2; showcases Aug. 1

Location: Aloha Theatre, 79-7384 Māmalahoa Highway

These two summer camps are perfect for keiki interested in performing arts — on stage and behind the scenes.

Teens from 13 to 18 years old are invited behind the scenes to write original scripts and learn about stage management, lighting and sound design, costumes, makeup, props and set building. Camp participants will also document their projects, the ideas behind their designs and the hands-on creation process.

In the other camp, two age groups — inventors ages 7 to 11 years old and creators ages 13 to 18 years old — will support the productions of their counterparts and each original show will be performed twice on Aug. 1. Both groups will explore what goes into making a musical from scratch and working closely with composers, choreographers and vocal directors. Youth performers will build their final production from the ground up.

Classes will be 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with study hall options available for before and aftercare. For more information, including cost and registration for both camps, click here. You can also contact education director Roxanne Fox via email at roxanne@alohatheatre.com.

No. 8 — Splish Splash Summer (Kailua-Kona, July 17)

When: Noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, July 17, 24 and 31

Location: Kona Commons Shopping Center, 74-5450 Makala Boulevard

Beat the summer heat and enjoy a day of water-filled fun each Wednesday for the rest of the month for the second year at this fun-filled pop-up waterpark designed to delight guests of all ages.

This free community event features exciting water slides; fun games including a water bottle zone, kiddie car wash, toss games and more; and a variety of activities. Food and refreshments are also part of the fun, such as delicious treats and refreshing beverages to keep you energized throughout the day.

It’s not only a chance to have fun and connect with the community but to make lasting summer memories. For more information, click here.

No. 9 — “The Wizard of Oz” (Hilo, July 17)

When: 2:30 p.m.; doors, box office and concessions open at 2 p.m.

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

Take a walk and follow the Yellow Brick Road to relive the magic of this timeless classic at the historic Palace Theater.

Follow the adventure of young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto after they’re swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, the only one who can return her to her home and fulfill the others’ wishes.

Tickets are $10 general admission or $9 for seniors, students and veterans and can be purchased in advance online. This is part of the Palace’s ongoing series of bringing timeless classics back to the big screen, presented by AARP.

No. 10 — John Keawe in Concert (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, July 17)

When: 7 to 8 p.m.

Location: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium, 1 Crater Rim Drive

Come listen to Hawaiian music played by this iconic Grammy-award-winning and well-known local kihoʻalu (slack-key) guitarist, composer and recording artist. Born in Hāwī in North Kohala on the Big Island, Keawe also has multiple Nā Hoku Hanohano awards under his belt.

This concert is part of the park’s Nā Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices of Hawaiian Music” series.

The show is free, but park entrance fees apply.