Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Aug. 8-14: Getting out the youth vote, telling stories from where they live, eating invasive plants, welcoming canoe racers and more

Sure. The 2024 Hawai‘i primary election is this Saturday. But that doesn’t mean the Big Island is taking a break from keeping you entertained, active and engaged.

One of the upcoming events is election-related; there’s a sign-waving and youth “get out the vote” affair this Friday that encourages Native Hawaiian and other indigenous students to make their voices heard by returning their ballots at the Hawai‘i County Building on Aupuni Street in Hilo.

That evening, the historic Palace Theater in downtown Hilo is hosting another special storytelling session and this time is the Hilo edition. It will feature a diverse group of community members who will share their stories from living on the east side of the Big Island.

The weekend brings a novel notion for how to deal with invasive plants on the island. Why not learn which ones to eat as a way to take care of the problem? Danya Weber from Laulima Nature Center is hosting a workshop in Mountain View to teach people how to ID more than 20 common invasive plants.

There’s also a couple of keiki volleyball camps still going on at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo if your kids want to learn more skills on the court.

Two cultural opportunities are upcoming as well — the Hana Noʻeau Hawaiian Arts Festival is this weekend at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and the 2024 IVF World Sprint Championships return next week to Hilo for the first time since 2004.

Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for Aug. 8-14.

Oh! There’s a couple of extra items at the end of this week’s top 10 we thought each deserved to be spotlighted as more of a stand-alone event. Be sure to check those out too.

No. 1 — Walk to the Box (Hilo, Aug. 9)

When: 11:15 a.m.

Location: Sign-waving along Kamehameha Avenue at Wailoa River State Recreation Area followed by walking to the Hawai‘i County Building at 25 Aupuni St. to drop off ballots

Kaiāulu Votes, an initiative that includes Kamehameha Schools, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement and sveral other Native Hawaiian organizations, strives to inspire Native Hawaiians to make their voices heard and vote, encouraging civic engagement ahead of the Aug. 10 Hawaiʻi primary election.

Participants including first-time voters from area schools will sign-wave along Hilo Bayfront near before heading to the county building to return their primary ballots. Walk to the Box events will also be conducted simultaneously on Oʻahu and Maui.

Kaiāulu Votes is an inclusive Native Hawaiian-led movement of indigenous, kama‘āina and first-time voters. It focuses on rallying first-time voters, partnering with schools throughout the islands including Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha Schools Maui, Kanu o ka Aina Public Charter School, Kanuikapono Public Charter School, Ka ʻŪmeke Kāʻeo Public Charter School, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Pūʻōhala, the University of Hawaiʻi Office of the Vice President for Community Colleges and Windward Community College.

No. 2 — Hawaiʻi Storytellers: Where I Live — Hilo (Hilo, Aug. 9)

When: 6 to 7:30 p.m.; doors open at 5 p.m. for registration, interactive activities and pre-purchase of items at the concession stand; entertainment by Genesis “Pililani” Pua-Kaipo begins at 5:45 p.m.
Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

Civil Beat is excited to bring you another place-based talk story session — Hilo edition.

The event features a diverse group of community members from the east side of Hawaiʻi Island and will be hosted by Civil Beat editor-at-large Naka Nathaniel, who is also one of the storytellers in the lineup.

Other community members who will be telling their stories are Andrew Hara, photographer, cinematographer and co-founder and partner of visual media agency Tetrachrome; singer-songwriter Genesis “Pililani” Pua-Kaipo; Kaycee Nathaniel with Kawamoto General Store; retired public official, lei maker, painter and first child adopte from Japan and brought to Hilo Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd; Keoni Kaholoʻaʻā, park ranger a Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park; and Duck Fat food truck owner Joe O’Connell.

Tickets are $10. Seating is open. If you can’t make it to the live event, a free recording will be sent to everyone who registers. To purchase tickets in advance or register to receive a recording, click here.

No. 3 — Hilo Volleyball Camps (Hilo, Aug. 10)

When: 8 a.m. to noon for grades 9-12; 1 to 3 p.m. for grades K-5

Location: University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Vulcan Gym, 200 W. Kāwili St.

University of Hawai‘i at Hilo volleyball coaches will be back at the net later this week give the skill levels of Big Island keiki a bump and set them up for success on the court. Two Vulcan women’s volleyball camps still have openings.

The girls high school camp is geared toward intermediate and advanced players. Campers will learn multiple skills including passing, setting, attacking, serving, blocking, footwork and more through individual and small group exercises leading into competitive drills and game play.

Meant for beginners and novices in just their first few years of the sport, the elementary camp will teach boys and girls multiple skills from passing and setting to attacking, serving, footwork and more, focusing on fundamentals with an introduction to game play.

UH coaches providing the instruction will be Chris Leonard, Ecko Osorio, Zoe Leonard and Makamae Namahoe. Participants should bring all necessary personal volleyball equipment such as shoes, socks, knee pads, refillable water bottle, etc. Meals also will not be provided.

Cost to attend the high school camp is $85 and $64 for the elementary clinic. Deadline to register is 11:59 p.m. today. Click on the preceding hyperlinks to register and for additional information.

No. 4 — Eat The Weeds (Mountain View, Aug. 10)

When: 10 to 11 a.m.

Location: Koana, 18-1325 Old Volcano Road

Here’s a green gastric guardianship goal: Let’s rid the Big Island of invasive plants by eating our way through them. Join Danya Weber from Laulima Nature Center to learn how to identify more than 20 common invasive plants during this workshop hosted by Koana.

The workshop will also include an interactive presentation about foraging basics and safety. You must RSVP to attend, and your $20 donation supports the nonprofit nature center, which is focused on protecting native Hawaiian biodiversity.

To register, click here. For more information, call 808-209-6886 or email aloha@laulimanaturecenter.com.

No. 5 — Hana Noʻeau Hawaiian Arts Festival (Hilo, Aug. 10-11)

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Moku Ola Ballroom, Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Drive

Nā Mākua again presents this special event celebrating the Hawaiian culture and arts that highlight the islands’ master artists and producers sharing their noʻeau (art) and manaʻo (ideas).

There will be cultural demonstrations on lauhala weaving, ʻohe kāpala, Hawaiian weapons, lei hulu, lāʻau lapaʻau, nā kiʻi carving, lei making and makahiki games. A wide selection of Hawaiian arts, crafts and products made in Hawaiʻi by local artists and producers will be featured along with island designers Nā Mākua, Wahine Toa and Living Hula.

Hawaiian entertainment will also be performed both days. Darlene Ahuna, Christy Lassiter and Lito Arkangel are in Saturday’s lineup. Gavien Mata, Harold Kama Jr. and Makaiwai Kanui offer their musical talents Sunday for festival-goers.

And what would a festival focused on everything Hawaiian be if it didn’t include ʻono Hawaiian food? Admission is free. For more information, contact the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel at 808-935-9361 or email to puna@namakua.com.

No. 6 — Pāhoa Art & Music Night (Pāhoa, Aug. 10)

When: 5 to 8 p.m.

Location: The Veli, 15-2958 Pāhoa Village Road

This monthly event at one of Puna’s newest and hottest eateries features local musicians and artists to complement a marvelous menu of ‘ono grindz, great vibes, awesome art and magnificent music all curated by Big Island talents, entertainers and creatives.

Whatever you do, don’t miss your opportunity to get in on this night of 100% plant-based cuisine to taste the healthy and delicious side of life while enjoying the live music and local art scene, mingling with neighbors, friends and even a new connection or two in the process.

Are you a musician who wants to showcase your music during this weekend’s event? Email a link to your music to the restaurant at TheVeliPahoa@gmail.com.

Screenshot from Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevelipahoa/

No. 7 — Free Microchip and On-site Licensing (Hawaiian Paradise Park, Aug. 11)

When: 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Hawaiian Paradise Park Community Center, 15-1570 Maku‘u Drive

Hawai‘i law requires every cat and dog be microchipped. Hawai‘i County law stipulates that dogs on the Big Island must be licensed.

The Hawai‘i County Animal Control and Protection Agency, which is celebrating its 1-year anniversary this year, is offering this event to help island residents get their furry friends and family members up to code. You’ll also be able to meet the agency’s adoption partner organizations.

Microchipping will be at no charge. Registration is $2.10 for spayed and neutered dogs or $6.10 for intact dogs. For more information, contact Animal Control at 808-327-3558.

No. 8 — 2024 IVF World Sprint Championships (Hilo, Aug. 13-24)

When: Various times; races start at 8 a.m. on race days

Location: Hilo Bay and Hilo Bayfront

Get ready, Hilo. The world is once again going to descend on the Big Island and you’re ground zero. This time, it’s to celebrate Polynesian and Pacific Islander culture while finding out who’s best of the best in outrigger canoe racing.

The International Va’a Federation World Sprints championship event features 8 days of prestigious international canoe racing that draws competitors in various categories from about 20 countries and some 8,000 participants and attendees from around the globe.

It promises to spotlight competitive excellence and culture, featuring traditional ceremonies, cultural performances and demonstrations that showcase the heritage and history of outrigger canoes. It is supported by a partnership between the International Va’a Federation, Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association and Hawaiʻi County. The last time the Big Island hosted the championships was 2004.

Course familiarization for competitors kicks off the event the first two days, with the opening ceremony Aug. 15. Racing is Aug. 16-23, with a Cultural Night event Aug. 20 and the 2024 World Sprints Hilo Exhibition Race, celebrating athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, set for Aug. 16.

For more information, click here.

No. 9 — Kuʻi Kalo Demonstration (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Aug. 14)

When: 10 a.m. to noon

Location: ʻŌhiʻa Wing, across Crater Rim Drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center

Come learn about the staple food in the Hawaiian diet and make poi the traditional way. The root of the kalo plant is cooked and kaʻu (pounded) to create this class Hawaiian dish.

Ranger Keoni will share his knowledge of kalo during this authentic cultural experience.

This event is part of the national park’s ongoing ‘Ike Hana Noʻeau (Experience the Skillful Work) Hawaiian cultural programs. It is free to attend, but park entrance fees apply.

No. 10 — Paint & Dine (Hawaiian Paradise Park, Aug. 14)

When: 4 to 7 p.m.

Location: Crystal Matrix Art, 15-1876 3rd Ave.

If you’re looking for a bountiful experience of color, light and culinary delight, look no farther than the Puna art studio of Laura McClanahan. Not only will the master in studio art guide you on your painting journey, then you’ll tickle your taste-buds with a magical meal made with love and inspiration in Kathy’s Kitchen.

Start by learning how to layer paints to create beautiful abstract patterns inspired by the color and sunlight qualities of Hawai’i. Then take a break by walking the trails to the pond to choose a few botanical clippings to inspire your senses. They’ll help you embellish your painting as you look at your abstract color background composition and add more to it, discovering the patters deeper within nature and finding the underlying structures, angles, rhythms and symmetries.

Once you’ve created your very own masterpiece of color and nature, it will be the artistry of food that will reward your senses as you celebrate taking the time to explore, paint and create.

This workshop is appropriate for ages 18 and older. Cost is $65, which includes brushes, paints, a canvas, botanical garden exploration, color theory discussion, demonstrations and dinner. To register or for more information, click here.

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Showing support — “Best In Show” Fabulous Comedy Movie Fundraiser for Aunty Donna Mitts (Honoka‘a, Aug. 11)

When: 5 p.m.

Location: Honoka‘a People’s Theatre, 45-3574 Māmane St.

If you live on the Hāmākua Coast, chances are you’re probably one of the lucky ones who has crossed paths with Aunty Donna — a brilliant farmer, gardener, teacher, business owner, friend and mother. Did we mention she helped bring gardening back to Honoka‘a’s public schools AND she was a part of running the People’s Theatre back in the day?

Aunty Donna has done so much for this community, it wants to do something to help her since she’s going through and unexpected health journey. So the theatre is bringing back her all-time favorite flick back to the silver screen to lift her and everyone up in laughter, love and cash to send her way as a small token of the community’s appreciation.

That movie is the 2007’s “Best In Show,” starring Catherine O’Hara, Christopher Guest (who also directs the film), Parker Posey, Michael Hitchcock, Michael McKean and Fred Willard). The outrageously hilarious satire tells the story of a “documentary flim crew” that captures the excitement and tension displayed by the eccentric participants of the prestigious Mayflower Dog Show.

So come, share a smile and donate a few bucks via regular admission and a cash calabash at the door. You can also donate via her GoFundMe campaign.

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Reminder — Waimea + Maui – United Way in Aloha: A Day of Lōkahi (Waimea, Aug. 11)

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

Location: Parker Ranch Center, 67-1185 Māmalahoa Highway

The Big Island is invited to join Hawai’i Island United Way and show its continued support for its neighbors on Maui recovering from the deadly and devastating wildfires last August by attending this special event to commemorate the 1-year anniversary of the disaster.

The community will come together to honor the memory of this solemn day and acknowledge the resilience and unity of those affected. The event will feature donation collections, community resources, keiki activities and music by Kalena Ku and Kala’e Parish, Sebrina Barron Music, Maka Music and Pulama Na Liko.

All proceeds will support Maui United Way’s wildfire recovery initiatives. Cash donations and a wish list of items, including gas cards, food cards and air conditioners, are welcome. For more information and full schedule, click here.

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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/