Hawaiʻi Island residents unite for #VibeHI Day

What happens when neighbors open their doors, share what they have and care for the places they love?

The first #VibeHI Day on Sept. 28 answered that question in powerful ways.

A total of 150 resident-led projects around Hawaiʻi Island brought people together, touching the lives of more than 7,000 people with simple — yet meaningful — acts of aloha.

What began as a simple clothing swap in Kona turned into a day of genuine connection.

Families came not only to find new clothes but also to gather, tell stories and nurture relationships that will last long after the event.

“We shared a meal. We shared recipes. We shared parenting tips. We exchanged phone numbers to stay connected,” said Anne Van Brunt of Kona, who helped coordinate the swap, in a release about the success of the day. “We learned about one another and our families through the items we shared, and found so much joy when things we loved and valued found a new home to be loved and valued again.”

The energy of a single child in Pepeʻekeo captured the heart of #VibeHI Day.

Five-year-old Jax stood outside with a big smile, calling out “Free produce!” to anyone passing by. His invitation drew neighbors in, sparking conversations that built bridges across generations.

“Jax and I had so many wonderful conversations with both new and familiar faces,” said Jessica Hamad of Pepeʻekeo in the release. “Now, when we see those neighbors again, it will be easier to smile and connect.”

More than 70 community members — many of them keiki — came together at Kamehameha Park in Kohala for a community cleanup. Kamehameha Park is a special place and central gathering space, home to Pop Warner football, the Intergenerational Center and Roots Skatepark.

“I worried that cleaning up trash might feel like a chore, but what I witnessed was inspiring,” said Alicia Veloria of Kohala, who coordinated the cleanup, in the release. “Keiki made it a point to grab a bag and contribute, even before and after their practices — showing that this was a true priority.”

In other districts, residents filled pot holes, sewed lap blankets for kūpuna and shared emergency preparedness supplies with neighbors.

From pop-up gatherings that supported local businesses to keiki lemonade stands, #VibeHI Day brought neighbors together and created opportunities for aloha in action around Hawaiʻi Island.

“When we first asked our community in 2019 to share their vision of a vibrant Hawaiʻi, they spoke of aloha, belonging, resilience, strong ʻohana and thriving communities,” said Vibrant Hawaiʻi Chief Executive Officer Janice Ikeda in the release. “To see those words come to life 6 years later through #VibeHI Day fills my heart with deep gratitude. Celebrating our anniversary with our island in this way reminded us of how powerful even the smallest acts of aloha can be.”

Every project had a story. Read them all here.