Top 10 things to do on Big Island for July 24-30: ‘Peace by Piece,’ Summer Jam, Experience Volcano and more

There’s a lot of experiences available for all ages to enjoy during the next week and beyond right here on the Big Island.

Visit Volcano Art Center’s Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano to check out it sixth biennial quilt show “Peace by Piece,” which explores connection created through fiber, fabric, patter and stitch — traditional and more innovative.

Speaking of Volcano, head up to the village July 25-26 to enjoy the seventh annual Experience Volcano Festival, including live music, Hawaiian culture, artists in action, tours, demonstrations and much more. There also are more than 70 vendors who will offer a large variety of products to check out.

And don’t miss the 12th annual Summer Jam, hosted by Big Island Substance Abuse Council, on July 25 in Hilo. The free family-friendly event features live entertainment, including the popular ʻOhana Health Fair, a craft fair, keiki fun zone and more, plus a truck pull competition! And it’s all to raise awareness for substance abuse prevention, treatment, recovery and wellness.

We also want to remind everyone that the Hilo Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale is July 24-26 at Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo. It’s the state’s largest and most comprehensive orchid show and sale, plus one of Hilo’s largest events.

Those who attend will find gorgeous displays of thousands of orchids, including exotic species and hybrids not typically found at major retail or grocery chains, orchids for sale fit for beginners to expert growers as well as orchid-related items, tasty food and even talks and demonstrations.

Visit the Hilo Orchid Society website for additional information.

There’s plenty more happening around the island, too, including an upcoming camp for keiki who have always wanted to be pirates.

Keep reading to discover all of our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for July 24-30.

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No. 1 — “Peace by Piece” (Volcano, through Aug. 9)

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays

Location: Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Road

Volcano Art Center’s sixth biennial quilt show explores acts of connection created through fiber, fabric, pattern and stitch. The exhibition features creative works of art steeped in rich traditions from the past as well as explorations of new and innovative quilting trends and techniques.

More info: Visit the Volcano Art Center website.

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No. 2 — Roots & Cultural Celebration! (Kea‘au, July 24)

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Location: Big Island Eagles Aerie, 16-111 ʻŌpūkahaʻia St.

Enjoy music, food, community and good vibes, featuring Soulmedic and music by DJ Empress Neriah and DJ Uplifter, plus Ethiopian cuisine and homemade desserts. A portion of proceeds benefit cultural and educational programs by A.F.R.I.K.A. Collective. All ages welcome. Suggested donation of $10 to $15; keiki 12 years old and younger free.

More info: Call 808-313-0667 or email to empress.neriah@gmail.com.

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No. 3 — 12th annual Summer Jam (Hilo, July 25)

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

Location: Dr. Francis F.C. Wong Stadium parking lot, 699 Pi‘ilani St.

This free, family-friendly event promotes substance abuse prevention, treatment, recovery and wellness, inviting the community to enjoy live entertainment, the popular ʻOhana Health Fair as well as a craft fair, keiki fun zone and more, plus a diverse selection of local food vendors. And don’t miss the truck pull!

More info: Follow Big Island Substance Abuse Council on Instagram.

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No. 4 — 11th annual Lā Ho’iho’i Ea ma Hāmākua Celebration (Paʻauilo, July 25)

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Paʻauilo Elementary and Intermediate School field, 43-1497 Hauola Road

Come celebrate and dance to the music of kūpuna and mo‘opuna, eat ‘ono grinds from the ‘āina, talk stories with friends of the ‘āina, embrace the art and wisdom of kūpuna and just have a good time! Let’s go kākou! See you there?

More info: Email to kealaulili@gmail.com or contact Hui Mālama i ke Ala ʻŪlili at 808-756-5089.

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No. 5 — Seventh annual Experience Volcano Festival (Volcano, July 25-26)

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

Location: Various location throughout the village

This festival features live music, Hawaiian culture, artists in action, tours, demonstrations, keiki and ‘ohana activities, happy hours, restaurant specials, food trucks and more! Almost all events are free, with more than 70 vendors, 20-plus musicians and more than 20 cultural experiences to enjoy.

More info: Visit the Experience Volcano Festival website.

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No. 6 — Maluhia Garden Party (Kea‘au, July 25)

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

Location: Opaliuli Historic Estate, 16-730 Kea‘au-Pahoa Road

Enjoy a beautiful day in the garden in support of Maluhia Pathways and hosted by Sammy Sampaga. The day will feature fun and games for keiki and keiki at heart, face painting, a silent auction, craft and food vendors as well as live entertainment by Darryl Castillo and Kaleb Yamasaki, plus line dancing with Tommy Hanohano.

More info: Email to maluhiapathways@gmail.com.

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No. 7 — Music Night (Waikōloa, July 25)

When: 5 to 7 p.m.

Location: Waikōloa Stables, 68-1936 Waikōloa Road

Guess who’s back? Tome Isobe and the Blues Dogs! Help support ‘ohana in need by bringing a non-perishable food item to this installment of Music That Feeds. Bring food or purchase from one of the food trucks onsite. Bring a chair and your own beverage, if you want, but no glass, please.

More info: Visit the Waikōloa Stables website.

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No. 8 — AI Adventure: Imagine, Build, Share (Waikōloa, July 27-31)

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

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

Get ready to explore the magic of artificial intelligence with a week of hands-on fun talking chatbots, making amazing pictures, directing your own mini movies, coding to bring ideas to life and more. No experience needed — just curiosity and creativity. For keiki ages 8 to 15 years old. Spots are limited.

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

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No. 9 — Performing Arts Pirate Camp (Ocean View, July 27-31)

When: 1 to 5 p.m. each day

Location: Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Circle

Ahoy, me mateys! This fun-filled weeklong camp focuses on creating and rehearsing material for a Sept. 19 performance for National Talk Like a Pirate Day, including a new pirate musical that participants and Kaʻū Dance Academy will create together. Registration includes a costume and props.

More info/register: Call 808-315-5671 or email to KauDanceAcademy@gmail.com.

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No. 10 — Live music at Uncle Robert’s (Kalapana, July 29)

When: 6 p.m.

Location: Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar, 12-5038 Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road

Experience a relaxed, culturally-grounded atmosphere while you enjoy a beautiful evening of live Hawaiian music featuring HiwaHiwa, the well-known Big Island-based musical duo and cultural entertainers Kealohamele Kālawa and Malia Ka‘awaloa, plus more. Cover charge of $10.

More info: Follow Kealohamele Kalawa on Instagram and TikTok.

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Check for yourself what’s happening around the Big Island

We admit. As hard as we try every week, we still likely didn’t find every event happening around the Big Island. Plus, we can’t fit everything going on in our entertainment roundup. So here are websites for some popular Big Island venues that you can peruse to discover even more events, activities, shows, festivals or workshops.

• 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
• Hale Kanikapila (formerly Hilo Town Tavern), Hilo: https://halekanikapila.com/
• 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: 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/
• Waimea Arts Council, Waimea: https://www.waimeaartscouncil.org
• Willy’s Hot Chicken, Kailua-Kona: https://willieshotchicken.com/