Top 10 things to do on Big Island for July 31-Aug. 6: Sensory Summer, ‘Chaperone,’ Back to School Horse Adventure, Jerry Garcia Day and more

Hear/listen, see/watch, touch/feel and even taste and smell at a variety of unique events and activities planned during the next week around the Big Island.

Kūpuna, their grandchildren and other family members are invited to enjoy activities that engage all senses during Sensory Summer the afternoon of July 31 at Hawai‘i County Office of Aging.

Watch what critics have called “electrifying,” “refreshing” and “an unsettling character study” and attend a showing of “Chaperone,” the first Hawaiʻi-made narrative feature film directed by a woman since 1995 to play in theaters islandwide. Showtimes are scheduled July 31 or Aug. 2 in Hilo.

Keiki ages 3 to 10 years old are invited to saddle up and hear, see, touch and smell the horses they have the opportunity to ride as well as all the fun and other activities planned during the Back to School Horse Adventure! on Aug. 2 in Mountain View.

And listen to some of the island’s best and favorite bands as they honor and celebrate a music icon Aug. 1 during Jerry Garcia Day, the first collaborative event by several popular venues throughout Downtown Hilo.

There’s plenty to do that will seduce your senses during any event you attend. Check out our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for July 31-Aug. 6.

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No. 1 — Songwriting Hōʻike (Waimea, July 31)

When: 12:30 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Culminating performance of the advanced Songwriting & Production Intensive summer camp, featuring original music created and performed by talented young artists. It’s a free opportunity to celebrate the next generation of Hawaiʻi songwriters. No ticket necessary.

More info: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

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No. 2 — Sensory Summer (Hilo, July 31)

When: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Location: Aging and Disability Resource Center training room, Hawai‘i County Office of Aging, 1055 Kino‘ole St.

Kūpuna, their grandchildren and other family members are invited to this intergenerational event celebrating sensory learning. Activities will use sight, sound, touch, taste and smell to create and enjoy together, plus free plants, free snacks and more. Limited spaces available.

More info/registration: Call Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 808-961-8600.

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No. 3 — “Chaperone” (Hilo, July 31 and Aug. 2)

When: 7 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Sunday; doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

This 2024 Slamdance Grand Jury Award winning romantic thriller set in Hilo features an entirely Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cast. It tells the story of 29-year-old Misha — alienated by friends and family for her lack of ambition — who finds a dangerous acceptance in a bright 18-year-old athlete who mistakes her for a fellow student.

More info/tickets: Visit the Palace Theater website.

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What’s happening at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?

No. 4 — Celebrate the 110th Birthday of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (Aug. 1)

When: All day

Mark the park’s special day with free entry. The park for 110 years perpetuated native ecosystems and Hawaiian culture connected to its landscapes while providing safe access to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa — two of Earth’s most active volcanoes. Other special birthday programs also planned throughout the month.

More info: Contact Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park at 808-985-6011 or via email.

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No. 5 — Kahuku Memories (Aug. 1)

When: 9:30 a.m.

Location: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station (turn into Kahuku near the 70.5-mile marker on Highway 11 in Kaʻū)

Learn about paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) and Kahuku’s ranching history. Long before cowboys of the U.S. Wild West were popularized, paniolo were wrangling longhorn cattle on Hawaiʻi Island. Uncle John Replogle will regale those who attend with memories and stories of Kaʻū and working on Kahuku Ranch.

More info: Contact Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park at 808-985-6011 or via email.

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No. 6 — Dr. Thomas Jaggar returns to Uēkahuna for the park’s 110th birthday (Aug. 1)

When: 10 a.m. to noon

Location: Uēkahuna observation deck, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Kaʻū actor Dick Hershberger returns for a rare interpretive performance as Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar. Step back in time to the day when Hawaiʻi National Park was established and learn what Kīlauea and Mauna Loa were teaching scientists and visitors then.

More info: Contact Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park at 808-985-6011 or via email.

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No. 7 — Jerry Garcia Day (Hilo, Aug. 1)

When: Various times throughout the afternoon/night, beginning at 3 p.m.

Location: Various locations in Downtown Hilo

The first collaboration between several popular spots will celebrate this music icon, featuring PunaKat from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. at Hale Kanikapila, Uncle Charlie from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Booch Bar, Wild Wondergrass Revival from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Kava Republic and Steve Fundy Acoustic from 3 to 4 p.m. upstairs at Hilo Night Market.

More info: Contact each venue.

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No. 8 — Ledward Kāapana & 808 ʻOhana benefit for Boys to Men Mentoring Hawaiʻi (Hilo, Aug. 1)

When: 7 to 9 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m.

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

Come enjoy awesome live music by Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner, Grammy nominee, Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame member and music legend Kāapana and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winning reggae band, plus a silent auction and more support connecting middle/high school boys with caring mentors.

More info/tickets: Visit the Palace Theater website or Boys to Men Mentoring Hawai‘i website. You can also call 808-934-7010.

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No. 9 — Back to School Horse Adventure! (Mountain View, Aug. 2)

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Rainbow Isle Party Animals, address will be provided upon registration

Saddle up and kick off the school year with horse rides, petting zoo giggles, farm fresh story time and a school supply hunt. Bring your own lunch. Long pants and closed-toe shoes required. Parents/guardians must stay entire time. Book your spot by July 30. Cost is $50 per child, ages 3 to 10 years old.

More info/sign up: Call or text Rainbow Isle Party Animals at 808-435-5410.

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No. 10 — Queers in ʻĀina: Beach Sesh at Waiʻōlena (Keaukaha, Aug. 2)

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Waiʻōlena Beach Park, 2151 Kalanianaʻole St.

It’s been hot and muggy lately, so come chill and enjoy a day at the beach with the Queers in ʻĀina homies, including da fishies! Bring beach stuffs you need to be comfy — water, swimsuit, towel, snacks to share. RSVP requested to get a headcount, share any last-minute changes or connect for carpooling.

More info/reservations: Visit Eventbrite or email to avalonparadea@gmail.com.

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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/