2nd annual World Ocean Day event in downtown Hilo on June 10

The Downtown Hilo Museum Square is hosting the 2nd annual World Ocean Day event on June 10 in Kalākaua Park.

The free family-friendly event, which runs from 10 a.m to 2 p.m., highlights conservation issues and celebrates oceans.

World Ocean Day is a United Nations’ recognized day of awareness aimed at encouraging people to come together towards restoring and protecting the oceans and ultimately the planet. It began as a concept in 1992 and is held annually on June 8.

The 2023 theme is “Planet Ocean: Tides Are Changing.”

The Museum Square event will feature keiki activities, entertainment, informational booths and more. 

There is the opportunity to win a prize bag, filled with goodies from each of the 4 Museum Square host organizations: East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, Hawai‘i Science and Technology Museum, Mokupāpapa Discovery Center and Pacific Tsunami Museum. Come to the event, pick up a stamp card, visit the participating organizations to complete your card, then enter the raffle for a chance to win.

Participating organizations:

• Big Island Invasive Species Commiittee 
• Division of Aquatic Resources: Protected Species Program
• East Hawai‘i Cultural Center
• Hawai‘i Science and Technology Museum
• Hawaiian Electric
• Hilo Public Library
• Ke Kai Ola
• Zero Waste Hawai‘i Island
• Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
• Pacific Tsunami Museum
• The Nature Conservancy 

During the event, Museum Square businesses are holding specials:

• Big Island Climbing: Free shoe rental during the event and a coupon
• Big Island Bookbuyers: 10% off purchases during the event
• Crazy Beautiful: Giveaway
• Poke Market: Giveaway
• RK Woods Gallery: 10% off purchases during the event
• One Gallery: Ocean debris art activity and live music

Visit https://worldoceanday.org/ for more information.

And to take the Big Island Now poll: What is your favorite sea creature that lives in the ocean around Hawai’i?, click here.