Top 10 things to do on Big Island for July 25-31: Grand Slam, Experience Volcano, Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea Celebration and Summer Jam, plus more

This is a week when each of the top 10 things to do on the Big Island has a vibe — a personality — all its own.

A unique signature, if you will, the others don’t necessarily share or emulate.

On one end of the spectrum Big Island Substance Abuse Council is marking more than six decades of dedicated service and support to Hawai’i Island during its 11th annual Summer Jam, featuring the always popular Strongman and Strongwoman Competition as well as the Bus Pull Competition.

The organization is doing it all for the purpose of bringing the community together, building awareness and breaking down stigmas surrounding substance use and addiction.

A little heavy, but extremely important, and there will be tons of fun and food, a craft fair, keiki activities and more. Plus, it’s free to attend.

Then there’s the Grand Slam! It’s It’s a night billed to be literally filled with good vibes — along with poetry and prizes — as local poets take the stage to share their words and compete head-to-head.

Warren Weston, a magnetic musician whose music transcends genres to create a unique sonic experience, will provide the between round interludes.

Bring your heart, your ears and maybe a dance move or two and come cheer on the local poets and have a good time.

If it’s something more cultural you seek, Hui Mālama i ke Ala ʻŪlili is hosting its 10th annual Lā Ho’iho’i Ea Celebration in observance of the 182nd anniversary of Hawaiʻi’s first national holiday.

Paʻauilo Elementary and Intermediate School field will come alive with music of kūpuna and mo’opuna, talking story, live music and more during this free Ea-ducational community event.

There will also be plenty ʻono food in case you get hungry, so no worries.

One final example of what we mean by unique is an experience you can only get one place on the island — in Volcano Village and the surrounding area.

The 6th annual Experience Volcano Festival is 2 days of culture, people and traditions that show off the diversity of the upland Hawaiian rain forest community.

It features more than 70 events — from watching artists in action or exploring a winery to walking through the rain forest or taking a stroll through town — that allow you to discover for yourself what makes Volcano more than just a gateway to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Those are only a few of this week’s listings. Want to see what kind of “characters” the others are?

Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for July 25-31:

* * * * * * * * *

No. 1 — A Flocking Celebration (Kailua-Kona, July 25-27)

When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saruday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Location: Rock Star Pet Supplies & Gifts, Kona Coast Shopping Center, 74-5586 Palani Road

Come have a “flam-azing” good time this weekend and help celebrate an awesome year at Kona Coast Shopping Center. Rock Star Pets escaped the paid parking woes of downtown Kailua-Kona a year ago and loves its new home. Now, it has an entire weekend of fun — with a tropical theme — planned to celebrate. An Aloha ‘Īlio Rescue adoption event will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 26. Special merchandise and coupons will be available. Plus, a flamingo photo booth will be set up and you can spin the wheel for tons of free prizes. There’s also a chance to win some amazing grand prizes, which will be announced at 4 p.m. July 27. No purchase necessary to participate in the fun.

More info: Visit the Rock Star Pet Supplies & Gifts website, call 808-347-5333 or email to pets@rockstarpetshawaii.com.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 2 — Grand Slam! (Hilo, July 25)

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Location: Kukuau Studio, 43 Kukuau St.

It’s a night of poetry, prizes and good vibes as local poets take the stage to share their words and compete head-to-head for prizes for the top three spots. Come cheer them on! Between rounds, bust a move to the melodies Warren Weston, a magnetic musician with a love for rock and an eclectic mix of folk, country, gospel and soul influences. His music transcends genres and creates a unique sonic experience. Bring your heart, your ears and maybe a dance move or two. Cost is just $5 at the door.

More info: Email to tidaltonguespoetry@gmail.com or find Tidal Tongues Poetry on social media @tidaltonguespoetry on Facebook and Instagram.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 3 — 11th annual Summer Jam (Hilo, July 26)

When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Francis Wong Stadium parking lot, 323 Manono St.

Big Island Substance Abuse Council once again brings the community its free, family-friendly annual celebration aimed at bringing the community together while building awareness and breaking down stigmas surrounding substance use and addiction. This year’s event features the popular ‘Ohana Health Fair, Pop-Up Makeke (craft fair), Keiki Fun Zone, Strongman and Strongwoman Competition, Bus Pull Competition and a variety of food options from local vendors at “Eat the Street.” It also marks 61 years of the council’s dedicated service and support to Hawai’i Island. It’s a day of unity and aloha, but at the same time so much more. It’s a movement toward a healthier, stronger future for all.

More info: Contact Big Island Substance Abuse Council at 808-969-9994 or email to info@bisac.com.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 4 — 10th annual Lā Ho‘iho‘i Ea Celebration (Pa‘auilo, July 26)

When: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Location: Pa‘auilo Elementary and Intermediate School field, 43-1497 Hau‘ola Road

Come celebrate the 182nd anniversary of Hawai‘i’s first national holiday with Hui Mālama i ke Ala ‘Ūlili and dance to the music of kūpuna and mo’opuna, eat nā ‘ono o ka ‘āina, talk stories with hoa aloha ‘āina, practice the hana no’eau of kūpuna and just have a good time. Live music will be provided by The Vitals, ‘Ai Pōhaku, Pohai and Stephen Henderson, Heoli and Jon Osorio, Ape Aila and Hālau Nāwehikaipoaloha and Kīpaepae with Hālau Unulau. Don’t miss this free Ea-ducational community event.

More info: Contact Hui Mālama i ke Ala ‘Ūlili via email at kealaulili@gmail.com.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 5 — Back to School Bash (Ocean View, June 26)

When: 10 a.m. to noon

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

Join Neighborhood Place of Kona and its awesome partners for this fun-filled, family-friendly day full of free school supplies (while supplies last); keiki immunizations, physicals and vision screenings; community resource booths and giveaways; and more. Come early and get ready for the new school year. Free to attend and open to the public.

More info: Call 808-331-8777, visit the Neighborhood Place of Kona website or email to lbarrett@npkona.org.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 6 — 6th annual Experience Volcano Festival (Volcano, July 26-27)

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

Location: Various locations, Volcano area

This festival is a celebration of the culture, people and traditions that make the diversity of the Volcano area so unique. Watch artists in action, explore a winery, walk through a Hawaiian rain forest and stroll through the historic upland rain forest community. More than 70 events will be showcased during the 2-day festival, with something for everyone to enjoy. Come get a taste of why Volcano is more than just a gateway to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Almost all events are to the public.

More info: Visit the Experience Volcano Festival website.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 7 — Music Night: An Evening with Jason Slade (Waikōloa, July 26)

When: 5 to 7 p.m.

Location: Waikōloa Stables, 68-1936 Waikōloa Road

Grab your beach chair and enjoy live music and sunset at the stables. This amazing Auckland, New Zealand, acoustic artist will serenade those who attend with his sweet baritone voce and stylish strumming with a huge songlist of oldies, rock, pop and Hawaiian that will have you up on your feet and dancing in no time. It is sure to be a memorable evening. Free to attend; however, free will offerings accepted.

More info: Call Waikōloa Stables at 808-883-1819.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 8 — Paint and Purr (Hilo, July 26)

When: 6 to 8 p.m.

Location: One Gallery, 186 Kamehameha Ave.

Do you like to paint, spending time with kitties and enjoy good company? Artist Laurie Bauers will guide those who attend through the steps to paint a most adorable mer-kitty during this fundraiser presented by Volcano Cat Sanctuary. There will even be some rescue kitties there for inspiration. Help save some feline lives, have fun and kick back with a libation. What’s better than a chill evening of painting, sipping and purring during an event that supports local kitties on the Big Island?! Limited space; register in advance.

More info/registration: Click here and search for “Paint and Purr” under “Book Online.”

* * * * * * * * *

No. 9 — A Tree Within live and in concert (Hilo, July 26)

When: 7 to 10 p.m.

Location: Kava Republic, 301 Keawe St.

Don’t miss the unique folk sound of this band that is poetic and innovate, influenced and inspired by the musical and cultural backgrounds of its members. You can of course come and have an amazing time on your own, but this is an experience that would be even better shared with someone else, having a chill night while sipping kava and letting the music soothe your soul.

More info: Call Kava Republic at 808-751-2795 or follow the shop on Instagram.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 10 — Kaʻū Family Fun Day (Nāʻālehu, July 27)

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Nāʻālehu Park, 95-5635 Māmalahoa Highway

Bring the entire ‘ohana and head to Kaʻū for a day of fun for everyone. There will be waterslides, bounce houses, a cornhole tournament for keiki and adults, a foam party, live music by 8 Over, local food trucks and vendors including free Pāhala pops, free school supplies, the Pāhala Fire Department with its fire truck will join the fun and more. And it’s all free to enjoy. Don’t miss this end-of-summer-break party for the entire familly.

More info: Call 808-989-7758.

* * * * * * * * *

Check for yourself to see what’s happening around the Big 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.

• Willy’s Hot Chicken, Kailua-Kona: https://willieshotchicken.com/
• 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/