Community

Whether you’re looking to catch some live music, entertainment or a workshop to learn new skills, give your input on the future use of the Great Crack and Ala Waiʻi areas at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, gather with community, rock out during an electronic music showcase or just get out of the house for a while, there’s once again plenty to do on the Big Island during the next week.

West Hawai‘i residents are invited to attend three informal Coffee With a Cop events in Kona this month, offering a chance to meet their district police officers, engage in conversations and build community connections over a cup of coffee.

Make the trip to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to see the Kīlauea eruption or cheer on your favorite choice to win Hilo Idol. There are more opportunities to support those affected by the devastating wildfires on Maui and also a celebration planned for International Dot Day, as well as a pageant featuring some of the island’s best horse riders in period costumes.

One of the event’s organizers Tim Bostock said: “We all need to work toward making our homes, our properties and our communities more resilient. The time is now.”

The He Haliʻa Aloha No Liliʻuokalani Festival, held on Saturday in Hilo’s Liliʻuokalani Gardens Park, will feature music, hula, food, arts and crafts, and cultural activities.

Whether it’s celebrating Queen Lili’uokalani’s birthday with a festival in the Hilo park that shares her name; getting an autograph from 2023 Hilo High grad Devin Saltiban, who was picked by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2023 Major League Baseball draft; watching pickleball matches to support Maui wildfire relief efforts; or supporting your favorite contestant in the next round of Hilo Idol, once again, there is plenty to do on the Big Island during the next week.

The 50th Anniversary of the Queen Lili’uokalani Canoe Race kicked off this week in Kona.

On Friday, Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners will lead a statewide, vigil aimed at facilitating emotional and spiritual healing for the people of Maui.

Aside from the 50th annual Queen Lili‘uokalani Canoe Race, this week’s events include support for people impacted by the deadly wildfires on Maui comprising of a benefit concert and a vigil, to more live music.

Updates on the status of the Big Island geothermal energy facility are planned, as well as a representative from Hawaiʻi County expected to participate and take questions.

The deadly wildfires on Maui were at the forefront of everyone’s minds when the legendary voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa and her crew arrived in Seattle, Washington over the weekend. More than 2,000 people gathered at Pier 62 Saturday to welcome the crew, who have been sailing since June as part of the global launch of Moananuiākea, […]

The festival at the Big Island astronomy center featured special planetarium shows, Japanese crafts and traditional games, bon dance lessons, taiko performances, entertainment, ʻono food and more.

The award honors a team for outstanding contributions to education and modeling innovation and adaptation within education program planning, development and implementation.

Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi leaders and troops hosted nearly 90 guests for a Distinguished Visitors Day on Aug. 17 to showcase the Innovative Readiness Training team’s repairs to the camp outside Waimea.

Officers will be available to talk story at the Starbucks in the Queens Marketplace.

Jennifer (Jenn) Kagiwada, Hawai’i County Council Member, will speak on “County Priorities, Lessons Learned & Youth Civic Engagement.”

From Reggae on the Runway in Kona to a “you pick” harvest event in Puna, there’s plenty to do this weekend and next week on the Big Island.

More than 50 individuals participated in a Ride for Lāhainā event in Kona on Sunday (Aug. 20).

The Big Island physician assistant has been named a Distinguished Fellow, a title earned by less than 2% of the national organization’s membership.

The board recently re-elected Money Atwal as a board officer, welcomed Dr. Lynda Dolan as a new board member and Julie-Beth “JB” Ako is continuing their board service.