Community

Starting as a side hustle seven years ago, the Tsukamotos have turned their homemade beef jerky into a thriving business.

From benefit concerts to help Maui wildfire relief and recovery efforts, live music and old movies to a celebration of the Hawaiian honeycreeper, the Tanabata Japanese Star Festival and more, there’s plenty of events happening on the Big Island this week. Here’s your Top 20 events on the Big Island this week.

The new 1-meter springboard and stand were installed in the northwest corner of the Olympic-sized swimming pool at Charles “Sparky” Kawamoto Swim Stadium in Hilo on the Big Island.

Spots are limited, and they’re filling up fast. Enroll now to ensure a spot for you or your child. Give it a try with no cost or commitment; the first class is free.

The event will take place at Kona Heaven Coffee Co., Coconut Grove Marketplace, 75-5805 Ali‘i Dr., in Kailua-Kona, from 8-10 a.m.

Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and Maui United Way are accepting online monetary donations to help Maui residents affected by fires and has left at least 36 people dead.

From a Flower Festival in Honoka’a to a Tribute to Carlos Santana in Hilo, there’s music, food, Walks to End homelessness and more happening on the Big Island this week. But our No. 1 thing to do this week is help the people of Lahaina. Here’s your Top 20 events on the Big Island this week.

The 3rd annual 808 Day festival takes place on Aug. 5, staring at 4 p.m. at Kona BREW and includes acclaimed artists such as Landon McNamara, Through the Roots and Irie Love.

Beginning Aug. 12, the Big Island swimming pool in Kapaʻau will be open from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 2 to 5:45 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Kona Dance and Performing Arts, which is about to begin its 8th season in Kealakekua, is holding a keiki-friendly open house.

The county will take old motor oil, poisons and other hazardous materials. Latex paint or electronics will not be accepted. Containters dropped off for disposal will not be returned.

Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea, also known as Sovereignty Restoration Day for, takes place on July 31 in Hawai’i.

Recovery efforts have been frustratingly slow on all fronts during the nearly five years since the catastrophic Kīlauea eruption ended in September 2018, leaving a big wake of destruction. But work and property buyouts continue five years later.

Changemakers Hawaiʻi, a Hilo-based Community and Economic Development Financial Institution for Native Hawaiian and underserved communities, will announce a new initiative to provide 1,000 hours of free fund development assistance for a Native Hawaiian nonprofit organization.

In just the first 15 hours, 304 people donated more than $40,000, double the goal of $20,000, to help the family of Yohan Choi, who tragically died on July 24 in a spearfishing accident at only age 17.

The free Big Island event offered crafts, games, food, informational fun booths, entertainment, prize giveaways, including backpacks with school supplies and starter emergency kits, and more.

The Noho Paipai instructor training course will be hosted by John Pellitteri and provide those who participate with training, coaching and feedback to deliver certification coursework to improve listening and communication effectiveness.

Join Thelma Parker Memorial Public Library on July 29 for the Seeds of Knowledge Community Fair, a free and family-friendly event that celebrates its end-of summer reading challenge.

Fur or scales? With the myriad of creatures and critters housed at the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens, visitors are bound to have a favorite among the 225 residents. Let us know which animal is your favorite by taking Big Island Now Poll #20.

After struggling years with community producers leaving during the COVID-19 pandemic and an embezzlement scandal, new CEO and president Ashley Kierkiewicz is breathing new life into Hawaiʻi Islandʻs public access station Nā Leo TV.