Community

The United Nation’s official International Day of Peace is Sept. 21 each year. This year’s parade in Honoka‘a was originally scheduled for Sept. 23, but it was postponed.

While Kailua-Kona’s Brenda Avery was the first to cross the finish line Saturday at the VinFast Ironman World Championship, her overall ranking among Hawai‘i Island’s competitors was third.

Over the past several years, privately owned parking lots that used to be free so people could patronize restaurants, shops, bars and other businesses now are charging rates ranging from $9 to $15 per hour.

The entire community is invited to attend — all faiths, all beliefs, all ages.

The VinFast Ironman World Championship women’s triathlon isn’t the only show in town this week. There’s plenty of activities, festivals, entertainment and more around the island to keep keiki to kūpuna busy.

Here’s everything you need to know about race day.

Over the last two years, privately owned lots, previously free, moved to a paid parking system two weeks before VinFast Ironman World Championship. In 2022 it was the Kona Inn and Shopping Village lot off Hualalai Road and this year it’s Coconut Grove Marketplace.

This year, the event took place Oct. 5-6 in Hilo and is planned for 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 10-11 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 12 in Kona.

The next week on the Big Island is packed full of events that the entire family can enjoy.

Sugar Coast Candy has a variety of vintage candy, with Cheryl Beckley saying her kids like the Slime Lickers that are a ball of liquid that “turns their lips blue or green.”

For eight weeks during the summer, the interns received help from Subaru staff mentors to complete real-life science and technology projects in a professional setting and working on important projects that will help the telescope prepare for the future.

There are plenty of events, activities and entertainment to keep residents and visitors alike busy during the next week.

The 2nd annual KAPA Slippah Hunt started Monday with DJs reading out clues to the whereabouts of a pair of koa-engraved slippers on air.

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.