Big Island Events
Family Story Time and Crafts with Big Island YWCA
Hilo Public Library
300 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo | 808-933-8890
Keiki and parents are invited to enjoy an hour of storytime followed by singing and crafts, 10:30-11:30 a.m. July 28. Recommended for ages 2 and up with adult supervision.
Virtual: Revitalize Puna
This is the second in a series of free webinars co-hosted by the Revitalize Puna Natural Environment RCA and Big Island Invasive Species Committee featuring individuals working to restore and protect Puna’s natural environment. The featured speaker is Kalena Blakemore, Legacy Land Management specialist at OHA, 11 a.m. July 28. Register.
Volunteer: Stewardship at the Summit
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park | 808-985-6011
Join Stewardship at the Summit to help remove invasive, non-native plant species, 9 a.m.-noon, July 29. The moderate, one-mile roundtrip hike departs from Kilauea Visitor Center over rough, uneven terrain with up to a 400-foot elevation change. Wear hiking shoes, long pants and a hat; bring rain gear, snacks and water. Gloves and loppers will be provided. Park fee applies. For info, email Paul and Jane Field at field@hawaii.edu, otherwise, meet at the Kilauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Groups should contact Kupono McDaniel at 808-985-6015. No registration required.
Through July 29: ‘After Life: A Wood Sculpture Exhibition’
East Hawaii Cultural Center
141 Kalakaua St., Hilo | 808-961-5711
Every part of a tree’s life is critical to ecosystems, wildlife, humans. This exhibit, curated by Andrzej Kramarz, offers a look at the “second life” of trees interpreted by sculptors. Artists include Henry Bianchini, Patrick Daniel Sarsfield, Daniel Sheinfeld Rodriguez, Randy Takaki and Lonny Tomono. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Bruddah Waltah Tribute Concert
Palace Theater
38 Haili St., Hilo | 808-934-7010
This tribute concert is a special benefit celebrating one of Hawaii’s living treasures, “The Father of Hawaiian Reggae,” Bruddah Waltah Aipolani, 7 p.m. July 29. Tickets.
68th Hilo Orchid Society Show & Sale
Edith Kanakaole Stadium
350 Kalanikoa St., Hilo | 808-961-8720
The Hilo Orchid Society presents the state’s largest orchid show and sale over three days, July 29-31. Floral enthusiasts will see displays of thousands of exotic orchid species and hybrids, can purchase orchids and orchid-related items, enjoy educational speakers and demonstrations, and can purchase food onsite. It’s a great opportunity for photography! Event and ticket information.
‘Cabaret’
Kahua Elua Theatre
East Hawaii Cultural Center, 141 Kalakaua St., Hilo | 808-961-5711
The 1972 American musical drama directed by Bob Fosse and starring Liza Minnelli comes to Hilo, July 29-Aug. 14. The Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre will be directed by Larry Reitzer. Tickets.
2022 yART Gigantic Rummage Sale
Volcano Art Center, Niaulani Campus
19-4074 Old Volcano Rd., Volcano | 808-967-8222
Look for the big green tent and you’ll find garden and yard equipment, kitchen items, art, prints, collectibles, tools, appliances, furniture and more, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. July 30.
8th Annual Summer Jam
Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium
323 Manono St., Hilo | 808-969-9994 ext. 817
The Big Island Substance Abuse Council presents “A Day of Strength & Celebration,” a free community event featuring the Strongman Competition, Bus Pull Competition, Ohana Health Fair, Hilo’s Eat the Street Food Truck Festival, Keiki inflatable bouncers and a concert to close out the day, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 30.
Concert at the Crater
Kilauea Theater, Kilauea Military Camp
99-252 Crater Rim Dr., Volcano
Head up to a 4,000-foot elevation for a free concert that’s part of the Experience Volcano Festival featuring the Kilt Lifters and Patrice Kaohi with Jeffery O’Casey, 6 p.m. July 30. Doors open 5:30 p.m. The Lava Lounge at KMC opens at 4 p.m. for food and cocktails before the concert. Park entrance fees may apply.
Experience Volcano Festival
Volcano area
The Experience Volcano Festival celebrates the culture, people and traditions that make the Volcano area unique. Enjoy an array of events that are free to the public including artists in action, demonstrations, kids and family activities, tours, Hawaiian culture, musical showcases and lots more, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 30-31. Visit the event site for a full schedule of activities and events.
Puna Kai Carnival
Puna Kai Shopping Center
15-2714 Pahoa Village Rd., Pahoa | 808-731-6679
Bring the family for fun, food, games and music at this community event, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 30-31. Entry with $10 wrist band good for both days. Tickets.
‘Terra Forme’ Exhibition
East Hawaii Cultural Center
141 Kalakaua St., Hilo | 808-961-5711
Adapted from the term “terraforming,” the new exhibit, “Terra Forme” showcases the work of eight artists from Hawaii, Iceland and Rwanda who imagine earth as a vast, diverse and dynamic living entity. Guest curator is Koan Jeff Baysa with an opening reception 6 p.m. Aug. 5 for the exhibit that runs Aug. 6-Sept. 30.
Through Aug. 7: Hawaii Nei Invitational: Species of Concern
Volcano Art Center Gallery
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world. This multimedia exhibition features the works of six selected artists that reflect Hawaii’s fragile ecosystems, specifically, species of the greatest conservation need in the state. Gallery is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
Through Aug. 7: Disney’s ‘Moana Jr.’
Aloha Theatre
79-7384 Hawaii Belt Rd., Kealakekua | 808-322-9924
Enjoy this heartwarming coming-of-age musical set in the Pacific that follows the heroine Moana as she sails across the Pacific Ocean to save her village. By Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa‘i and Mark Mancina. Tickets.
Through Aug. 14: Quilts in the Forest 2022 Exhibit
Volcano Art Center, Niaulani Campus
19-4074 Old Volcano Rd., Volcano | 808-967-8222
“Looking Forward, Honoring the Past” is the theme of this biennial quilt show that displays the talents of amateur and professional Hawaii Island quilters and highlights new and innovative ways of quilting. See 37 quilts by 19 Hawaii Island quilters. Exhibition is free though donations are appreciated. Exhibit is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.
Ongoing events:
Every Monday: Niaulani Rain Forest Tour
Volcano Art Center, Niaulani Campus
19-4074 Old Volcano Rd., Volcano | 808-967-8222
Immerse yourself in a native Hawaiian rainforest on a weekly guided tour, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Niaulani is one of Kilauea’s last old-growth koa and ohia rainforests. You’ll learn about its significance, continual threats, how native species are different from their colonizing ancestors, uses of Hawaiian flora and more. Tour takes place rain or shine, so dress appropriately. Reservations aren’t required but are appreciated for groups of five or more. Donations are appreciated. Custom tours are also available.
Place orders every Monday: East Hawaii Master Gardeners Plant Sale
Komohana Research & Extension Center
875 Komohana St., Hilo, HI 96720 | 808-969-8203
Populate your garden with native plants, succulents, perennials, seed starts and more. Plants are only available for pick up 10-11:30 a.m. every Friday at the Komohana Research & Extension Center in Hilo, and orders must be placed by 10 p.m. the previous Monday. All orders are to be placed via email only to himga@hawaii.edu; no drop-in sales are permitted. Cash only.
Every Second Saturday: Artisan Market
Kona Commons
74-5444 Makala Blvd., Kailua-Kona | 808-203-2240
Stop by to browse through gifts, art, crafts and food shared by local crafters and vendors, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
