Hawaiʻi Island Residents Unite for #VibeHI Day 150 Community-Led Projects Reach Over 7,000 People with Acts of Aloha
Hawaiʻi Island Residents Unite for #VibeHI Day
150 Community-Led Projects Reach Over 7,000 People with Acts of Aloha
Hawaiʻi Island – What happens when neighbors open their doors, share what they have, and care for the places they love? On Sunday, September 28, the first-ever #VibeHI Day answered that question in powerful ways. Across Hawaiʻi Island, 150 resident-led projects brought people together, touching the lives of more than 7,000 individuals with simple yet meaningful acts of aloha.
In Kona, what began as a simple clothing swap turned into a day of genuine connection. Families came not only to find new clothes but also to gather, tell stories, and nurture relationships that will last long after the event.
“We shared a meal. We shared recipes. We shared parenting tips. We exchanged phone numbers to stay connected,” said Anne Van Brunt of Kona, who helped coordinate the swap. “We learned about one another and our families through the items we shared, and found so much joy when things we loved and valued found a new home to be loved and valued again.”
In Pepeʻekeo, the energy of a single child captured the heart of #VibeHI Day. Five-year-old Jax stood outside with a big smile, calling out “free produce!” to anyone passing by. His invitation drew neighbors in, sparking conversations that built bridges across generations.
“Jax and I had so many wonderful conversations with both new and familiar faces. Now, when we see those neighbors again, it will be easier to smile and connect,” shared Jessica Hamad of Pepeʻekeo.
In Kohala, more than 70 community members—many of them keiki—came together at Kamehameha Park for a community clean-up. Kamehameha Park is a special place and central gathering space, home to Pop Warner football, the Intergenerational Center, and the Roots Skatepark.
“I worried that cleaning up trash might feel like a chore, but what I witnessed was inspiring. Keiki made it a point to grab a bag and contribute, even before and after their practices—showing that this was a true priority,” shared Alicia Veloria of Kohala, who coordinated the clean-up.
In other districts, residents filled pot holes, sewed lap blankets for kupuna, and shared emergency preparedness supplies with neighbors. From pop-up gatherings that supported local businesses to keiki lemonade stands, #VibeHI Day brought neighbors together and created opportunities for aloha in action across Hawaiʻi Island.
“When we first asked our community in 2019 to share their vision of a vibrant Hawaiʻi, they spoke of aloha, belonging, resilience, strong ʻohana, and thriving communities. To see those words come to life six years later through #VibeHI Day fills my heart with deep gratitude. Celebrating our anniversary with our island in this way reminded us of how powerful even the smallest acts of aloha can be. Mahalo nui to the Trust for Civic Life for their generous support in making this possible,” said Janice Ikeda, CEO of Vibrant Hawaiʻi.
Every project had a story. Read them all at vibranthawaii.org/vibehi.
