Happy Independence Day Big Island Pulse readers!
We hope you all are gearing up for a fun night of fireworks, family, food and more tonight.
Whether you are attending a cookout with your friends and family, or you are planning on watching the fireworks at Hilo Bay or along the Kona Coast, we hope your 4th of July celebrations are filled with joy and happiness.
After today’s festivities, there will still be more good times to be had on Big Island, so scroll through this week’s Top Events list and make sure to let us know of any activities you have coming up by adding them to our Big Island Pulse events calendar.
Enjoy reading our weekly events and mahalo for your continued support.
A hui hou!
1 – 4th of July on Big Island (Thur., July 4, islandwide): From the annual Turtle Independence Day at Mauna Lani, to the 4th of July Festival in Volcano, today is the day to get outside and enjoy plenty of excitement in recognition of the holiday. Some fun events include the Great Waikōloa Rubber Duckie Race, the 4th of July Parker Ranch Rodeo and Horse Races, and the 4th of July parade in Kona. Make sure to share your top 4th of July moments with us on our social media and tag @bigislandpulse!
2-Hawaii Performing Arts Festival – The Best of HPAF Opera Edition (Fri., July 5; 7 p.m.-9 p.m., Waimea): The Hawai’i Performing Arts Festival Developing Singers & Professional Fellows take center stage in a musical celebration of operatic masterpieces which have graced the HPAF stage over the past 20 years. Tickets start at $35. Learn more here.
3. Lei Making (Fri, July, 1; 6- 7 p.m., Waikōloa): Learn how to make your very own Pua Kalaunu (crown flower) lei from start to finish during this monthly lei making workshop with Ainahua Florals. Wear your lei home or gift it to someone you love. Limited to 15 guests on a first come, first served basis. Learn more here.
4-Tanabata Festival (Sat., July 6; 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Kailua-Kona): Japanese Civic Association is hosting the Tanabata Festival this Saturday at the Regency Hualalai. Expect a Kagami Baraki Ceremony at 10:15 a.m. featuring Island Sake Brewery. Purchase Shave Ice, participate in lei making, origami, and music. Learn more on FB here.
5-He Lā ʻOhana Celebrating Generational ‘Ohana of Puna (Sat., June 29; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.,Pohoiki): A day together at Pohoiki Beach park to share Hawaiian Culture, language, entertainment, and food. Also, a moment to share with families and community the resources of programs, projects, and information in Puna. The event is sponsored by Na Maka Haloa o Waipio, Hua ‘Aina, County of Hawai’i, Kamehameha Schools and Kukulu Kumuhana O Puna. Learn more on FB here.
6 -Puna Hongwanji Bon Dance (Sat., July 6; 3 p.m.-1o p.m., Kea’au): There will be Hatsubon Service, lantern making, Bon Dance, concession, kid’s games, Yukata dressing and photo taking. Check out the new Bon Dance towel design, new t-shirt, and Puna Hongwanji Boutique. Enjoy a Puna Taiko performance and lantern making. Learn more on FB here.
7- Clean the Lanterns at Lili`uokalani Park and Gardens (Sun., July 7; 2:15 p.m., Hilo):Kenjin kai throughout Hilo will gather to clean their prefecture’s stone lantern in Lili`uokalani Gardens on Sunday. Soft brushes and mild soap are used to tend to gifts from Japan, many of which arrived for the centennial of Gannenmono in 1968. Pictured is Fukushima Kenjin Kai. Learn more on FB here.
