It’s hard to beat a day at the beach, but once in a while you might like to jazz up the everyday with special events. Fortunately, the Big Island has no shortage of things to do.
Plays, festivals, and good causes – we’ve got it all. Take a look at July’s best Big Island events.
Shakespeare in the Park: The Tempest
Maybe some of you are old enough to have attended a drive-in movie, but have you ever attended a drive-in Shakespeare?
Now’s your chance as the Hilo Community Players present The Tempest. Enjoy the show from the comfort of your car or bring a picnic blanket and sit directly in front of the stage.
The Big Island provides the perfect backdrop for this swashbuckling comedy set on a remote, magical island. Hilo-local Rachel Edwards provides an original score for the Bard’s whimsical lyrics.
When: July 8th, 9th, 10th; 14th, 15th, 17th: 22nd, 23rd, 24th (7:30 nightly)
Where: Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium (323 Manono St. Hilo, HI)
More Info: Hilo Community Players
Local Tip: The Hilo Community Players are presenting matinee performances adapted specifically for teens, every Saturday and Sunday during the run.
Hilo Orchid Society Show & Sale
After two years, the Hilo Orchid Society’s show and sale has returned!
Expert gardeners will give lectures on a variety of orchid-related topics, from “Alternate Ways of Fertilizing” and “Oh, My God, I Killed My Orchid!”. Plus, they need you to help pick the people’s choice for winning orchid fragrance. (The previous winner’s orchid apparently smelled like root beer!)
Once you’ve finished admiring the show’s thousands of orchids, buy a flower for yourself. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, an orchid from Hilo Orchid Society would make a perfect addition to a new Big Island Home. Just saying…
When: July 29th, 30th, & 31st
Where: Edith Kanakaole Stadium (350 Kalanikoa St. Hilo, HI)
More Info: Hilo Orchid Society
Summer Jam
Organized by the Big Island Substance Abuse Council, this community event celebrates a day of strength and celebration. Summer Jam features Hilo’s Eat the Street Food Truck Festival, the ‘Ohana Health Fair, and Strongman Bus Pull Competitions.
Stick around for a concert to close out this community day for a good cause.
When: July 30th, 10am - 3pm
Where: Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium (323 Manono St. Hilo, HI)
More Info: Big Island Substance Abuse Council
Experience Volcano Festival
If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this is it.
The Experience Volcano Festival celebrates the people and traditions that make the Volcano Area so special. Restaurant specials, food trucks, and happy hours will make it easy to spend the whole day here.
And you will want to make a full day of it! The festival features a wide range of events in the National Park’s upland rainforest community. From the 'Ohia Lehua Half Marathon to glass blowing demonstrations, this festival features something for everyone.
When: July 30th & 31st
Where: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
More Info: Experience Volcano Hawaii
Ongoing Events
July is jam-packed with things to do, but this month is no exception. The Big Island hosts events throughout the year. But don’t take my word for it. Come see for yourself.
Schedule a chat with me, and I’ll help you figure out how to make the celebrations continue.
Aloha, and welcome to Hawaii.