By Aero Coomer
Aloha neighbors, and welcome to my humble space, where I attempt to give thee the most happening things I can source for our Punatic Community.
Seems like lots of folks off island swashbuckling one place or another, so get out now, as it’s a lot less likely ye will find thyself stuck at an event next to a sweaty hippie.
At the beginning of July, on the 2nd, there is a great cultural event happening called Kīpaepae in Hawaiian Beaches at the Waiakahiʻula Beach Park at 462 Kahakai Blvd, Pahoa. This is a traditional Native Hawaiian practice that serves as a physical welcoming – of an individual or individuals into a particular space, as well as the nurturing of transition into new environments and new understandings.
This is a superb way to get acclimated to some of the ancient Polynesian traditions deeply embedded in Hawaiian societies. The Kīpaepae ceremony in Hawaii has a rich cultural significance. The term “Kīpaepae” is derived from the words: “kī,” meaning to direct focused energy; “paepae,” meaning to provide sustained support; and “pae,” meaning to reach shore or land.
It is a way to welcome participants to a place, as they begin to build their foundation for any important work that will take place. In some contexts, the Kīpaepae ceremony is part of a larger protocol, such as the Kīpaepae Kā‘iewe ceremony, which involves making familial connections and reaffirming the well-being of a community. The ceremony often includes elements such as the scattering of water and salt, which symbolize the cyclic nature of all life and the preservation of humanity.
Love it or hate it, next up there is the 4th of July, also known as, “If-you-have-a-dog-lock-them-in-the-house-day”, in certain circles.
In Hilo, it is a whole day of events. From 10:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m., the “Hot Rides Expo” car show will be held at the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields (Mauka Fields.) This car show will feature vintage, classic, and futuristic vehicles.
While the “Hot Rides Expo” is taking place, there will be live music featuring Saddle Road Band, Quartz, Poki’i Seto, and Always Free. Food trucks will be on hand. Children’s activities, including water slides and bounce houses, will be available at the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields. The Hawaii County Band will perform at Mo’oheau Bandstand starting at 7:00 p.m.
The big, “Hilo Bay Blast” fireworks begin at 8:00 p.m. Professional pyrotechnics are set off from a barge moored in Hilo Bay. The Hawaii County Band will present live accompaniment to the fireworks. For those not near the bandstand, the fireworks show will be synchronized to music aired on KWXX, 94.7.
In Kailua-Kona, the Independence Day Parade and Fireworks Extravaganza is a significant highlight, featuring vibrant floats, musical acts, and colorful troops marching through the streets. Following the parade, a spectacular fireworks display will light up Kailua Bay.
In Waimea, the Parker Ranch Independence Day Rodeo and Horse Races is a long-standing tradition held annually on July 4th, showcasing the skills of Hawaiian paniolos/cowboys and featuring various rodeo events, including bull riding, barrel racing, and team roping. The rodeo also includes horse races and a festive atmosphere with food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities.
The day after the fireworks, we have a free Mayan Spiritual Bath. Which is a perfect way to chill out after all the commotion the day before. This is an age old practice to cleanse our energetic fields and replenish our auric fields. If you are living in Puna, I am going to assume you are able to roll with that description. This event is free to the 1st 20 participants, so please only sign up if you will truly make it.
On July 12th we have a much needed community update occurring at the Billy Kenoi Park Gym in Pahoa.
Revitalize Puna is a free event focused on Community Preparedness & Resilience. The event opens at 10 AM and ends at 2 PM.
Be there at 10:30 AM for a pule before the talks officially start. Get informed on Recovery Projects updates from Mayor Kimo Alameda, Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz, Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno, and Recovery Officer Douglas Le.
Connect with government officials and emergency management experts, gain valuable insights on community readiness, and take home plant starts to nurture your household food security. Enjoy expert talks on a variety of topics and redeem free Food Vouchers at on-site food trucks.
Hopefully, ye will leave feeling more in the Loop than before thee arrived!
Happening on the 12th as well – and on July 19th and July 26th, we have another very potent container hosted by Aleanu and Ixchel. For those of us who were lucky enough to catch the first round of classes back in January, it certainly was something to write home about. Expertly guided through our collective ups and downs, Aleanu and Ixchel were there to help support many very moving sessions where we got in deeper touch with ourselves, cultivating an inner awareness of the various voices in our heads, and fostering an atmosphere of beatific revelation.
This time the series is called “Dream Play”, and indulges us to explore Forgiveness, Gratitude, and Presence Play in 3 classes spread out over 3 weeks. This is a chance for a radical personal experience, both in its transformational qualities and in the cultivation of our relationship with ourselves. Highly recommended community event right here!
Also happening Saturday night at Kalani on July 12th, is a special musical guest bringing a sound deeply rooted in nature and influenced by a life of exploration. CØNTRA’s music merges deep, powerful bass with global influences. His tracks are marked by dark, spacious soundscapes that build tension, blending hypnotic low-end frequencies with subtle melodic elements. This unique fusion creates a raw, immersive experience, drawing from the atmospheric depth of dubstep and the intricate design of world bass.
This immersive night at Kalani features a high-fidelity sound experience by The Big House Productions, perfectly tuned for deep dancing and full-spectrum listening. We’re honored to showcase visual works by local artists Laurie Bauers, Spooky Girl Art, Erik Seyster (Vajra), Lavaman Glassworks, Joshua Ganus, and Artist Midas whose creations will transform the space and elevate the journey with their art offerings. Come ready to move, feel, and be inspired!
Thanks for reading up this month, happy trails, and a hui hou!
Aero Coomer
Aero grew up in a log cabin in the thick Wisconsin woods and has never been able to shake the Wilderness from his Soul.
A decades-long forager and wildcrafter, from Portland to Arcata to San Francisco, he supplied many grocery stores, restaurants, & farmers’ markets with gourmet mushrooms.
In the last decade, medicinal mushrooms and plants such as reishi, chaga, and lion's mane have taken a focal point in his life for his healing process, so he started Old Growth Organics, as he continually refines and creates some of the cleanest and most potent medicinal mushroom and la’au lapa’au products around. Find him at the farmers market just giving away the best Chaga Chai you have ever tried.
20-year master gardener, blue ribbon flower grower, with the knowledge to create diverse & specific compost teas. Highly attuned to the Moon and Elementals, he used his visionary artist skills to channel a new Planetary Moon Calendar, amongst other agricultural inventions. Here in Hawai'i, he has spent time as a teacher and permaculture facilitator at the Hawaiian Sanctuary.
Long-term volunteer of many issues of social justice, family and human rights, environmental rights, indigenous rights, food sovereignty, and community solidarity- here to continue the mission of bringing health & happiness to the world – starting with the Ohana gathered here.
Only eight years here in Puna so far, but here to stay, the love of Malama Aina has touched the core of his being, along with the Spirit of Aloha. 600 coconut trees deep, he prefers to spend his free time planting food forests for the future.