Across the Punaverse – September 2026

By Petra Wiesenbauer

We look back to a busy August: Children went back to school. Primary elections presented us with Lloyd Enriquez and Eileen O’Hara families facing off in the General Elections for County Council seat district 4 and Shannon Matson and Ikaika Rodenhurst for County Council seat district 5. Incumbents Joy SanBuenaventura for Senate, and Greggor Illegan Representative, will continue in their positions. The general election will be held on Nov. 3. Please register to vote if you are not registered yet: https://www.elections.hawaiicounty.gov/voter-registration

The biggest impact on our communities during August was Hurricane Lala, which severely destroyed infrastructure, caused flooding and fallen trees and left many residents without power for days and weeks. The hardest hit area on our island was the district of Kau and the communities around Pahala, Naalehu and Waiohinu. The people on this island showed their deep commitment of coming together and helping the families and businesses in need. Organizations and businesses stepped in and provided meals and donation deliveries. World’s Central Kitchen partnered with local organizations like Pahoa Lava Zone Museum, Vibrant Hawaii, Marzo’s, Luquin’s, food basket to deliver meals, ice and water for communities and residents in need. The certified shared use kitchen, a partnership project started by Malama O Puna and Pahoa Lava Zone Museum had just been certified as a Soup Kitchen was able to produce over 4,000 meals.  Other organizations provided necessary clothing and equipment donations and hands on help to clear roads and debris, keep people safe. At the worst moment about 70,000 customers across the state were without electricity and it took enforcement crews from California and other island to get the hardest hit areas on the big island back on line. It will take time and funding to rebuild and hopefully there will be improvements that will create more resilience for a less vulnerable grid, but more than anything build infrastructure that prevents extreme flooding like we saw in Ka’u. The storm also reminded us once again how important alternative routes are, when most of our towns and areas are only accessible by one road. Once the road is blocked, communities have no access to emergency services and residents have no way in or out.

September 7^th is a federal holiday and offices, schools and businesses will be closed. Throughout the month, our community of local artists, practitioners, food lovers and musicians are sharing their talents and offerings with you to find joy, connection and creative resources.

Malama Pono – may you all be well and enjoy the festivities, activities and events of this month!

Marzo’s Country Sports Bar and Grill

The restaurant crew, family and friends have been greatly involved in relief and recovery efforts in support of Hurricane Lala victims through hot meals, water, ice and donations benefitting the people of Puna and Ka’u. Mahalo plenty to all the helpers! Marzo’s has created a wonderful space to experience the finest Hawaiian music, dance, gather with friends and enjoy country style local food. Follow them on FB and IG for their live-music schedule. Happy hour is from 4-6 pm. Friday mornings at 9 am Marzo’s offers Line Dancing classes for beginners with a $5 donation and line dancing on Mondays 7-9 pm. Every Sunday from 7 – 11 am they offer delicious breakfast including Linalina Pancakes, steak and eggs, waffles, biscuits & gravy, loco moco, etc. Come on down and get your Sunday morning treat.

Tin Shack Bakery

The Tin Shack Bakery, one of our favorite places in Pahoa is continuing to bring us delicious food and a great gathering place. On Friday nights they are now offering Open Mic Night opening at 5pm. Come and enjoy live music, food and drink.

Hawaiian Sanctuary – Rooted Rhythms – September 4

Come get rooted at Hawaiian Sanctuary for a night where live world music meets electronic dance rhythms! Come for the music. Stay for the magic. Get Rooted.

6:00–6:30 PM — Sound Healing by Creative Frequencies

7:00–9:00 PM — World Fusion with Merkaba Roots

9:00–10:30 PM — World House with DJ Nanda

Dance, connect, and celebrate under the stars with food vendors, fire spinners, live music, and deep electronic grooves. ENTRY: $20! More information at www.hawaiiansanctuary.com

52nd ANNUAL LABOR DAY DRAGS  – September 4 – 6

This Big Island Auto Club presents the 52^nd Annual Labor Day Drags at the Hilo Drag Strip offering 3 DAYS OF ACTION — Friday Night, Saturday & Sunday. Admission is $15 for adults, Keiki 12 & under are free.

Friday: Gates open at 04:00 PM • Racing starts at 06:00 PM

Saturday & Sunday: Gates open at 08:00 AM • Racing starts at 10:00 AM

Racing start times are dependent on weather and track conditions. There will be concessions and vendors for everyone to enjoy. This is a drug and alcohol free event.

2^nd Annual Koa Puna Ho’olaulea – September 5

Howzit! This year’s 2nd annual KOA PUNA Ho’olaule’a will take place at Uncle Roberts in Kalapana on Labor Day weekend, Saturday, September 5^th  from 4 – 10 pm. It’s gonna be off the chain: $20 cover donation includes one raffle ticket. More raffle tickets are available to purchase for $10 per ticket. Main prize is a trip for 5 nights to Las Vegas with air, room, and food vouchers. There will be a lot of fun: more raffle prizes and a 50/50 raffle. Burn rubber contest. Live music, dancing, and ono food. Good vibes, good people, and an awesome venue. If you ever been down Kaimu then you know.

Rhythm X – At the EAGLES – September 5

Hilo’s favorite dance rock band will be playing at the Eagles in Keaau, 16-111 Opukahaia St. on September 5 from 6 – 9 pm. “Rhythm X” rocks with some exciting new music!!! Featuring: Yisa Var – vocals/percussion, Gardner De Aguiar – guitar/vocals, Gonzo – bass/vocals, Glen Bousquet – drums. You can follow ”Rhythm X” on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RhythmXDanceRock

Gary Lynn Floyd – Center for Independent Living – September 6

The Center of Independent Living East Hawaii, 15-1833 Paradise Dr./31^st, HPP presents Gary Lynn Floyd. He is a modern-day musical shaman, radiating warmth, wisdom and creativity. With his key board by his side, he creates music that heals, uplifts and connects us all. Join us as we fill the space with music, singing, good vibes and love for the planet. There will several awards given out during this event. Admission suggested donation is $15 – $25.  

Honi ʻŪ I Ka Hīnano Hoʻolauleʻa – Hale Hālāwai o Puna – September 7

This event had been rescheduled from the weekend of Hurricane Lala. It is at the Hale Hālāwai o Puna/old Akebono Theater location on September 7 from 10 am to 4 pm. It is free, for the whole family featuring LIVE MUSIC, FOOD & CRAFT VENDORS, CULTURAL PRACTITIONERS and EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH. It is a collaboration of Pohaku Pelemaka, Hale Halawai o Puna and the Pahoa Lava Zone Museum.

1st & 3rd Thursday: Creative Writing Support with Karyn Chambers

Begins: October 1st   Cost:  $90.00  Duration: 10 weeks

Are you a serious writer looking for encouragement, inspiration, and feedback on a memoir or novel? This is a group for committed writers desiring to complete a body of work for publication. 

We focus on reading our pieces aloud and giving constructive feedback as well as highlighting what’s working and shining. We’re an ongoing group dedicated to the writing process and eventually publishing our work. 

As a retired college-level English Composition teacher of thirty years, I offer tips for success and sometimes bring examples we can emulate. I read everyone’s work in advance and provide written feedback.  Our group size is limited to 12.

Feel free to email me with any questions. Register online: [email protected]

2nd Thursday: Serious Writers Critique with Dawn Hurwitz

Begins: September 10   Cost: $5 @session     Level: Advanced

Writers must be vetted for this group and work toward a goal of publishing.  Author & Puna Rising Ohana Editor shares her knowledge, support, and skills with peers in a small-group setting. Group size is 6 

4th Thursday: Prompt Writing with Dawn Hurwitz

Begins: October 23   Cost: $5 @session      Level: All 

Sessions will include discussions, 10-minute writing from prompts, reading, and receiving feedback    

Mālama nā Kūpuna -Serving Kupuna with free meals – September 11

Rooted in the rich cultural soil of Hawai‘i Island, Mālama nā Kūpuna farm to table program fosters connections among the kūpuna and the larger community through monthly gatherings. Their next event will be on Friday, September 11 from 10:30 am – 2 pm at Hawaiian Paradise Park Pavillion, 15-1570 Maku’u Dr. Keaau. Serving fresh farm-to-table meals, diverse food choices, entertainment and talk story. RSVP by September 8, contact: Petronilla via text – (209) 493-5369.

I-Trinity’s World Peace Party – Uncle Robert’s Awa Bar – September 12

At the wonderful Uncle location, 12-5038 Pahoa Kalapana Rd., this epic event on September 12 from 5 pm – 10 pm features E’lele Tiana, I-Trinity, Kaimu  Band, Fanye, Tiger Love Heart, DJ Empress Neriah, and Merkada Roots. Let’s celebrate the Ethiopian New Year together. Doors open at 4 pm.

Leilani Plant Sale – Leilani Estates – September 13

Come join everyone for an amazing plant sale on September 13, 8- 12 a.m. You can shop from a great variety of plants: exotic palms, heliconia, succulents, anthuriums, orchids, bromeliads, vireyas, etc. Also enjoy delicious treats and goodies while you are there, and hang out with your neighbors and community members.

Pig Butchery Workshop – September 13

Join at Eden Farms on Sunday, September 13 from 9:30 am-2:00 pm in Kurtistown for a hands-on butchering workshop. Learn how to harvest a pig with respect, explore regenerative animal management, and take home freshly butchered free-range pork, all while taking a step closer to local food security in our community. Register at https://bit.ly/PigButcherySept13th. Fee: $25 cash at the event; must arrive by 9:00 am. Limited to 30 spots.

Big Island Meadery in Keaau – Special Events September 18 & 26

Big Island Meadery – our first meadery on the Big Island making mead (honey wine) from their own honey. Big Island Meadery offers a hands-on cooking class on Friday, September 18 at 5pm – 8pm, exploring Hawaiian canoe plants. Class focus has historical cultural significance, practical uses and traditional preparations and creative modern applications. The class is $75 per person, fee includes a flight of mead. On September 26, from 12 – 4 pm the  Adoption Pop-Up. For more information reach out to [email protected]. More details for events are on the flyer, and tickets can be booked through the QR code on the flyer or at www.bigislandmeadery.com. They are open Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. For September, they have the following schedule (flyer) for food vendors to add their special touch.

Volcano Art Center in the Park – Aloha Fridays & September 21

Aloha Friday cultural demonstrations are held each week September 4, 11, 18, 25 from 11 am – 1 pm on the porch of Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Activites include lei making, botanical printing, ukulele instruction, and lauhala weaving. Topics occur on a rotating schedule. All supplies are provided. These free cultural events are supported in part by Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Although these cultural events are free, donations are appreciated and park entrance fees do apply. Call 808-967-7565 or email [email protected] for more detailed information. https://volcanoartcenter.org/events/aloha-friday-cultural-activities-2/2026-04-24/

The Volcano Art Center also offers Monday Print Lab: Monoprinting & Mixed Media Exploration September 21st – October 26^th at theVAC’s Niaulani Campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. in Volcano Village: Discover the endless possibilities of one-of-a-kind printmaking in this six-week exploration of monoprinting and mixed media. Unlike traditional edition printing, monoprinting celebrates experimentation, spontaneity, and the beauty of unexpected results.

Throughout the series, we’ll explore a variety of techniques including cyanotype (sun printing), gel plate printing, painted monoprints, photo and image transfers, trace drawing, stencils, texture, layering, and other playful approaches to creating unique prints. We’ll investigate how these methods can stand alone or be combined to build rich, expressive surfaces. This class is perfect for artists, beginners, and curious makers who enjoy experimenting with materials and discovering new ways to create images. Each week introduces new techniques while leaving plenty of room for personal exploration and creative discovery in a supportive studio environment. No previous printmaking experience is necessary. Come ready to play, experiment, and leave with a collection of unique prints and fresh ideas for your artistic practice.6-week session: $120/$108 for VAC Members, plus a $20 material fee.  To register: https://volcanoartcenter.org/monday-print-lab-july-27-august-31st/

Maker’s Market – September 20

September 20, 12-5 pm, at The Stables, 15-859 Kahakai Blvd, Hawaiian Shores. All the products and wares are handcrafted, cooked or grown, caught or harvested, produced, and offered by local Makers, Growers, and Doers. SNAP/EBT is accepted. More details can be gathered at httpw://MakersMarketHui.com.

STEAM-CON -Arts & Science Center (HAAS) – September 26

The Arts & Sciences Center (ASC) of Pāhoa – home to HAAS Public Charter School – is gearing up to kick STEAM-CON. The event canceled during the March 2026 storms will now be taking place on Saturday, September 26, 2-6 pm! STEAM-CON is a celebration of the people, ideas, skills, and discoveries that make our community extraordinary. If your work inspires curiosity, solves problems, preserves culture, builds resilience, we’d love to engage with you. That could include artists, researchers, engineers, educators, cultural practitioners, farmers… or anyone doing fascinating, hands-on, place-based work or offering opportunities to folks in Puna. Get in touch with us, email Jillian at [email protected] with your ideas!

Paint & Sip – The Crafty Racoon Art House – September 26

The Crafty Raccoon Art House is very excited to announce their Paint & Sip: Textured Ocean Wave Workshop. Unwind, sip your favorite drink, and create a high-texture ocean wave masterpiece! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll paint a vibrant acrylic wave on canvas while blending in natural textured elements to give your ocean artwork real depth and tactile energy. Date: Saturday, September 26, Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, BYOB. The event includes supplies and a snack and non-alcohol beverage. Use this link to book! https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=37109744&appointmentType=97577559.

The Crafty Racoon is also starting a Dungeons & Dragons group: LAST MINUTE D&D SESSION! Saturday, August 29, ongoing: Ever wanted to try Dungeons & Dragons but didn’t know where to start? This is your sign! We are hosting a casual, beginner-friendly session this Saturday at 2:30 PM. Zero experience necessary—we will teach you everything you need to know! The Details: When: This Saturday, August 29th at 2:30 PM (Sessions last 2+ hours or more), Cost: Just $10 per person, Fuel: Bring your favorite snacks and drinks! (We’ll also have a small selection available for purchase). Spaces are strictly limited to keep the game fun and manageable for everyone. Grab your spot before the table fills up! Use this link to book: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=37109744&appointmentType=97617342

The staff is super friendly and welcoming. For all their weekly classes, you can make reservations through their website or in person www.craftyraccoon.com. The shop features a coffee bar with reasonable prices and is open Mon-Fri 11 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm. Follow their FB page for regular updates.

Rozette’s Nursery Saturday Market every Saturday, 9 am-1 pm

Farmer’s Markets

This market offers vendors with local products, crafts, food and coffee at Rozette’s Nursery on Kaloli & 28^th in HPP.

Maku’u Farmer’s Market: Sundays 7:30 am – 2:00 pm, https://tendingourroots.org/story/makuu-farmers-market/.

Kaimu Farmer’s Market: Saturdays 8:00 am – Noon, has moved to Uncle Robert’s location

Hi Vibration – Orchidland Farmers Market: Wednesdays 3 – 6 pm,16-281 Pohaku Dr.

Volcano Farmers Market: Thursdays 3 – 6 pm & Sundays 6 am – 10 am, Cooper Center, 19-4030 Wright Road, Volcano Village