By Petra Wiesenbauer
Summer is coming along, and I hope you are enjoying some time off with family and friends. July starts with Independence Day – the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Since the holiday falls on a weekend, it will be officially observed on Friday, July 3. As it is a federal holiday, most offices, banks, and businesses will be closed. There will be celebrations and the annual 4th of July parade in Volcano. Hilo also offers a full day of activities for July 4, including a 5K run, music, and fireworks.
The 2026 primary election is nearly here! Voters have a big job this year — our County Council could be in for a dramatic shift as four new members aren’t or can’t run for reelection. We have the power to decide who will replace them – as well as the council’s priorities.
The council races are largely determined in the primary. For Puna County Council candidates, we have Shannon “Smiley” Burrows, Lloyd Enriquez, Cyd Hoffeld, and Eileen O’Hara. Voters will also have to decide who will represent them in the state house and in Congress. For Puna and Hilo, we will also decide who our state senator will be. Do you like the status quo? Or do you want change? It’s up to you! Primary ballots are expected to arrive by mail starting July 21. The primary takes place on Aug. 8, and 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. More information on Hawaii County Council races can be found at https://bigislandnow.com/2026/06/03/who-is-running-for-hawaii-county-council-26-candidates-meet-tuesday-filing-deadline/.
Throughout the month, our community of local artists, practitioners, food lovers, and musicians is sharing their talents and offerings with you so you can find joy, connection, and creative resources.
Malama Pono – may you all be well and enjoy the festivities, activities, and events of this month!
Third Eye Friday – July 3
Join folks July 3 for the first 3rd Eye Friday at Hawaiian Sanctuary (13-3194 Pahoa-Kalapana Rd, Pahoa). The event starts at 6:30 pm with Sound Healing, followed by a DJ performance (Delphina Soul & Sarita Sol) with Inter-Deep-N-Dance – Ignite the Vision & Embody the Light.
Annual Fourth-of-July Parade in Volcano Village – July 4
Celebrate Independence Day and watch the Annual Fourth-of-July Parade in Volcano Village starting at 9 am – Bands, Community Groups, Marchers, Families, Animals & Cars! The parade is followed by event festivities in the Cooper Center! Come and join with the whole family!
Fourth-of-July Activities in Hilo – July 4
Normally, we like to host events for Puna only; however, as this is a big birthday for our country and this is the Big Event on this side of the island, featuring fireworks.
*Beginning at 7 a.m., the “A Salute to Our Veterans” Hilo Bay 5K Run/Walk/Roll 2026 will take place at Liliʻuokalani Gardens. For more information or to register, visit https://www.asalutetoourveterans.org/.
*From 10 a.m. through 3 p.m., the “Hot Rides Expo,” featuring vintage, classic, and futuristic vehicles, will be held at the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields (mauka fields). All show vehicles are welcome to participate at no charge and may roll in starting at 7:30 a.m. at the former gas station on the corner of Kamehameha Avenue and Pauahi Street. Show vehicles are encouraged to stay until 3 p.m.
*During the “Hot Rides Expo,” live music will be performed by Rhythm X, Just Us Band, Girls Nite Out, and the Abbie Willow Band. Food trucks and children’s activities, including water slides and bounce houses, will be available at the Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields.
*At 8 p.m., the “Hilo Bay Blast” fireworks exhibition will begin with professional pyrotechnics set off from a barge moored in Hilo Bay. The Hawai‘i County Band will present a live accompaniment to the fireworks with a performance that begins at 7 p.m. at the Mo‘oheau Park bandstand. For those not near the bandstand, the fireworks display will be synchronized to patriotic music aired on KWXX.
In addition, the following information is provided for your planning efforts.
*Lihiwai Street, from Keliʻipio Lane to the entrance of Isle’s parking lot, will be closed to vehicular traffic from Friday, July 3 at 10 p.m. through Sunday, July 5 at 10 a.m.
*Bayfront Highway, from Waiānuenue Avenue to Pauahi Street, will be closed to vehicular traffic from 6 p.m. through 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. In addition, all gates along Mo‘oheau Park and the Hilo Bayfront Soccer fields will be open to allow pedestrian access to the Hilo Bay shoreline to view the fireworks exhibition.
All Hilo area parks will remain open until 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4 only.
The Bayfront Soccer Field has been designated as the Kupuna viewing station. The Department of Parks and Recreation’s Elderly Activities Division will provide shuttle service from the Kamanā Senior Center, located at 127 Kamanā St. The shuttle to the Bayfront Soccer Field will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and the return shuttle will run from 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Individuals aged 55 and older who want to use the shuttle service may contact Elderly Recreation Services at (808) 961-8710 for more information.
Volcano Art Center in the Park – Aloha Fridays
Aloha Friday cultural demonstrations are held each week (July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31) from 11 am – 1 pm on the porch of Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Activities 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/
Join local artist Puakea Mercado Soares on July 18th, from 10 am – 12 pm, at VAC Niaulani Campus, for a peaceful and inspiring morning at the Volcano Art Center, where she will guide you in painting with a free, easy style—perfect for all ages and all experience levels. Surrounded by the lush rainforest, you’ll create your own 3.5” round ornament inspired by the beauty of Kīlauea. Capture the soft glow of the volcano and the delicate ʻōhiʻa lehua resting gently on lava rock, while enjoying the calm, grounding energy of this special place. Feel the mist of the forest, the quiet strength of the land, and the warmth of molten earth as your painting comes to life in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Class fee: $45/$40 for VAC members, plus a $20 supply fee. Come create, unwind, and connect with the natural beauty of Hawaiʻi through art. Call (808) 967-8222 to register or REGISTER ONLINE.
Pig Butchery Workshop – July 12
Join Eden Farms on Sunday, July 12, 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/PigButcheryJuly 12. Fee: $25 cash at the event, must arrive by 9:00 am, Limited to 30 spots.
The Crafty Raccoon Art House – July 10 & July 12
The Crafty Raccoon Art House is located right by Pahoa Kaleo’s, across from The Veli, and offers a great variety of classes, including pottery classes, acrylic painting, watercolor techniques, gel block printing, mending, etc. The art house offers Ultra Violet Magic with James on July 10 at 3:30 pm for 1 hour and 30 minutes @ $35.00. Bring your own items or choose from available mediums and create a unique, magical piece of art with Ultra Violet paint! On July 12, the Crafty Raccoon starts Project: Burnout, a time to get together with fellow crafters, makers, and artists who are all stuck in the exact same creative rut. Bring your half-finished project, pull up a chair, and let’s get it a new life – or finally cross the finish line. $15 a session, 3 sessions available this summer! Parental supervision required for 12 and under. Studio use is included with the ticket price
To sign up for all special events and make reservations for weekly classes, visit www.craftyraccoon.com. Shop and Café are open Mon-Fri 11 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm. Follow their FB page for regular updates.
Hawaii Island Regional Agrifood Summit July 16
The County of Hawaii invites you to the Hawaii Island Regional Agrifood Summit on July 16 from 4:00-7:30 pm at the Pahoa Community Center. The event is a collaboration of Hawaii County, Food Basket, Hamakua Institute, and Naupaka. Participants will help to shape Hawaii Island’s Agrifood Future. To register, scan the QR code on the flyer.
Big Island Meadery in Keaau, Special events: July 10 & July 18
Big Island Meadery – our first meadery on the Big Island, making mead (honey wine) from their own honey. Big Island Meadery offers Paint & Sip with Ioaha on July 10, 5-7 pm, painting the endemic koa bug. July 18 features a Puzzling at the Meadery from 3:30-5:30 pm. More details about the events are on the flier, and tickets can be booked via the QR code on the flier or at www.bigislandmeadery.com. They are open Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10 am – 6 pm. For the month of July, they have the following schedule (flyer) for food vendors, adding their special touch.
District 4 Candidates Forum Wednesday, July 22, 6:30 pm- 8:30 pm “The Stables”, Hawaiian Shores
Puna Rising Ohana is sponsoring a candidates’ forum just in time for you to figure out who you would like to represent you in the county council and the state legislature. All candidates for District 4 will be prepared to tell you a bit about themselves, and there will be time given for a Q & A from the audience. Please come prepared with your questions as we host Eileen O’Hara, Shannon “Smiley” Burrows, Lloyd Enriquez, Cyd Hoffeld, for the County Council seat, and Greggor Ilagan, Tam Hunt, and Zak Wittenhagen for State Representative.
Smoke it Up – Hale Halawai O Puna July 25
This Smoked Meats Festival takes place at the fabulous Pahoa Night Market/old Akebono location from 3:00-6:00 pm. It features 15+ Chef Tasting Stations presenting local proteins, libations, and craft cocktails. The event is embedded in live performances by Drew Daniels & Friends and Kona Town’s Finest Music. Come and enjoy!
SPACE – Hiccup Circus Summer Camp – July 27 – July 31, 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 12-253 W. Pohakupele Loop, Pahoa
Get ready for a week of fun, creativity, and circus magic—we’re thrilled to welcome you to Hiccup Circus Camp 2026! We do have a limited number of spots, and they will fill up, so reserve yours now.
Join us July 27th-31st 2026 for an unforgettable HICCUP Circus Summer camp!! Each day starts at 10:30 am and runs until 3:00 pm. Guaranteed fun for ages 7 and up!
Enjoy 5 action-packed days full of circus skills like juggling, aerial, unicycling, stilts, and acrobatics! Plus hands-on exploration in the garden with Out on a Limb and learning to work with clay in our Jungle Pottery Studio!
Camp tuition is offered on a sliding scale of $200- $300 per child to help keep Hiccup Circus Summer Camp thriving and accessible to our community. Choose the contribution that feels right for your family. Scan the QR code on the flyer to register. Questions? Email:[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
Rozette’s Nursery Saturday Market every Saturday, 9 am-1 pm
This market offers local products, crafts, food, and coffee from vendors at Rozette’s Nursery on Kaloli & 28th in HPP.
Farmer’s Markets
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, Kaimu Beach Park
Volcano Farmers Market: Thursdays 3 – 6 pm & Sundays 6 am – 10 am, Cooper Center, 19-4030 Wright Road, Volcano Village
Petra Wiesenbauer
Petra grew up in Bavaria, Germany, and came to Oahu in 1997. She has lived in the Puna area for the last 27 years. Petra has worked in banking, non-profit social services, as an innkeeper, and business consultant & grant writer. She now has a private practice in Pahoa, where she sees clients as a Marriage & Family Therapist in person and via telehealth. She is the admin for the Pahoa Community Resources Facebook page, promoting information and resources that may be of interest to the residents of our Puna area.
Petra believes in strengthening communities, positive and constructive communication, collaboratively coming together as a community, developing resources to resolve issues, and promoting a spirit of respect, dignity, equality, and forward movement.
She loves the outdoors, spends much time in her garden, walking along the Puna cliffs, and hiking in the National Park. She is interested in the arts and culture, reading, and writing. She likes to travel and hang out with friends and family. She enjoys life, music, and community events and is an integral part of the Pahoa community.