By Aero Coomer
Aloha folks, and welcome to the year’s last edition of events here in Puna.
Is Mercury retrograde over? Yes, well, good, now I can safely publish this article. And sorry for it being a little late. Yes, it has been quite the interesting ride for most, with even a smidgen of social life. I hope it has been both an exciting and peaceful journey for thee, with all the wild wonders available here to us on this tropical isle. Did you realize we are now closer to the year 2100 than 1950?
On Wednesday December 10th there is a free bee-centric event at the Koana Cultural Center, 18-323 Old Volcano Road up in Mountain View from 3pm to 7pm. The Bee-Zaar is a celebration of local makers, sustainable living, and everyone’s favorite tiny heroes—our bees. Come shop, sip, and connect while supporting small businesses and pollinator protectors in our community.
On December 12th an event caught my attention which is the first zoom accessible get together I have endorsed. Think Big Hawaii, is a non-profit group focused on the Big Island resilience, equality, and sustainability. On this day from noon to 1:30 they openly discuss important matters new and dear to our hearts around energy and food security. Moderated by attorney Tam Hunt, who helped organize the paperwork to stop the state from destroying all the hot ponds at Pohoiki recently. Listen in and maybe get some questions answered. Register at <https://bit.ly/TB2025NOV> or check out <thinkbighawaii.org> for more details about what they do.
On Saturday December 13th we have another expansive day of Christmas events. Kea’au, Nanawale, and Leilani Estates are all holding holiday markets. Leilani has one this day and the 19th. Hard for me to keep track of it all. See fliers for details.
Kea’au is also hosting their Lighted Christmas Parade, starting at 6pm along Kea’au-Pahoa Rd.
December 16th is the 8th annual Pancho’s “Tacoversary” in the old Akebono Theater Parking lot, with many more vendors than normal, and a DJ with live music from 9am to 3am. Silent auction, prizes, and giveaways to be had as well!
On December 20th, the Big Island Meadery in Kea’au is bringing in artist Garry Palm for a fun watercolors class. All skill levels welcomed. All materials provided, as well as a flight of mead and a 5oz pour of your favorite. $65 per person. Located at 16-313 Shipman Road. See @bigislandmeadery for more details.
December 21st is the solstice, and I have just the thing for you. It is a labyrinth walk in HPP from 10am to noon. A community circle and labyrinth walk will focus on the stillness that arises during the winter season, along with a beautiful Solstice Ceremony. All are welcome to be present.
If that is not enough for you on the 21st, world renowned violinist Chris Murphy will be playing a lovely set from 6pm to 9pm at the Hawaiian Sanctuary, 13-3194 Pahoa-Kalapana Road. Tickets are $25 for single, or $40 for a pair.
A few other regular events happening a want to give shoutouts to:
There is a new night time Pahoa market just getting off the ground. It is from 3pm to 8pm every Friday, and right now they are letting vendors sell for free. This has the potential to be a big game changer for Pahoa, so I wish them all the success in creating a fun, safe, and lucrative venture for the community.
Another recurring event is a Bingo & Chili night on the 1st Saturday of every month at VFW Post 3830, 15-775 Maluhia Road, Pahoa. Doors open at 4:30. For a $10 donation get 2 bingo cards and a chili dinner. Drinks available.
Lastly, on the final Sunday of every month from 1pm to 5pm is an open Bluegrass Jam at the Lavalinks Recreation Club, 11-3363 Apele Road in Mountain View. Bring a chair, something to eat, and an instrument if you have one.
Until we meet again on the other side, I bid thee adieu!
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.