By Aero Coomer
Apologies for the delay in getting your new events listed. First up on the to-do list is the new Farmers Market arising at Rozetts Nursery in Hawaiian Paradise Park in Keaau. I am a foodie, and love seeing all the different farmers’ markets, roadside stand pop-ups, tiny farms’ produce, and all the other hyper-local food services more readily available. Wish I had time to spotlight them all. Rozetts has been supplying our area for years with all kinds of wonderful vegetation. Now on Saturdays from 9am-1pm they showcase art, food, crafts, and drinks on the menu. Find them at 15-1521 28th Ave.
Next, I want to point out that Kaleo’s in Orchidland has a steady lineup of splendid music all month.
With live entertainment, great food, local beers, signature cocktails,and warm service, Kaleo’s has something for everyone, with many local options. Open daily from 11am-9pm, 7 days a week at 16-110 Orchidland Dr in Keaau. Don’t forget about their Pahoa location as well.
For all the women here, there is a “Winning Edge Leadership” workshop just for you happening Saturday October 11th at the HAAS pavilion in Pahoa, 15-1397 Post Office Rd. Limited to 20 participants, so follow the QR code or website link to register before all the slots fill up. This is a crash course on learning the systems, surmounting obstacles, knowing the games, cultivating leadership skills, peaceful communication, and much more.
Register at https://bit.ly.WinningEdgeLeadership
On Sunday, October 19th, from 12pm-5pm, we have a new player in the Market game making their debut at the Stables in Pahoa, 15-859 Kahakai Blvd. I actually haven’t been able to find out much info about them yet, but wish everyone success in helping other local small businesses find their niche. So I am giving them a shout-out here. Go to MakersMarketHui.com to get more info.
On Thursday, October 23, Moku O Keawe is back at it again, caring for and feeding our Kupuna, this time at the VFW 15-775 Maluhia Rd, adding Nanawale to their rotation.
Now, for the men among us. One event I’m anticipating with equal excitement and humility is the Mankind Project (MKP) New Warrior Training Adventure (NWTA) — a 48-hour intensive happening October 24–26 in Kapoho. Men from around the world will gather to staff and support this Divine Masculine journey from boyhood tyrant to King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover.
It’s a rare space where men can safely express, release, and be witnessed — communal yet deeply personal. Within that balance, true transformation happens. Many describe it as life-changing, even mystical.
This is a chance to face what’s been buried, to own our stories, and take sovereign responsibility for our lives. It’s empowering to stop blaming and start seeing clearly. MKP blends psychology, regression, and ancient Rites of Passage — awakening what’s best in men today.
At my first 27-hour MKP intensive, I was surprised to be the only man in his 40s — an 18-year gap between younger and older brothers. I’d love to see more men of Puna show up, of every age and background.
There’s a brotherhood waiting. You’ll find you’re not alone. As one mentor says, “Take a risk — the biggest rewards come with the biggest risks.” Vulnerability is strength; trees bend to survive the storm. Take that risk — the only thing you’ll lose is the weight you no longer need to carry.
Near the end of October, we have multiple Halloween events happening all over the island, including 1 at the Malamalama Waldorf School at Maku’u and 26th in HPP. Full of local-vendors, Waldorf-inspired crafts, delicious food, games and activities for keiki, and 2 trick-or-treat trails to explore. They are forgoing the traditional Winter Faire for this Fall Faire and Craft Sale, so get out while you can. More info can be found at https://www.hawaiiwaldorf.org
Volcano National Park is also the site of a Halloween Bingo Scavenger Hunt on October 25th from 8am to 2pm at Kahuku Visitor Center – and from noon to 4pm at the Kilauea Military Camp at the summit. Bring the keiki and the whole ohana to find the items on the bingo card and earn the rewards!
Also, the 5th annual “Trunk or Treat” is on Saturday October 25th from 3pm-5pm, starting at 16-709 Kipimana St near the back of Shipmans Business Park in Keaau. This event has been growing every year, with hundreds of kids now showing up in costume. Folks must register before October 11th. Go to form.jotform.com/252247651023147 to seal the deal.
Another Trunk of Treat event will be happening at Maku’u Farmers Market on October 31st from 530-Pau. Check the fliers for more details
The Volcano Golf Course & Winery is having a free “trunk or treat” as well from 4-7pm on the 31st itself.
Puna Kai Shopping center claims to be having an event, but apparently in keeping with the mysterious spirit of the season, they haven’t released details yet. Spooky!
(puna kai)
Well, thanks again, everyone, for tuning into what’s happening here in Puna. I will see you there!
(unless we are here, cause we are not all there? Anyway … 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.