Island of Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau Media Contact:
Cheyenne Gomez, (808) 539-3409, [email protected]

Island of Hawai‘i (June 3, 2024) — Planning a summer vacation on the island of Hawai‘i? Consider the island’s ample opportunities to not only indulge in natural wonders but also fill your journeys and adventures with purpose. Explore ways to engage meaningfully with local community organizations and nonprofits and contribute to the preservation of Hawai‘i Island’s precious ‘āina (land). From participating in ocean cleanups to supporting eco-conscious initiatives such as reforestation efforts and protecting native species, the collective volunteer work of visitors and residents has a significant effect in preserving and protecting the island of Hawai‘i’s natural world for generations to come.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau makes it easy for visitors to discover volunteer opportunities allowing them to give back to the Islands when they’re visiting. Check out https://www.gohawaii.com/malama now to learn about volunteer activities allowing you to make your visit to Hawai‘i Island more meaningful by giving back to its natural world. 

Read on to learn more about upcoming events, exciting activities and ways to give back this summer on the island of Hawai‘i. 

WAYS TO GIVE BACK

Join Body Glove Cruises’ Snorkel and Ocean Debris Cleanup tour where guests embark on a Kona Coast cruise scanning for floating debris and helping the crew retrie ocean detritus while aboard the vessel or getting in the water and snorkeling. Post-cleanup, guests are given an opportunity to snorkel and check out the ocean world and marine life they’ve worked to protect. For more information or to book now, visit https://www.bodyglovehawaii.com/super-raft-snorkel-and-ocean-debris-cleanup/.

Link to Images: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13nwCEQdnv77NGw2lc_SLtgyxAml06PJJ 
Photo Credit: Joel Froese, Erika Wallar and Mikena Shay

Spend the day at the 3,300-foot elevation of Maunakea volcano in a native ʻōhiʻa forest with Ohia Ridge Farm. A paved scenic road takes guests to the 41-acre farm where they can visit the farm’s post and beam greenhouse, learn about native-to-Hawai‘i trees and shrubs, plant seedlings diversifying the existing montane forest, listen for the call of the native ʻōmaʻo bird, and help preserve habitat for Hawaiʻi’s rare plants and other native birds. For more information or to sign up, visit https://www.ohiaridgefarm.com/. 

Hawaii Forest and Trail’s Maunakea Summit and Stars Giveback Experience is a collaboration with the nonprofit Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative (WDFI) introducing guests to a rare, native dry forest. The experience is an interpretive walk and giveback activity collecting native seeds to be used for restoring critically endangered, native-dominant forests. After visiting the dry forest, guests enjoy dinner followed by sunset at the summit of Maunakea volcano and stargazing with Hawaii Forest and Trail’s interpretive guide and telescopes. A donation of $20 from each guest’s tour cost is made to WDFI. For more information, call (808) 331-8505 or visit www.hawaii-forest.com! 

Link to Images: https://hawaii-forest.smugmug.com/Andrew-Hara-Photo-Shoots/Andrew-Hara-MKSS-Giveback-2022/Web-Resolution/n-fWZBMZ/i-K66wRqM/A
Photo Credit: Andrew Richard Hara

The island of Hawaiʻi is believed to have lost 75% of its historic low-elevation wetlands to infill and development, with much of its remaining wetland habitats degraded by invasive non-native plants. ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative invites visitors and residents to participate in restoring the beautiful wetlands of Keaukaha on the island’s east side by volunteering and contributing to conservation efforts while cultivating a deep understanding of the area’s unique ecosystem. For more information or to check out the nonprofit’s volunteer day schedule, visit https://ainahoola.org/. 

Come help Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protect its ‘āina (lands) by volunteering to cut invasive Himalayan ginger (heydechium gardnerianum) on park trails. Volunteer day participants are encouraged to wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants and closed-toed shoes for the work. Loppers and gloves are provided. Work is often in the shade of the forest accompanied by the calls of native honey creepers, including the ʻapapane, ʻamakihi and ʻōmaʻo. The mile-long hike is a moderate-level round-trip trek from the park’s Kīlauea Visitor Center on rough, uneven terrain via a dirt and rock path with a maximum 400-foot elevation change. For more information on volunteer work dates, visit https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.  

UPCOMING EVENTS

Celebrating the Waimea community and commemorating its ranching history and culture, the Parker Ranch Annual 4^th of July Rodeo and Horse Races is a long-standing tradition promoting camaraderie and friendly competition among Hawaiʻi Island ranches and showcasing skills that have made paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) famous globally. Participating paniolo compete in multiple events, including horse racing, ranch mugging, team roping and more. The community is invited to enjoy crafts and food from local vendors, and keiki (children) activities, including a petting zoo. For more information, visit ParkerRanch.com.  

Adopt a rubber duckie to benefit the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawai‘i this Independence Day at the Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race then watch it — and 10,000 other bathtub duckies — paddle to (hopeful) victory. The first 50 finishers and last-place duckie win prizes. Additional race-day highlights include live entertainment, free keiki (children) activities, merchant offers and more. For more information, visit www.UnitedCerebralPalsyHawaii.org.   

Celebrate Independence Day at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel with a local-style feast featuring ‘alaea salt herb prime rib, Hawai‘i-style pulled pork, smoked BBQ ribs, a fresh seafood raw bar, a dessert station and other BBQ classics. Guest will enjoy their meal on the resort’s beachfront lawn and be treated to an offshore fireworks display. Tickets are on sale to the public now and can be purchased online. Reservations are required. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.maunakearesort.com/play/resort-happenings/event-calendar/?start-date=7/4/2024&end-date=7/4/2024&q=&p=1. 
 
The 40^th annual Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Hawaiian Cultural Festival is set for July 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the park’s Kahuku Unit area. The free event will feature local performers, hula, and Hawaiian arts and craft demonstrations. Visitors will also learn about local conservation efforts through fun, interactive exhibits. Bring water, sun protection and a rain jacket. Sunscreen, a hat and a ground mat or chair are recommended. Festival T-shirts, food and refreshments will be available for sale, but you’re welcome to bring your own picnic. This park-hosted family experience is a drug- and alcohol-free event. Kahuku is located on the ma uka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5 — a 50-minute drive south of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s main entrance. The festival is co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/news/20240418-nr-2024-culutral-festival.htm. 

Link to Images: https://www.nps.gov/media/photo/gallery.htm?pg=7638974&id=D45D44B7-845F-4B7C-A918-DF8E87A55425
Photo Credit: NPS 

The Experience Volcano Festival is a celebration of the culture, people and traditions that make the Volcano Village area of the island of Hawai‘i so unique. Attendees of the July 27 and 28 festival get a sampling of everything Volcano Village offers, including music, culture, artists making art, tours, demonstrations, keiki (kids) and ‘ohana (family) activities, happy hours, restaurant specials, food trucks and more. For more information, visit https://www.experiencevolcano.com/. 

Pūʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site will celebrate its 52^nd anniversary alongside its annual Establishment Day Hawaiian cultural festival, Hoʻokuʻikahi Pū‘ukoholā — ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language) meaning “to unify at Pu‘ukoholā.” Festivities, set for August 17 and 18, will include a hoʻokupu (ceremonial gift giving), multiple workshops and demonstrations showcasing traditional Hawaiian arts and crafts, and more. For more information, visit www.NPS.gov/PuHe.   

Registration is open for the 2024 Native Hawaiian Convention on Hawaiʻi Island, set for September 17 through 19, at Hilton Waikoloa Village. The three-day event offers a unique and enriching opportunity for residents and visitors to connect, learn and immerse themselves in the vibrancy of the Hawaiian culture and its heritage. The convention will also spotlight discussions and workshops on subjects such as cultural perpetuation, housing, fashion, food, economic development, tourism, education, and self-determination. Open to all who wish to attend, the convention hopes to share a deeper understanding of the Native Hawaiian community. For more information or to register, visit https://www.hawaiiancouncil.org/2024convention/.

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

Launching in June, the Queens’ Culinary Market — a partnership between Queens’ Marketplace and Waikoloa Markets — will spotlight the flavors of Hawai‘i with an array of fresh tropical fruits, fragrant flowers and lots of local specialty items — all grown and made on Hawaiʻi Island. Attendees can engage with local farmers and chefs, enjoy live music and experience a vibrant shopping atmosphere celebrating all things local. The Queens’ Culinary Market will happen on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.queensmarketplace.com/queens-culinary-market/. 

Discover the Hawaiian craft of salt making at Kona Salt Farm and support conservation efforts through its give-back program, The Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project. Guests learn about the marine wonders of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, join in eliminating marine debris and help make a meaningful impact. For more information or to book a tour, visit https://konaseasalt.com/pages/kona-sea-salt-farm-tours.

Link to Images: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PPbZtdll68VQnDLVhhtR7E9QRMoRb3kG/view
Photo Credit: Ijfke Ridgley

ACCOMMODATIONS

King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort is offering a new, complimentary vow renewal service for its guests. Held oceanfront, the resort’s ʻO Kona kai ʻehu Sunrise Vow Renewal is guided by a licensed officiant in a ceremony that includes serenading by a local guitarist and a hula performance. Guests can partake in the vow renewal each Wednesday from 7 to 8 a.m. Due to limited availability, reservations are required and highly encouraged to be made in advance. Walk-ups will not be accepted. For more information, visit https://konabeachresort.com/meetings-weddings/#vowrenewals. 

Link to Images: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1p7LL5raFVR-fK4JWclvvjGu0SzqGeiUw
Photo Credit: Island Breeze Productions 

Diners at Hilton Waikoloa Village can taste the produce and products of local producers in dishes on the new menus of Kamuela Provision Company (KPC) and Nui Italian. At KPC, Chef Albert Sandoval is using Kona kanpachi and ‘ahi to create a sashimi duo with a ginger-shoyu vinaigrette. At Nui Italian, Chef Eddie Moran includes Kamuela tomatoes and Hirabara Farms greens in a collection of new salads. In addition, guests at the resort’s Kohala Spa can enjoy its new DreamPod flotation tank and the return of saunas and steam rooms. Learn more at HiltonWaikoloaVillage.com or call (808) 886 1234.

Link to Images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rpu5bymi9cnkw2psm4nar/HWV_KPC_TunaSashimiDuo_358_v2.jpg?rlkey=njtzr2h6bjo14mey2e3l59gwm&e=1&dl=0 and
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/cl23pkjloh5pmf6klreyr/2019-01-Kohala-Spa-Dreampod-00006DSC01180.jpg?rlkey=zx4fis50jkot5tynb8jai9akx&e=1&dl=0 
Photo Credit: Hilton Waikoloa Village

Save up to 20% off the best available rate at Aqua-Aston Hospitality’s Aston Kona by the Sea for a stay of three nights or more in suite accommodations for travel from May 17 through December 22, 2024. Set in a cove in Kailua-Kona, the oceanfront property offers convenient amenities and the perks of a home, including in-room washer/dryer, full kitchens to cook meals in and private balconies. Book by June 25, 2024. For more information or to book today, visit https://www.aquaaston.com/. 

Link to Images: https://aah.filecamp.com/s/d/uhCca8clgkSmo9ae 
Photo Credit: Aqua-Aston Hospitality

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort’s new Lover's Lei Luxe Package offers guests 30% off when booking one of its suites, including the property’s Ocean View Suite, Premier Ocean View Suite or Lanai Suite categories. Guests booking the package also receive two complimentary Westin Heavenly bathrobes, a bottle of wine and a platter of chocolate-covered fresh seasonal fruits upon arrival. They can also plan a relaxing spa day at the resort’s Hapuna Spa by Mandara, participate in one of the resort’s cultural programs such as lei making and basic hula or start the day with a sunrise E Ala E ritual with Aloha Ambassador Healani Kimitete-Ah Mow. For more information or to book the package today, visit https://www.maunakearesort.com/special-offers/#/. 

Kick off the summer at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort in Kailua-Kona with its Fam-tastic Summer Package. Kids under age 12 eat free, kids under age 17 stay free and enjoy daily complimentary breakfast, shave ice, up to two complementary tickets to the resort’s Island Breeze Lū‘au, daily cabana use, snorkeling and more. Guests can book an optional second room at 30% off and 2,000 Bonvoy bonus points as a valued member. The booking window for the package is May 1 through June 15 for stay dates from May 1 through December 23, 2024. For more information or to book today, visit https://konabeachresort.com/. 

Link to Images: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15F1FJ-odS2yJ9Dc1xsZP7sqWYTqkdl8w/view
Photo Credit: King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort welcomes couples looking for a romantic wedding venue. With an island of Hawai‘i backdrop of volcanic landscapes, beaches, rainforests and sunsets, the resort aims to make planning a beachfront wedding easy with its new Exclusive Dream Day Wedding Offer. For a limited time, couples will receive a 10% discount on all available wedding packages and a 50% discount off the venue rental. With two resort wedding backdrops — including a grassy knoll overlooking the ocean and a private patio with unrivaled sunset views — The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort offers flexibility for guests planning a wedding to remember. For more information, visit https://www.maunakearesort.com/gather/westin-hapuna-beach-resort/weddings. 

Waikoloa Beach Resort recently launched an interactive, fully mobile, culturally inspired app and guide to the resort property. Narrated by cultural expert and Waikoloa Foundation Advisory Board member Kanani Aton, the app gives users information on the resort's offerings and rich history at 15 locations on property, aiming to foster an appreciation for the area’s cultural treasures while promoting sustainable tourism and preservation of the island’s natural resources. Each stop on the app takes users on a journey exploring the hidden gems and stories of Waikoloa. The app is available in English and Japanese on the Apple App Store and Google Play and may be found by searching for Waikoloa Beach Resort on your platform of choice. For more information, visit: https://waikoloafoundation.com/waikoloa-beach-resort-launches-interactive-cultural-walking-tour-app.
 
Link to images: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/x306lf9fvns2xkqzkj980/Waikoloa-Beach-Resort-Cultural-Walking-Tour-App.jpg?rlkey=6z85bcaw2onqgpd5g6k14hvxv&e=1&dl=0
Photo Credit: Waikoloa Beach Resort