Summer is here, and while it often brings thoughts of beach days, family adventures, and a break from school routines, it can also bring new challenges for families. With children home for the summer, many parents and caregivers are balancing childcare, keeping keiki engaged, and making sure everyone has access to nutritious meals and essential resources.
The good news is that East Hawaiʻi is filled with free and low-cost programs, activities, and community organizations that are here to support families all summer long.
Whether you’re looking for free meals, enriching activities, cultural programs, or help preparing for the new school year, we’ve rounded up some resources to help you make the most of summer without breaking the bank.
Stuff Da Bus: Helping Keiki Start the School Year Strong
Back-to-school season will be here before we know it, and Neighborhood Place of Puna is excited to host Stuff Da Bus, a free community event supporting keiki and families across East Hawaiʻi Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 12:00pm – 4:00pm at Shipman Park in Keaʻau.
This year’s goal is to provide 700 backpacks filled with school supplies to local students.
Families can enjoy:
- Backpack and school supply support
- Family-friendly activities
- Community resource booths
- Food vendors
The event is free and open to the public, but families must RSVP in advance to receive a backpack. (One backpack per child.)
Read, Learn, and Win with the Hawaiʻi State Public Library Summer Reading Challenge
Reading isn’t just for the school year!
The Hawaiʻi State Public Library System’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, “E Heluhelu Kākou: Let’s Read! – ʻUmeke Kāʻeo,“ invites readers of all ages to discover new stories and exciting adventures from June 1 through July 31.
When participants log their reading, they can unlock rewards and even earn a chance to win round-trip airline tickets from Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.
Libraries across Hawaiʻi are also offering fun programs and activities throughout the summer.
Need Help with Groceries? Hawaiʻi SUN Bucks Can Help
Summer often means higher grocery bills when children are home from school.
That’s where Hawaiʻi SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) comes in.
Eligible families can receive $189 per child to help purchase groceries during the summer months. The program runs from May 29 through August 2, 2026.
SUN Bucks is generally available to school-aged children whose households qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.
Learn more about eligibility and benefits
Free Summer Meals for Children 18 and Under
Nutritious meals are an important part of helping children learn, grow, and thrive.
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education is offering free breakfast and lunch to children ages 18 and younger through July 17, regardless of whether they attend public school.
Meals are served Monday through Friday through the USDA Seamless Summer Option program.
East Hawaiʻi Participating Schools
- Hilo High School
- Hilo Intermediate School
- Kalanianaʻole Elementary School
- Keaʻau Elementary School
- Keaʻau High School
- Keaʻau Middle School
- Keaukaha Elementary School
- Keonepoko Elementary School
- Mountain View Elementary School
- Pāhoa High & Intermediate School
- Waiākea High School
- Waiākea Intermediate School
- Waiākeawaena Elementary School
Breakfast is served from 7:15 am to 8:45am
Lunch is served from 10:30am to 12:00am
Children do not need to attend the school where meals are being served, and all meals are eaten on campus.
Find participating locations and additional details here
Growing Leaders Through Culture and Aloha ʻĀina
For youth ages 12–18, Liliʻuokalani Trust’s Nā Kiaʻi ʻĀina summer program offers a unique opportunity to connect with culture, science, and the environment.
Rooted in the values of aloha ʻāina, the program combines hands-on learning with Hawaiian knowledge and STEM activities while helping youth build leadership, confidence, and a deeper sense of kuleana.
Participants will explore concepts such as:
- Ahupuaʻa systems
- Māla and loko iʻa
- Environmental stewardship
- Hawaiian cultural practices
- Leadership and teamwork
Program Dates:
June 22 – July 2, 2026
Ages:
12–18
Preference is given to Native Hawaiian kamaliʻi, but all youth are welcome to apply.
Get Creative with the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center
Does your child love art?
The East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center offers youth art programs and mural camps designed to inspire creativity and self-expression.
These programs provide young artists with opportunities to learn new skills, connect with peers, and explore their creativity in a supportive environment.
See current programs and registration information
When School’s Out, the Y Is In
The YMCA’s New Horizons Youth Day Camp provides children ages 5½ to 13 with a safe and engaging environment filled with activities that support a healthy mind, body, and spirit.
Camp runs Monday through Friday and includes opportunities for recreation, learning, and building friendships.
Join the Waitlist for Kaukau 4 Keiki
Another important resource for families is Kaukau 4 Keiki, a USDA Summer Food Service Program coordinated by Vibrant Hawaiʻi.
Families interested in participating are encouraged to join the waitlist for updates and future opportunities.
More Local Resources to Explore
Here are a few other East Hawaiʻi resources that can help make your summer easier and brighter.
Neighborhood Place of Puna
That’s us!
At Neighborhood Place of Puna, we believe families are strongest when they have access to support, connection, and resources. Whether you’re navigating a difficult season or simply looking for additional support, we’re here to help.
Our free, strength-based services include:
- Family Support and Parenting Programs – Families can access parenting education, family strengthening programs, and connections to resources designed to help children and caregivers thrive
- Housing Navigation and Basic Needs Support – Our team can help connect families and youth with housing resources, referrals, and community services
- Neighborhood Place Resource Centers – Families can visit our Resource Centers in Hilo and Keaʻau for support and connections to community resources
- Mobile Family Resource Center – Bringing support directly into communities throughout East Hawaiʻi
- Family and Youth Outreach Program – Providing outreach and support to unsheltered families with children and youth ages 14–25
- Hale ʻIki Family Assessment Center – Offering emergency shelter and support for families experiencing homelessness
No matter where you’re starting from, you don’t have to navigate challenges alone.
Call us at (808) 965-5550
Learn more about our programs and services
Free Keiki & ʻOhana Activities Around East Hawaiʻi
Some of the best summer memories don’t require expensive tickets or elaborate plans. East Hawaiʻi is full of beautiful places where families can explore, learn, and spend quality time together without spending much money. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or simply a place for keiki to run and play, here are some free and low-cost activities to add to your summer bucket list.
Celebrate Community at BISAC’s 12th Annual Summer Jam
Looking for a fun-filled day the whole family can enjoy? Mark your calendars for one of East Hawaiʻi’s favorite summer traditions!
The Big Island Substance Abuse Council (BISAC) will host its 12th Annual Summer Jam on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., at Francis Wong Stadium Parking Lot, bringing together families, local businesses, and community organizations for a day centered around health, culture, and connection.
Summer Jam is a smoke-free and alcohol-free event designed with families in mind. It’s a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time together while celebrating the people and organizations that help make our community strong.
Families can enjoy:
- A community health fair
- Local craft vendors and makers
- Eat the Street food vendors
- Live entertainment
- Cultural experiences
- Activities for all ages
- Opportunities to support local businesses and community organizations
Explore Lava Tree State Monument
Take a walk through one of Hawaiʻi Island’s most fascinating natural wonders. Lava Tree State Monument features towering lava molds created when an 18th-century lava flow surrounded and hardened around native ʻōhiʻa trees.
The paved trail is short and stroller-friendly, making it a great outing for families with young children. Interpretive signs along the path offer opportunities for keiki to learn about volcanic history and native ecosystems.
Pāhoa | Free | Open daily
Fun idea: Bring a nature journal and have keiki draw or write about what they observe.
Visit Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens
Did you know East Hawaiʻi is home to the only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States?
The Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is a favorite destination for local families. Children can see lemurs, monkeys, peacocks, tortoises, nēnē, and dozens of other animals while exploring lush tropical grounds.
There’s also a playground and petting zoo area that make it easy to spend an entire morning or afternoon.
Hilo | Adults (18–59 years): $4 Kūpuna (60+ years): Free Keiki (17 years and younger): Free | Open daily except state holidays
Don’t miss: The tiger habitat and beautiful botanical gardens.
Spend the Day at Onekahakaha Beach Park
Onekahakaha Beach Park has long been a favorite among Big Island families, and for good reason.
Its calm, protected waters make it an excellent place for younger children to swim and explore safely. Families can enjoy picnic tables, grassy areas, restrooms, and plenty of shade for a relaxing beach day.
Hilo | Free | Lifeguards are on duty most days
Pro tip: Arrive early for the calmest conditions and plenty of space to spread out.
Discover Tide Pools at Richardson Ocean Park
Richardson Ocean Park offers a unique mix of black sand beaches, tide pools, and colorful marine life.
Keiki love exploring the shallow pools, and lucky visitors may even spot a Hawaiian green sea turtle (honu) resting nearby. Remember to admire wildlife from a respectful distance and help protect these special creatures and their habitat.
Hilo | Free | Wildlife viewing opportunities
Bring: Snorkel gear for extra fun.
Enjoy a Picnic at Liliʻuokalani Gardens
Pack lunch and spend the day at one of Hilo’s most beautiful parks.
Liliʻuokalani Gardens features ponds, bridges, pagodas, and open grassy spaces perfect for family picnics and leisurely walks. The peaceful setting makes it a wonderful place for parents to relax while children run and play.
Hilo Bayfront | Free | Great for photos and family outings
Fun idea: Bring bubbles or a frisbee for extra entertainment.
Attend Story Time at Your Local Library
Libraries are so much more than books.
Throughout the summer, branches across East Hawaiʻi host free story times, craft activities, and special programs for children and families. Combined with the Hawaiʻi State Public Library Summer Reading Challenge, library visits are a fun way to keep young minds engaged while school is out.
Participating branches include:
- Hilo Public Library
- Pāhoa Public and School Library
- Keaʻau Public and School Library
Free | Weekly programs vary by location
Bonus: Reading together for just 20 minutes a day helps children maintain important literacy skills over the summer.
Explore the Farmers Markets
Summer is a great time to introduce keiki to locally grown fruits and vegetables.
The Hilo Farmers Market and Makuʻu Farmers Market offer colorful produce, fresh flowers, local treats, and opportunities to meet farmers and small businesses. Turn grocery shopping into an adventure by letting children choose a new fruit or vegetable to try.
Hilo and Puna | Free to explore | A fun way to support local agriculture
Take a Family Hike at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Families with a fourth grader may qualify for free access to national parks through the Every Kid Outdoors program, making this a great opportunity to explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park together.
Easy trails, steam vents, scenic overlooks, and fascinating geology make learning come alive for keiki of all ages.
Volcano | Great for family adventures | Educational and unforgettable
Tip: Check park conditions and trail updates before heading out.
Creating Memories Doesn’t Have to Cost a Lot
Summer doesn’t have to be packed with expensive outings to be meaningful. Some of the best moments come from simple adventures, shared laughter, and spending time together.
Whether you’re visiting the zoo, enjoying story time at the library, exploring tide pools, or attending community events, East Hawaiʻi offers countless opportunities for keiki and families to learn, play, and create memories together.
And if your family needs a little extra support this summer, remember that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Neighborhood Place of Puna is here to help because every family deserves a summer filled with connection, hope, and opportunities to thrive.