Let's face it! Hilo is a small town and you may not think there is much to do and not many people out there to meet. You'll be surprised about how many groups are out there looking for new members and starting fun projects.
Let's get our Nerd On!
1. Geocaching
Supposedly, this whole thing started at the advent of GPS and just testing out the system. Little did they know, their experiment would start a world wide phenomenon that involves using million dollar satellites to find cheap Tupperware in the middle of bum-fuck nowhere. The Group on the Big Island is very laid back and you get to find some of the best places to explore when searching for these caches.
2. Ingress
I'll be honest, I know NOTHING about Ingress but I have lots of friends doing this AND I'll be starting this up when I go to BKK at the end of the year. Just watch the video. All I know is I was told to join the RESISTANCE Team or BLUE TEAM (I don't care. Do whatever you want!)
3. HawaiiCon - Volunteer and get into the Conference for FREE
Well, if you work the required hours and so forth but you'll be able to save over a $200 if you go this route and love to geek out at Sci-Fi/Fantasy Conferences. This one is fun and laid back and it's at an AWESOME locations.
4. Panaewa Zoo & Friends.
On Wednesday and Saturday each week, you get to chill with the animals. Wednesdays were my favorite days, "Enrichment Days" for our petting zoo pals. We got to take our the goats, Jellybean and Jose (R.I.P.) for a walk and visit all the animals and give them treats. On Saturdays, you helped to bring them to the petting zoo area and got to keep them company as they are harassed by kids. I LOVED working at the zoo! My favorite time of year is Christmas at the Zoo! My inner (and outer) kid has a field days on this day.
I was in the cage with the Lemur for X-Mas at the Zoo watching him eat his banana.
5. Volunteer for the Downtown Improvement Association
There's one particular program I love, "Let's Grow Hilo" where they decorate downtown Hilo with edible plants.
6. Basically Books First Friday's Read Aloud
Whether you are an avid reader, a thespian, a public speaker or just plain bored, stop by on First Friday events on Hilo Bayfront and read passages from your favorite book or any genre or rating.
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| Banned Book Week (this was banned because the little boy is naked on a few pages) |
Actually, there is an awesome interview of Stephen Colbert & Maurice Sendak that I'll add to the bottom of the post
7. Couch Surfing
If you love meeting people from all over the world and have an extra room, couch, or floor space, host someone from couch surfing. It's one of the best organizations I've even joined to made some great friends through this group. I cannot stress how much CS has enriched my traveling experience and being a host to my hometown. If you have questions about the Island of Hawaii, check out my profile and PM me.
8. Big Island Road Runners
This group of runners are some of the friendliest people I know, no matter your skill in running. Whether you're a novice just starting out or an experienced marathoner/ultra runner, this group of people are there for you. Even if you don't run, it's really fun to help out at events and meet new people!
9. Join a Performing group.
There are a few theaters throughout the Big Island and it seems like a cast call every month or so. Keep an eye out for Cast Calls at Palace Theaters, Volcano KMC theater, Aloha Theater, UHH Theater and a few more. It's a great way to keep busy, meet knew people and test the capactiy of your memory and mobility.
10. Trail Clean ups and Beach cleans up.
Keep an eye for National Trail Day, a national event but also a fun educational one where you learn about the trails you are cleaning up, the history of the area as well as its significance.
