• Ugly sweater theme!
• Donate an unwrapped toy for the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program.
• Bring gifts that you would like to wrap, wrapping paper, ribbons, tape, scissors, etc. If you prefer not to wrap your own gifts, Santa's Elves will assist with wrapping. (Donations to the Rotary Foundation will be appreciated, and optional, in exchange for gift wrapping services.)
• Please bring cookies or treats to enjoy with the hot cocoa and coffee that will be provided.

The Peanut Butter Ministry serves the community with a hot meal. Rotary Club of Hilo helps every 5th Monday in the year. Volunteers are asked to help cut vegetables and open cans (tomato) to mix in with the meals. The event is held at the Hilo Methodist Church, 341 Waianuenue Ave from 2-4:00 p.m. 

Meeting starts promptly at noon.  Please arrive early enough to order your meal and be seated before the President calls the meeting to order.

Aloha Fellow RC of Hilo Members, 

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) – Volunteer Opportunity

The 2026 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) will be held:

• Friday, February 13, 2026, 4:00 PM – Sunday, February 15, 2026, 2:30pm @ Kilauea Military Camp (KMC) Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii, 96718. 

We are seeking fellow Rotarians serving in areas to support our youth participants such as:

• Cabin supervision - NIght Watch 10pm - 6am - Feb 13th -Friday and/or Feb 14th Saturday night(s)

• KMC Ohia Room Set Up - Friday at 12pm (already filled; RC of Volcano members will do, no need for more Volunteers)

• Transportation of Big Island Students - East Hawaii & West Hawaii Student Pick up and Drop Off (School Chaperones & Drivers  - Friday & Sunday ( depending on location between 2:30 & 3:30pm ) Luggage transporters may also be needed - West Hawaii Rotarians will transport from Kona to Hilo

• Lunch Meal Transport - Saturday & Sunday (meals to be picked up in Hilo or Keaau and brought to KMC)

• Saturday Volcano Hike Chaperones - 12pm - 3pm  RCH Volunteers not needed! RC of Volcano & East Hawaii Roaractors have already have volunteered. 

• Saturday Ginger Eradication Project in HVNP - (Paul & Jane Field, Friends of HVNP,RC Volcano volunteered, no need for RCHMembers) 12pm - 3pm

• Donation of Snacks or Desserts for students @ camp

If you or club members would like to volunteer, please register as requested with this email or you can even click and sign up on the volunteer link below:

Hawaii Island RYLA 2026 Volunteer Registration

Bring your furry friend(s) to this fun, fulfilling service project and bless the kupuna there.  The smiles and cuddles make this a genuine feel good event.  Meet in front of the facility and we all enter together.

Meeting starts promptly at noon.  Please arrive early enough to order your meal and be seated before the President calls the meeting to order.

Business visitations are designed to take the Club member 'behind the scene'.  In previous years, Mitchell took us to areas not generally seen by the public and gave us a bit of local history surrounding his family business.  I assume this year will be no different.  

Lunch (lasagna, salad, bread, drink) will be provided by Treena and Roy Breyfogle but a $10 donation will be collected.  If no suggestions are given for a local recipient, the money will be submitted to our Club Foundation or the Rotary Foundation.

As there is a tour, you must be on time and wear shoes you are comfortable walking and standing in.  In the past, this tour filled up quickly.  If you plan to attend, you must register as there is a cap on the number of visitors.  

Strengthen, stretch, and tone your body with this musically driven athletic workout.  You will combine dynamic movements inspired by the best of Pilates and yoga.  The continuous flow of movements make this workout intense, yet low impact.  Different options are provided for exercise modifications and progressions to challenge all fitness levels.

This private class will be taught by Carissa Pajo, certified in many different types of exercise:  Piyo, Zumba, Strong, Groov3, TRX, Turbokick and probably a few more!  Carissa is also a personal trainer and instructor at UFC gym.  She recently competed in UFC's fitness competition, winning locally, statewide, and silver medalist nationwide.

Space is limited to 9 people.  $20 per person.  

Meeting starts promptly at noon.  Please arrive early enough to order your meal and be seated before the President calls the meeting to order.

All board meetings will be immediately following the First Club Meeting of each month.

Bring your furry friend(s) to this fun, fulfilling service project and bless the kupuna there.  The smiles and cuddles make this a genuine feel good event.  Meet in front of the facility and we all enter together.

Meeting starts promptly at noon.  Please arrive early enough to order your meal and be seated before the President calls the meeting to order.

Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou

At the beginning of a new year, we often resolve to eat healthier and exercise more.  What a great time for the UFC Gym visitation.  

Lorraine Shin --long time Club member -- has volunteered to play host at her facility, the UFC Gym.  This visitation is an opportunity for you to get a tour of the Club and learn a bit about Lorraine and her history as a long time resident of Hilo.

As a count is necessary for the lunches, you must register for this event.  We will meet at the UFC Gym at 11:30, take the tour, and then enjoy a bento box lunch together.  

Meeting starts promptly at noon.  Please arrive early enough to order your meal and be seated before the President calls the meeting to order.

EACH ONE, REACH ONE!

Bring a potential member to this fun fellowship event.  Everyone knows how to play so there'll be loads of time to talk story and get to know one another.  

Rotarians and spouses pay $10 each. Please bring a white elephant item(s) as prizes.  White elephant prizes are those "regift" type of things we have at home.  (we all have em, right???) don't spend $ on it.  let's be sustainable and "regift" these to someone who will appreciate and use them (or they can bring it back to the next white elephant event, lol)

Meeting starts promptly at noon.  Please arrive early enough to order your meal and be seated before the President calls the meeting to order.

Please join us at the Hilo Methodist Church to help prepare the meal served to our community members in need.  At least 3 volunteers needed for each event.  Reach out to Cathy Ognio-Williams for more information

Meeting starts promptly at noon.  Please arrive early enough to order your meal and be seated before the President calls the meeting to order.

Wednesday 4/8/26 Merrie Monarch Hoike

Two Shifts —arrive at back gate w water & small crossbody type bag
shift 1:  3:30pm-8:00pm
Shift 2:  7:30-midnight
Orientation 5-10minutes upon arrival. We help security. People can move around during performances only this night. 
Two bright MM landyards issued to wear. IMPORTANT! Return them after your shift!!

No hands on any guests at any time!
Service dog, photography protocols & map info will be sent to you upon 

Aloha Members,

Join us for a wonderful opportunity to be part of the 63rd Annual Merrie Monarch Parade on Saturday, April 11. This is one of Hilo's most celebrated events, and we have a unique opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to community service through Rotary while proudly celebrating the spirit and culture of our island. Your participation will help make this a memorable showing for our club.

We invite all members to walk in the parade carrying our club banner, or if walking isn’t your preference, you may ride on a decorated flatbed truck generously provided by Past President Jeremiah Leonard. We will gather around 8:30 a.m. to decorate with foliage, and the parade will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Why participate?
This is an amazing way to increase Rotary’s visibility, connect with the community, and show that we are truly People of Action. Thousands of residents and visitors line the streets for this iconic event, making it the perfect opportunity to share the spirit of service that defines our clubs.

It’s also simply a lot of fun, fellowship, community pride, and celebrating together.

If you would like to participate, please register or contact me directly. Let’s show up in a big way and represent Rotary and our clubs with pride!

Event Participation Details

• Arrive at 8:30 a.m. to decorate the truck

• Parade begins at 10:30 a.m.

• Walkers will carry club banners and Rotary signs

• Riders may sit or stand on the decorated flatbed truck

• Members are encouraged to wear club or district shirts

Thank you for all you do for our club and community.

With appreciation and continued support,
Beverly

Aloha Fellow Rotarians,

You are warmly invited to a special and meaningful gathering to honor the legacy of Richard Miyashiro and the historic contributions of the 100th Infantry Battalion.

What: Presentation of a Historical Storyboard to Café 100, short remarks, and lunch
When: Monday, April 13, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Café 100, Hilo

This event recognizes the enduring legacy of Richard Miyashiro, a proud member of the 100th Infantry Battalion, who founded Café 100 and named it in honor of his unit. Beyond its well-known local cuisine, Café 100 served as a place of comfort and quiet connection for fellow veterans, a sanctuary where shared experiences required no words.

Today, Café 100 continues under the leadership of Mari Kobayashi Leung, granddaughter of Richard Miyashiro, who, along with the Miyashiro family, looks forward to celebrating this special tribute. As Café 100 marks its 80th year in 2026, this presentation is a fitting way to begin the year by honoring both family and history.

District Governor Nancy Cabral will offer brief remarks during the program.

We invite you to arrive between 10:00 and 10:15 a.m. for a casual meet and greet before the presentation, and to proudly wear your Rotary shirt. Lunch will be provided with a voluntary donation.

Rotary Clubs are honored to recognize this legacy and to help educate our community about the significance of the 100th Infantry Battalion, whose story deserves to be remembered and shared.

We hope you will join us for this special occasion.

In continued support,

Beverly

Meeting starts promptly at noon.  Please arrive early enough to order your meal and be seated before the President calls the meeting to order.

Sign up for this informative Mini Mixer on Women's Gut Health, featuring liscensed acupuncturist and functional Medicine Paractitioner, Kim Gitzel.  Cost is $5 with only 10 spots available.  

Expect Healthful drinks & pupus, insightful conversation and interaction.

Contact Mandi Fong for more info.  (719) 679-7414

Hey Hilo Rotarians,

Now is the time to come together and get your hands and feet all mucky in removing that invasive gorilla Ogo from the beautiful ponds of The Queen Liliuokalani Park and Botanical Gardens.
 

WHEN:  April 18,  2026  8am - 11am

WHERE:  Meet at the East gate

WHY:  To give life to our ponds

WHAT to bring:  Water, Shoes, Gloves, Bucket & Shovel  

Harvey's first Walk n Talk of the year is scheduled for April 24th, meeting at 10 a.m. at Kuhio Grill.  Since space is limited, we'll open this up to the new members, RCH Class of 25-26 first.  Please reply to this email if you want to attend and I can give more details.  First 8 to respond 👍🏻

The BrewFest Committee will be joining us to share an update on the Rotary Club of Hilo BrewFest, one of our club’s signature fundraising events. During this presentation, the committee will provide an overview of this year’s BrewFest, including planning progress, sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, and how members can help make the event successful.

Important: This meeting is not the BrewFest event itself. The committee will simply be providing an update to the club.

The actual Rotary Club of Hilo BrewFest will take place on July 11.

Meeting starts promptly at noon.  Please arrive early enough to order your meal and be seated before the President calls the meeting to order.

Hawai'i Environmental Restoration (HER) has been restoring Keau'ohana State Forest Reserve since 2014, under the direction of President and Project Director Cindy Jaya Dupuis, M.S., a tropical conservation biologist and environmental scientist with over 35 years of experience working in Hawai'i. Jaya began her restoration work as a volunteer in the Keau'ohana and Halepua'a Reserves before completing her master’s research at UH Hilo, which examined vegetation patterns across 360 plots throughout Puna's forest reserves. Her personal and academic commitment has since evolved into a long-term community-based restoration project dedicated to protecting this rare lowland rainforest

Meeting starts promptly at noon.  Please arrive early enough to order your meal and be seated before the President calls the meeting to order.

Join Past President Jeremiah Leonard and his Sun Comstruction team with a tree trimming project at the Hawaii Island Home For Recovery.  Rotarians will be assisting with loading the trailer with debris.  Please bring gloves, hat and sunscreen  refreshments will be provided  

Aloha Fellow Rotarians,

Get ready for a fun, meaningful, and slightly messy way to give back!

In celebration of Rotary’s "Epic Day of Service", the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay is excited to host a "Food Fight for Hunger Carnival", and they’re challenging the Rotary Clubs of Hilo and South Hilo to join us in friendly competition for a great cause.

Date: Saturday, May 16
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Location: St. Joseph School Cafeteria, 1000 Ululani Street, Hilo

Our Goal: Raise $6,000 to support hunger relief efforts benefiting The Food Basket, The Salvation Army, and Hope Services.

How You Can Participate:

• Contribute through our fun “Play Food” fundraising at club meetings:
  • Lobster – $50
  • Crab – $25
  • Fish – $10
  • Fruits – $5
  • Veggies – $2
  • And more!
• Bring canned, boxed, or packaged non-perishable food items to the event
• Join us for carnival-style games and activities
• And yes… participate in a friendly (foam!) food fight between clubs!

The club with the highest per capita contribution will be crowned the winner!

We also welcome participation from our Rotaract and Interact clubs, and each club will have a representative involved in the planning committee.

This is a wonderful opportunity to come together in fellowship, laughter, and service while making a real difference in our community.

We hope to see 50–75 participants, and YOU are a big part of that goal!

Mahalo for your continued generosity and spirit of service. Let’s make this a day to remember!

With appreciation and continued support,

Beverly

Another great Walk &Talk Mini Mixer.  We will end up close to Cronie's (for lunch - optional) so will meet up at 10 a.m. by Nancy's old office in the last bldg on front street.  (The bldg on the other side of Waianuenue, across Cronie's, closest to the bridge/river.)

There is a limit due to traffic - the first 8 people to register.  Bring water, umbrella, and wear comfortable footwear.

Harvey will take the group on a walking tour of the area while giving some facinating Hilo history.  We will end up at Cronie's at 11:30 for lunch, for those who are able to stay. (everyone pays for their own lunch + tip + a couple $'s to cover Harvey's lunch).

Meeting starts promptly at noon.  Please arrive early enough to order your meal and be seated before the President calls the meeting to order.

The final board meeting is at President Newton Chu's house,

Pot luck, Newton to provide drinks. 

Kamehameha Day Health Fair, Fun Run/Walk and Food Drive. 

Meet at Kamehameha Statue at 7am. Volunteers needed for run course, greeting and assisting in the health fair tent and food drive. 

Dr. Burns is a research scientist who studies coral health and disease. His work has investigated the physiological impacts of disease on affected corals and how coral mortality affects the ecology and biology of coral reef ecosystems. John has been continuously searching for both global and localized drivers of coral diseases in order to promote healthy coral ecosystems in the face of global stressors such as climate change. His expertise led to his inclusion in the award-winning documentaries, Chasing Coral, Reefs at Risk, and Island Earth. John has recently developed innovative techniques to create three-dimensional maps of coral reefs to accurately measure how natural and human-induced disturbances impact ecosystem function. John’s research has been presented at scientific conferences around the globe and he has authored multiple publications in international peer-reviewed journals.

Meeting starts promptly at noon.  Please arrive early enough to order your meal and be seated before the President calls the meeting to order.