EPIC Hilo Grand Launch

EPIC Ministry is starting a brand-new chapter in Hilo, and all are invited to join us in this amazing celebration as we expand our community to the Big Island.
  • General Information
  • Itinerary
  • Costs / Packages
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General Information

In September 2023, Hilo couple and St. Joseph parishioners Ikaika and Marian Pakele contacted EPIC Ministry with interest in starting an EPIC Hilo Chapter. After many in-depth conversations and trainings with executive director Malcolm Zara and vice-director of programs & services Kainoa Fukumoto spanning several months, and with the approval of St. Joseph Hilo pastor, Fr. Apolinario Ty, SSS, we are excited to finally announce the official launch of the brand-new EPIC Hilo Chapter!

The EPIC Hilo Chapter will establish a young adult community for the East Hawaii Island Catholic community. This community consists of various parish and mission churches as well as the home to the University of Hawaii Hilo campus. Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to guide and inspire this new endeavor as we continue our mission of "encouraging young adults to follow Christ" in Hilo and its surrounding areas.

Weekend Itinerary

[OPTIONAL - Kona Trip]
Friday, February 16, 2024
  • 7:35 AM - Depart Honolulu via Hawaiian Airlines (HA 158)
  • 8:20 AM - Arrive in Kona / Pick-up rental van
  • 9:00 AM - Breakfast
  • 10:00 AM - Tour/Sightseeing in Kona (Details TBA)
  • 4:00 PM - Check-in at the Waterfall House
  • 5:00 PM - Dinner / Evening Plans (Details TBA)

Saturday, February 17, 2024
  • [10:00 AM - Check-out of the Waterfall House / Depart for Hilo]
  • 10:20 AM - Depart Kahului via Hawaiian Airlines for connecting flight in Honolulu
  • 12:00 PM - Depart Honolulu via Hawaiian Airlines (HA 252)
  • 1:00 PM - Arrive in Hilo
  • 3:00 PM - Check-in at Airbnb #1 / Airbnb #2 / Wild Ginger Hotel
  • 5:00 PM - Mass at St. Joseph Hilo / Assist with EPIC Grand Launch promotions
  • 7:00 PM - Dinner / Evening Plans (Details TBA)

Sunday, February 18, 2024
  • Assist with EPIC Grand Launch promotions at the 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM Masses
  • 11:45 AM - Mass at St. Joseph Hilo
  • 1:00 PM - EPIC HILO GRAND LAUNCH EVENT
  • 4:00 PM - Return to Airbnb/hotel
  • 6:00 PM - Dinner / Evening Plans (Details TBA)

Monday, February 19, 2024
  • 10:00 AM - Check-out of Airbnb/hotel
  • Tour of Hilo / Sightseeing / Lunch / Return rental vans
  • 12:30 PM - Depart Hilo via Hawaiian Airlines (HA 251)
  • 1:30 PM - Arrive in Honolulu

Costs and Packages

There are three packages available for those traveling from Honolulu and Maui to join in this momentous occasion. Note that the packages do not include some meals and activities, so participants are asked to bring additional spending money.
  • ​Honolulu to Hilo Package ($375): Includes airfare, lodging, and transportation for Saturday, February 17, and returning on Monday, February 19. This all-inclusive package is designed for those traveling from Honolulu for the Grand Launch. 
  • Honolulu to Kona Package ($1,000): Includes airfare, lodging, and transportation for Friday, February 16, and returning on Monday, February 19. This special package includes a one-day trip to Kona prior to the Grand Launch. Participants will take a cross-island tour from Kona to Hilo to meet with those arriving in Hilo on Saturday.
  • Maui to Hilo Package ($525): Includes airfare, lodging, and transportation for Saturday, February 17, and returning on Monday, February 19. This all-inclusive package is designed for those traveling from Maui for the Grand Launch.

Are payment plans available?
If you want to attend but are unable to pay the full amount upfront, please Contact Us to see if a payment plan can be arranged.

Can I make my own travel plans?
YES. Please refer to the Itinerary tab for the weekend schedule, and feel free to make your own airfare, lodging, and transportation arrangements. This option is best for those who want to travel at different types, such as a one-day trip, or for those who want to us HawaiianMiles to purchase their tickets. If you plan to make your own travel plans, please Contact Us to let us know that you plan to join us and if you have any particular questions.