Sunday, January 29: 
Footprint Trail to Mauna Iki.  A guided geological hike to explore features from Footprints Trail to Mauna Iki in the Ka‘u Desert.  The 4-mile round trip hike begins at the Footprints trailhead to examine textural details of an ‘a‘a lava flow.   View footprints fossilized in the muddy ash by Keoua’s fallen army in 1790.  Approaching Mauna Iki, see a pahoehoe lava field.  Fee.  Non-members are welcome to join the non-profit Friends group in order to get the member discount.  For more info, contact Hawai‘i Volcanoes Institute at (808) 985-7373 or institute@fhvnp.org.  To register, visit www.fhvnp.org.

Saturday, January 28: 
The Art & Traditions of Hula at Kilauea. This program features kumu Maile Yamanaka offering 45-minute lessons in hula at 10:30a.m., lei making at 12:00 Noon and `ukulele playing at 1:30 p.m. (bring your `ukulele if you have one). Sign up on a first-come, first-serve basis that day. Open to all ages and levels. VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply.  For information call (808) 961-5711 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Saturday, January 28: 
13^th Annual Maui Chinese New Year Festival.  Bring in the Year of the Dragon with lion Dancers, cooking contest, children art contest, food, crafters, children activities, calligraphy, Chinese antique display.  Maui Mall, 70 E Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului.  9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Free family event.  For information call Yuki Lei at (808) 878-1888.

Friday, January 27:
Opening reception for hanging garden artist, Joan Mercer, and whimsical gourd artist, Jennifer Throne. Free entertainment and refreshments from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Maui’s only artist-owned and artist-operated gallery, Maui Crafts Guild, at 69 Hana Highway. Call (808) 579-9697 daily from 10 to 6 for more information or visit www.mauicraftsguild.com.

Friday, January 27: 
Ben Vereen.  Broadway star-actor-singer-dancer and Tony Award winner, Ben Vereen is internationally renowned for his performance in Bob Fosse’s Pippin. This consummate showman continues the tradition of great all-around entertainers, best appreciated live.  Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater.  7:30 p.m.  For tickets and information call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.

Thursday – Saturday, January 26-28: 
‘Iolani Luahine Hula Festival.  A festival honoring Aunty ‘Iolani Luahine, one of Hawaii’s premiere performers and cultural treasures. Includes a visit to ‘Iolani’s birthplace in Napo’opo’o Village, hula workshops and presentations, and an educational “challenge” to Kumu Hula, with a prize for the one who best demonstrates the values of ‘Iolani Luahine in regard to education and Hawaiian culture.   Keauhou Beach Resort.  Fee for hula workshops; evening musical entertainment will be offered to the public for a modest donation, with tickets available at the door. For more information, visit www.iolaniluahinefestival.org or contact adminisrator@nawaiiwiola.org

Sunday, January 22: 
Storytelling Festival: Maui, Hina & Ka Hana Kapa.  One of the many legends of Hawaii is about Maui, the demi-god, lassoing the sun to slow its path across the sky so his mother Hina’s kapa could dry. Our particular version of this story is centered here on Maui and will be performed in chant, dance and the art of storytelling.  Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Pavilion.  3:00 p.m. Free.  For information call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.

Saturday, January 22: 
Maui Oceanfront Marathon.  The Marathons start in Wailea and run through Kihei along the oceanfront to Kamehameha Iki Park near the Banyan Tree in Old Lahaina Town.  5:45 a.m  – 1:00 p.m. Events include: Early Start Marathon at 4:30 a.m.; Marathon start at 5:45 a.m.; Half Marathon & 10K at 6:45 a.m.; 15K at 7:20 a.m.; and the 5K at 8:20 a.m.. Registration at the Pioneer Inn on Saturday 10 – 5 p.m.  For information visit www.MauiOceanfrontMarathon.com or call Les Wright at (808) 344-3651.

Saturday, January 21: 
Aloha Saturday.  These  programs feature performances, exhibits, demonstrations, workshops, lectures and more by Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, scholars, musicians, hula halau and community groups.  Noon – 4 p.m.  Kālakaua Park in Hilo.  Free.  For information call (808) 961-5711 or visit www.ehcc.org.

January 21-23: 
Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai.  A PGA Tour Champions tournament competition among all official money-event champions of the 2010 and 2011 seasons, winners of the majors since 2007 and eight professionals by invitation with 15 or more career victories, including one major. This golf competition takes place on the Hualalai Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, and tournament guests enjoy the beautiful Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Kaupulehu. Confirmed players include reigning champion John Cook, Fred Couples, Bernhard Langer, Mark OMeara and Tom Watson.  Hualalai Resort, 72-100 Kaupulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona.  For information call (800) 417-2770 or visit www.pgatour.com.