Saturday, February 18:
Na Mea Hawai`i Hula Kahiko Performance. Featuring Halau Na Pua Ha`aheo O Kona with kumu hula Roy Palacat. This outdoor presentation takes place rain or shine at the hula platform located near VAC Gallery. 10:30 a.m. The audience is encouraged to bring sitting mats and sun/rain gear. On the same day, there are hands-on cultural demonstrations from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at VAC Gallery porch. Hawai`i Volcanoes  National Park. All events are free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply.

Saturday & Sunday, February 18 & 19:
Panaewa Stampede Rodeo. Check out rodeo Hawaiian-style at this weekend event featuring an amateur competition between cowboys, cowgirls, keiki and kupuna. Enjoy paniolo (cowboy) demonstrations, Hawaiian musical entertain- ment, food and craft booths. Fee. 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Panaewa Equestrian Center, 800 Stainback Hwy., Hilo. For information call (808) 959-8932 or visit www.hawaiirodeostampede.com.

Wednesday, February 18:
Maui’s Whale Day Celebration. One of Maui’s most popular festivals, this free, all-day celebration honors the hump- back whales that come to Maui each winter. Featuring live entertainment by some of Hawaii’s top performers, great food by Maui restaurants, activities and bouncy rides for kids, a huge “Made on Maui” artisans fair, environmental displays and more. It begins at 9:00 a.m. with Maui’s Parade of Whales along South Kihei Road and continues through 6:00 p.m. at Kalama Park, on South Kihei Road, South Maui. To learn more, visit www.mauiwhalefestival.org or call Pacific Whale Foundation at (808) 249-8811 ext. 1.

Saturday, February 18:
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.

Saturday, February 18:
Kilohana Long Distance Canoe Race. Traditional Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Racing along the Waimea shoreline. One of the signature events of the Waimea Town Celebration and the first event of the Garden Island Canoe Racing Association season. Start times for the races are 9a.m. for women, 10:30 a.m. for men. Finished around 11:30. Visible from the shore at Waimea near the Pier. Race course determined by ocean conditions that morning. Free for spectators.

Saturday, February 18:
Hawaii Avocado Festival. Go green – avocado green – at this celebration of the delicious and nutritious avocado, featuring tastings, growing demos, recipe contest, eco fashion show, farmers market, performing arts, avo-inspired dinner and more. Free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort, 78-6740 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona. For information visit (808) 334-3340 or visit www.manakeasanctuary.org.

Saturday, February 18:
Laupahoehoe Music Festival. Rising stars, veteran masters and top local bands come together for a day of nonstop music and hula, island style. Food vendors will offer a wide variety of tastes; local craft vendors will also be on site. Money raised goes for civic projects and scholarships. Fee $10 in advance, $15 at the gate. Laupahoehoe Beach Park, Hwy. 19, Hamakua Coast, Laupahoehoe. 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For information call (808) 938-3688.