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.

Thursday, February 16:
Rasta Thomas’ Dance Stars with Bad Boys of Dance. International ballet star and original bad boy, Rasta Thomas, founded The Bad Boys of Dance in 2007. Today, the com- pany, comprised of the most talented and versatile young male dancers in the world, brings its magic to the masses, having performed for over 500,000 fans worldwide in over 500 shows. These amazing, athletic “hybrids” of dance can do it all, from ballet to tap and hip hop. Their mission is to push the boundaries of male dancing and deliver exciting, accessible and entertaining dance shows. Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater, 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.

Tuesday, February 14:
Eat Dessert First. Don’t miss the 19th annual event held on Valentine’s Day, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Courtyard by Marriott Kauai at Coconut Beach in Wailua. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, ($15 tax deductible contribution). Children 4 and under are free. For information call Marlene Greer at (808) 346-1058.

Sunday, February 12:
‘Q’uisine of Hearts. Enjoy sumptuous food by Big Island chefs along with desserts, wine, handcrafted ales and Kona coffee; enjoy music and bid for silent auction items at this American Culinary Federation Valentine’s brunch that benefits childhood nutritional education. Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For information call (808) 886-1234.

Saturday, February 11:
Rotary Club of Kona Mauka’s Valentine Wine Tasting Fundraiser. Join the Rotary Club of Kona Mauka for a wonderful evening at its upcoming popular “Valentine Wine Tasting” from 4 to 8 pm. It will take place at a beautiful private residence in Kailua-Kona. Those who purchase tickets will receive physical address and directions. Featuring fine wines, delicious food, live music and a silent auction. Tickets are $65 per person. For tickets and more information, contact Sandee Crisp at (808) 987-0184 or sandee-crisp@hawaii.rr.com.