Saturday, August 18: 
Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival.  This annual event attracts aficionados of this renowned tropical libation from far and wide, with bartenders competing for title of Best Mai Tai and a $10,000 cash prize. Also enjoy a farmers market, food from Big Island restaurants and live entertainment along with mai tai sampling. A fun festival! Free.  12 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Royal Kona Resort, 75-5852 Ali`i Dr., Kailua-Kona.  For information call (808) 329-3111.

Saturday, August 18:
Volcano Rainforest Runs. A half marathon, 10K run and 5k walk in Volcano Village at 4,000 feet elevation near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Race begins and ends at Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Road in Volcano Village. $35-$75 registration fees. Early Registration begins at Volcano Art Center on Friday, August 17, from 10-6 p.m.; a Runner’s Reception and Luncheon is open to all regis- tered runners and their families from 11-1p.m. Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village. Indulge in an all-you-can-eat salad buffet and “carbo” load at Cooper Center on Wright Road on Friday, August 17 from 5-7 p.m. Race Day Registration at 5:30 a.m. at Cooper Center. Opening Ceremony at 6:30a.m., with the first race at 7:00a.m. For information call (808) 967-8240 for email raceinfo@volcanoartcenter.org.

Friday & Saturday, August 17 & 18: 
Hui Okinawa Haari Boat Festival.  Friday is reserved for team practice with the boats, but many other activities in Hilo are planned for later in the afternoon, including the kick-off of the 2012 Friendship Golf Tournament. Experience Hui Okinawa Kobudo Taiko 10th Anniversary Concert at the Palace Theatre on Friday at 7 p.m. The official Haari Boat Races are scheduled for Saturday at 8 a.m., with a pre-race Parade of teams at 7:30 a.m. Teams in three divisions compete for speed and cooperative skill in rowing the boats in tandem, to the beat of a gong at the rear of the boat. Prizes are awarded in each division.  Haari Boat Race Golf Tournament on Saturday at Hilo Municipal Golf Course (Tee Off Time TBA).  Wailoa State Park and River, 200 Piopio St, Hilo.  For information call (808) 895-0994 or visit www.haariboatfestival.com.

Sunday, August 12: 
12^th Annual Pilgrimage of Compassion, with Grand Master Riley Lee & Taiko Kaua’i.  Celebrate a timeless spiritual vision in a valley long recognized as a healing sanctuary. World-renowned shakuhachi (Japanese flute) Grand Master Riley Lee will issue a call to the pilgrims of the world.  Bonsai exhibit, ikebana demos, bake sale, silent auction and mochi and taro pounding demonstrations.  Bring an umbrella and wear comfortable shoes for this hillside walk. Lawai International Center, gates open at 1:30 p.m., program starts at 3:00 p.m. Donations are welcome. For information call (808) 635-0838 or visit www.lawaicenter.org.

Sunday, August 12: 
Summer Soul Concert with The Shirelles & The Manhattans.  Rock-and-Roll Hall of Famers, The Shirelles were the first major female vocal group of the rock era, defining the so-called girl group sound with their soft, sweet harmonies and yearning innocence. Their music was a blend of pop and R&B that appealed to listeners across the board. The Mahattans are R&B trailblazers who have achieved career longevity by adapting their style to fit changing times. Formed in the 60s as a doo wop-influenced R&B quintet, The Manhattans reinvented themselves in the 70s as smooth soul balladeers. Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater. 7:30 p.m.  For tickets and information call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.

Sunday, August 12: 
Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament.  This year marks the 53rd annual running of this storied fishing tournament, in which teams from Hawaii, the U.S. and around the world compete to catch prized Pacific blue marlin and win the coveted HIBT’s Governor’s Trophy (no cash prizes are given). Most marlin caught are tagged and released to promote conservation.  Kailua Pier, Ali`i Dr., Kailua-Kona.  7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  For information call (808) 836-3422.

Saturday, August 11: 
Na Mea Hawaii Hula Kahiko Performance:  See traditional hula and chant performed outdoors on the hula platform overlooking Kilauea Crater, featuring Halau Na Pua O Uluhaimalama at 10:30 a.m.; Hawaiian cultural demonstrations at Volcano Art Center Gallery, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Free; park entrance fees apply.  Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd, Volcano.  For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Saturday, August 11: 
Wild Dolphin Sand Sculpture Contest.  Free and open to all ages and all levels of sand sculpting experience. Work individually or as part of a family or group to create a sand sculpture in honor of wild dolphins. Prizes awarded to top entries in several categories.  All participants will receive a free dolphin poster and free dolphin guide. Some shovels and pails will be provided by Pacific Whale Foundation’s team, but all are urged to bring their own tools, if possible. Begins at 9 a.m. and continues to noon. Free registration on the morning of the contest at the north end of Keawakapu Beach on the sand by Sarento’s Restaurant. Judging 11:30 am to noon. For information, call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1, or visit www.pacificwhale.org.

Saturday, August 11: 
Establishment Day Hawaiian Festival.  The annual cultural festival at the Puukohola Heiau National Historical Site features a royal court procession along with many hands-on ancient Hawaiian lifestyle activities such as lei making, ipu making, lauhala weaving, poi pounding, plus double hull canoe rides, food tasting and much more. Free.  Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site, 62-3601 Kawaihae Rd., Kamuela (North Kohala).  10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  For information call (808) 882-7218.

Saturday, August 11: 
Garden Isle Artisan Fair.  More than 40 local artisans showcase an array of handcrafted products from Kauai and throughout Polynesia.  The event offers an opportunity to see the wealth of local talent on the Garden Isle.  Feast on local plate lunches, Shave ice, Smoothies.  Poipu Beach, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Free.  For information call Judy Webb at (808) 245-9021.