Wednesday & Thursday, September 12 & 13: 
Kupuna Hula Festival.  Some of Hawaii Island’s most experienced and talented kupuna or elder hula dancers will perform at 5:00 p.m. at this event, which is a part of the Hawaii Island Festival. Free. Also Hawaiian crafts fair from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa, 78-128 Ehukai St., Kailua-Kona.  For information call (808) 323-4340 or visit www.hawaiiislandfestival.org.

Saturday, September 8: 
He Halia Aloha No Ka Queen Liliuokalani Festival.  This festival celebrates the birthday of Hawaii’s beloved Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii. It is held in the beautiful surroundings of the Queen’s historical namesake, Japanese-style gardens in central Hilo. Hula performances by worldwide hula halau (schools).  Liliuokalani Gardens, Banyan Drive, Hilo. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For information call (808) 961-8706.

Every Saturday: 
Maui Swap Meet.  Maui’s largest flea market is a great place to shop for unique, home-made, handcrafted, quality products at reasonable prices.  University of Hawaii – Maui College, 310 Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului.  7:00 a.m. to 1:00.  Cost is 50 cents; free after 12:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 8: 
Ku Mai Ka Hula 2012 International Hula Competition.  Our 7th annual international hula competition features hālau winners from Japan’s competition and hālau from Hawai‘i in adult solo and group performances. The dancers compete in kahiko (traditional hula) and ‘auana (modern-day hula) in both male and female categories. Celebrate the longstanding friendship between Hawai‘i and Japan with a memorable and inspiring day of hula. Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater.  1 p.m. to 6 p.m.  For tickets and information call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.

Friday Evenings:
Slack Key Guitar Concerts.  Traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar and ‘ukulele concerts. September 7 – Sea Turtle Serenade; September 14 – Hawaii’s Sunset Music; September 21 – Spirit of Slack Key; September 28 – Hawaii’s Cowboy Music.  Free gift drawing.  Tickets: $20 ($15 keiki/seniors).  A portion of the proceeds supports the Hale Halawai Ohana O Hanalei.  Hanalei Family Community Center.  4:00 p.m.  For information and reservations call (808) 826-1469 or visit www.mcmasterslackkey.com.

Every Friday: 
Aloha Fridays at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  Every Friday. A free hands-on demonstration lesson is given in a cultural craft that will vary from week to week. Held at VAC Gallery porch in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  All events are free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volccanoartcenter.org.

Every Friday: 
Candlelit Tours at the Baldwin Home Museum.  Step back in time and visit the Baldwin Home Museum with a tour by candle light. Tours include free light refreshments on the lanai. 6:00 -8:30 p.m. Located on the corner of Front and Dickenson Street in the heart of historic Lahaina. Admission: $4.00/person, $6/couple, children 12 & under free.  For information visit www.lahainarestoration.org.

Friday Evenings: 
Art Night in Hanapepe.  Every Friday evening, Old Town Hanapepe is bustling with fun & activity! Stroll through the many art galleries in historic Hanapepe and meet the local artists from 6-9 p.m.  Enjoy a wide variety of shopping, local vendors, several excellent restaurants, art galleries, stilt walkers, classics cars, live music and entertainment.  Strolling is free; art is priced as noted.  For information call Ed Justus at (808) 335-6469.

Every Friday:
Maui Friday Town Parties. Enjoy food, live entertainment, shopping and art. Free admission. Many retailers, galleries and boutiques operate extended hours and highlight special promotions. Crafters, artisans and culinary wizards add their creativity to the event.  September 7 – Wailuku, on Market Street; September 14 – Lahaina, on Front Street; September 21 – Makawao, on Makawao and Baldwin Avenues; September 28 – Paia, on Hana Highway and Baldwin Avenues. For more information visit www.mauifridays.com.

Thursday, September 6:
Hakukole:  Sayings & Chants of Ridicule with Keali’i Reichel.  Explore an often over-looked genre of Hawaiian poetry and slang – Hakukole. Issues of infidelity, sexual/physical inadequacy, stupidity, bad manners, irritation, sarcasm, dark humor and revenge are revealed through chant, songs, proverbs and gestures. No one was immune to being the object of a mele hakukole or hakukole-like saying. All were fair game in the battle of wits or expression of negative emotions. Join Keali‘i Reichel for an intimate look at this intriguing Hawaiian art form.  Maui Arts & Cultural Center, McCoy Studio Theater.  7:30 p.m.  For tickets and information call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.