Saturday, December 29: 
Mochi Pounding at Historic Wailea Village.  Celebrate New Year with demonstrations of and participation in traditional Japanese mochi pounding and making of rice cakes. Plus New Year’s crafts, calligraphy & floral arrangements, taiko drumming, Hawaiian entertainment, local lunch and more.  8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Akiko’s Buddhist Bed and Breakfast, 29-2091 Old Mamalahoa Hwy., Honomu.  For information call (808) 963-6422.

Thursday, December 27: 
Kadomatsu Making & Mochi Pounding.  For centuries, New Years is considered to be the most celebrated custom in Japan. Let your inner rhythm be set free during mochitsuki (rice pounding) and practice centering and a bit of visual poetry while making a kadomatsu (gate pine) for your home. Taste a variety of ways that you can enjoy consuming the ‘rice spirit’ for purity, strength and spiritual wealth as you bring in the New Year with old traditions and new faces.  10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  $25 per family. Donkey Mill Art Center, 78-6670 Mamalahoa Hwy., Holualoa.  For information call (808) 322-3362 or visit www.donkeymillartcenter.org.

Thursday, December 27: 
Hawaiian Music Series.  Enjoy live Hawaiian music on the Baldwin Home lawn from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  The free program takes place under Maui’s moonlight in historic Lahaina and features local entertainers performing traditional Hawaiian music. For information call (808) 661-3262 or visit www.lahainarestoration.org.

Monday, December 24: 
Mokuaikaua Church Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.  This Christmas Eve service at Hawaii’s first Christian church (established in 1820) is always a beautiful and moving experience. All are welcome to this beautiful celebration of Jesus’ birthday.  8 p.m.  Mokuaikaua Church, 75-5713 Ali`i Drive, Kailua-Kona.  For information call (808) 329-0655 or visit www.mokuaikaua.org.

Saturday, December 22: 
Waimea Lighted Christmas Parade.  A brilliant wonderland of color and the spirit of fellowship are the hallmark of the annual Waimea Lighted Christmas Parade.  Spend the day visiting parks, beaches and hiking trails; browse through Waimea’s shops, eat dinner and stay for the entertainment following the parade. The event is free. After parade festivities include live, on-stage free music at Hofgaard Park, with free beverages, baked goods and treats.  Arrive early for easier parking.  Parade starts at 6 p.m. For information and parade route visit www.wkbpa.org/christmas.html.

Sunday, December 16: 
A Kauai Christmas Hula Concert.  Leilani Rivera Low and Halau Hula `O Leilani present a family-oriented show of hula and Tahitian, including traditional Christmas songs and favorite Hawaiian Christmas songs. Keiki to adult dancers, music by Leilani Low, Larry Rivera, Kapala, Michael Ruff and more. Vendors offer clothing, jewelry, artwork, home accessories and more.  For information call (808) 651-0682

Sunday, December 16: 
Kokua Kailua Hulihe`e Palace Concert Series & Village Stroll.  One Sunday each month from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Ali`i Drive along scenic Kailua Bay in Kailua-Kona becomes a festive pedestrian-only walkway. Enjoy music, artists, merchants and restaurants. At 4 p.m., there is a free Hawaiian music concert on the lawn at Hulihe`e Palace. Bring your own mat or chair and they will be checked for free while you stroll Ali`i Drive, Kailua Village (Kona).  For information visit www.kvbid.org.

Sunday, December 16: 
Joy to the World Community Concert.  Presented by the Kona Music Society, this performance features holiday favorites by the voices of the KMS adult and youth choruses along with guest artists and a “sing along.” Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area Pavilion, 74-5562 Makala Blvd., Kailua-Kona.  4 – 6 p.m.  For information call (808) 334-9880 or visit www.konamusicsociety.org.

Saturday & Sunday, December 15 & 16: 
The Bells Ring Out:  Na Leo Lani O Maui’s 4^th Annual Holiday Concert. The rich harmony of over 80 heavenly voices, directed in partnership by Kumu Hula Uluwehi Guerrero and Gale Wisehart, will fill your heart with joy. A portion of the proceeds will support St. Anthony Junior-Senior High School Symphonic Band, in their effort to raise funds to play at Carnegie Hall in New York City early in 2013. Historic Iao Theatre, 65 N. Market St., Wailuku.  Show times are Saturday 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 3 p.m.  For information call (808) 281-6547.

Saturday, December 15: 
Ho, Ho, Ho! Ha, Ha, Ha! – Comedy at Kilauea.  Enjoy a night of holiday comedy out on the town featuring local performers.  Doors open at 6 p.m., show time is 6:30 p.m. VAC’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. For tickets and information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.