Saturday, October 12: 
Hula Arts at Kilauea.  This VAC program features Hula Kahiko Informance with kumu Leilehua Yuen and Manu Josiah, and is a 50-minute narrated demonstration of preparation, protocol and offering of traditional hula and chant. This inspired outdoor presentation takes place rain or shine at the hula platform located near VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.  The audience is encouraged to bring sitting mat and sun/rain gear. On the same day, there is a hands-on cultural demonstration from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at VAC Gallery porch. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Saturday, October 12: 
Ironman Triathlon World Championship.  The top 1,800 triathletes from around the world (50 countries and all 50 States) converge on Kona for this Super Bowl of triathlon events, featuring a 2.4-mile ocean swim off Kailua Pier, a 112-mile bike course to Hawi and a 26.2-mile run. The first racers swim at 6:30 a.m. The top finishers complete the event around 3:30 p.m.; the last official finisher is at midnight. Spectators may enjoy the race anywhere along the course (but note that roads around the area are closed), but being right downtown in Kailua Village is the best way to see the action. For information call (808) 329-0063 or visit www.ironman.com/worldchampionship.

Friday, Sunday & Tuesday, October 11, 13 & 15: 
Turandot.  A beloved opera featuring the famous Nessun Dorma aria – A brave and brazen prince falls in love with a bitter princess. If he cannot answer her three riddles, death befalls him. If he succeeds, he marries her.  Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu. Friday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 4 p.m.; Tuesday, 7 p.m.  For tickets and information call (808) 596-7858 or visit www.hawaiiopera.org.

Friday & Saturday, October 11 & 12: 
Matsuri Kaua`i. The Kaua`i Japanese Cultural Society will be celebrating with Karaoke singers, dancers, martial arts, drumming, kimon kitsuke, bento sales, origami, oshibana, musubi madness contest, mochi pounding, mini bon dance, tea ceremony, bonsai, jorei and flower circle. Enjoy Hawaiian music, hula and Japanese dance by Japanese visitors and local artists.  Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Kaua`i War Memorial Convention Hall, 4191 Hardy St., Lihue.  For information call (808) 822-5353.

Friday, October 11: 
A Culinary Romp through Paradise.  Learn about and sample exotic local fruit while taking a leisurely tour of a 26-acre exotic fruit farm. Enjoy a cooking demonstration and gourmet, four-course lunch made with Kaua`i-grown ingredients. The tour ends with a presentation of locally made rum at The Feral Pig. Opaeka`a Falls, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., $140.  For information call (808) 635-0257or visit www.tastingkauai.com.

Every Monday: 
Historic Waimea Walking Tour.  Take a 3 hour walk back through time in the place where Captain Cook first landed in Waimea.  Learn about the last King of Kaua`i, the missionaries, and other famous citizens of Waimea along with the landmarks they left behind. West Kaua`i Technology & Visitor Center, 9565 Kaumuali`i Hwy., Waimea. 9:30 a.m. Registration required no later than Noon the Friday before that Monday to schedule your tour.  For reservations and information call (808) 338-1332 or visit www.wkpba.org.

Wednesday, October 9: 
Kaua`i Aloha Festivals – Auli`i Lu‘au.  Connect with Kaua`i’s rich history and culture, traditional culinary treats and refreshing libations in an oceanfront setting at Sheraton Kaua`i. Enjoy tributes paid to the Royal Court with a procession and offering of ho`okupu (gifts). Sheraton Kaua`i Resort, 2440 Ho`onani Rd., Koloa. 6 to 9 p.m. For information call (808) 634-1499 or visit www.kauaialohafestivals.net.

Sunday Afternoons: 
Slack Key Guitar Concerts.  Traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar and `ukulele concerts.  October 6 – Hawai`i’s Cowboy Music; October 13 – Slack Key Tour of the Islands; October 20 – Hawai`i’s Sunset Music; October 27 – Honoring Raymond Kane.  Tickets: $20 ($15 keiki/seniors).  The concerts are nahenahe – soft and sweet.  Slack key guitar and `ukulele in the real old style.  All traditional music with songs and stories of the islands, telling the history of this Hawaiian musical art form.  A portion of the proceeds supports the Hale Halawai `Ohana `O Hanalei.  Hanalei Family Community Center, 5-5299 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei.  3 to 5 p.m.  For information and reservations call (808) 826-1469 or visit www.mcmasterslackkey.com.

Sunday, October 6: 
2^nd Annual Festival of Aloha.  “E Hele Mai!” Celebrate Hawaiian Heritage at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel Ballroom Courtyard, 62-100 Kauna Oa Drive, Kamuela. Learn the craft of lei or ipu making as well as the games the ancestors used to play. Enjoy unique island crafts, authentic native food and be entertained by some of the Big Islands most popular and award winning musicians.  For more information on the Festival of Aloha, call 808-880-1111. Free.  10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  For information call (808) 880-1111.

Sunday, October 6: 
PATH 5K/10K/Keiki Run.  Kona’s Kickoff to Ironman Week.  A fun out & back course on Ali`i Drive, Awards for overall & top 3 places in 5 year age groups. Race Day Registration Rates: $40 for adults and $30 for ages 14 & under. Online Registration: www.pathhawaii.org under Event page. To avoid race morning lines, please pick up shirts & race numbers on Saturday, October 5th at the ironman Info booth on the Kailua Pier, 7am to 10am. Race day registration & check-in will open at 6:30 am on Sunday at Hale Halawai, race begins at 7:30 a.m. Hale Halawai, 75-5760 Ali`i Drive, Kailua-Kona.  For information call (808) 990-8686 or visit www.pathhawaii.org.