Every Friday: 
Aloha Fridays at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.  A free hands-on demonstration lesson is given in a cultural craft that varies each week. Volcano Art Center Gallery porch in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Sunday, January 10: 
New Year’s Ohana Festival.  This fun-filled Japanese and multicultural festival will feature food, crafts, entertainment and cultural demonstrations of the people who make up this island state. Keiki can also enjoy games and make-and-take activities throughout the day. The New Year’s Ohana Festival will be a great way for the community to come together and celebrate the Year of the Sheep in 2015. Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai`i and Mo`ili`ili Field, 2454 South Beretania St., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information call (808) 945-7633 or visit www.jcch.com.

Sunday, December 27: 
Wailea Village Mochi Pounding. Celebrate making traditional rice cakes the “old-fashioned” way.  Everyone takes their turn at pounding the glutinous sticky rice for good luck. Hearty local style lunch for $5. New Year’s crafts, calligraphy & floral arrangements, plantation stories, Okinawan taiko drumming, Hawaiian entertainment & more.  Akiko’s Buddhist Bed & Breakfast, 29-2091 Old Mamalahoa Hwy., Hakalau.  8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  For information call (808) 963-6422 or visit www.akikosbnb.com.

Monday & Tuesday, December 21 & 22:
The Nutcracker Ballet.  Over 50 local dancers, guest dancers from the Maui Academy of Performing Arts and professional dancers from the Carolina & Bolshoi Ballet will make the ballet come to life. A Chinese auction in the lobby will benefit West Hawai`i Dance Theatre & Academy’s ongoing programs and studio renovations.  Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Rd., Kamuela. Show times are Monday at 6 p.m., Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.  For information call (808) 329-8876 or visit www.WHDT.org.  For tickets and more information visit www.kahilutheatre.org.

Friday, December 20: 
Jingle Bell Beach Run – 5K & 1-Mile Runs.  The Jingle Bell Beach Run began in December of 2005 in an effort to kick off Christmas week with a bang. Awards are given out to the top overall finishers as well as the top three best dressed Christmas costumes. Raffle prizes follow the awards, so it’s very hard for one to go home empty handed.  Coconut Grove Marketplace, Ali`i Dr., Kailua-Kona.  For information call (808) 345-6214 or visit www.kona5k.com.

Saturday, December 19: 
Hula Kahiko Performance. Hula halau from across Hawai`i and beyond have been invited to perform in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting at the kahua hula (platform) in the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, located just a short walking distance from the Volcano Art Gallery in Ka`auea. 10:30 a.m.  Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mat. The event is free, park fees apply.  Held in conjunction with the Hula Kahiko performances, enjoy a display of “Na Mea Hula” (all things hula). Visitors share in a variety of instruments, implements and lei styles that play an integral role in the life of the hula practitioner. This memorable demonstration is hands-on and family friendly.  Lanai of the Volcano Art Gallery. 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Saturday, December 19: 
Goodnight Gecko 25^th Anniversary Performance.  Entrance fee for non-members pays for touring Maui Ocean Center and a production of Maui Academy of Performing Arts’ (MAPA) “Goodnight Gecko”. Author Gill McBarnet will be autographing books after the performance in the Ocean Treasure Gift Shop from 12:30-2:30 p.m. indoors in the “Hawaiians and the Sea” section of the park.  Maui Ocean Center, 192 Ma`alaea Rd., Ma`alaea.  11:30 a.m.  For information call (808) 270-7069 or visit www.hawaiianchildrensbooks.com.

Thursday, December 19: 
Kona Harp Ensemble – Celtic Christmas.  Ancient Hawaiian Music and the Spirit of Christmas meet at Kahilu Theatre, featuring three Harps and Woodwinds – including Clarinet, Sax, Hawaiian Bambooflutes, Shakuhachi and Bansuri flutes. Enjoy listening to music by Bach, Pachelbel, Tchaikovsky, O’Carolan, traditional Hawaiian, Celtic, Japanese and Indian Music.  Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Rd., Kamuela. 6 p.m. For tickets and information call (808) 885-6868 or visit www.kahilutheatre.org.

Thursday, December 17: 
Hawaiian Music Series.  Relax under the stars and enjoy a free concert featuring local musicians. Chairs are limited and blankets, mats, and low beach chairs are welcome. The Baldwin Home Museum is located in the heart of Lahaina, on the corner of Front and Dickenson Streets, Lahaina. 6 to 7:30 p.m.  For information call (808) 661-3262 or visit www.lahainarestoration.org.

Wednesday, December 16: 
Amy Hanaiali`i.  Amy’s talent emerges from a disciplined blend of classical training, fusing powerhouse vocalists, and honoring her family through her worldly heritage and rooted ancestral responsibility.  Her albums have garnered 22 Na Hoku Hanohano awards, Hawai`i’s equivalent to the GRAMMY® awards. Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Rd., Kamuela.  7 p.m. For tickets and information call (808) 885-6868 or visit www.kahilutheatre.org.