Saturday, March 12: 
The Kona Brewers Festival.  Top chefs from some of the Big Island’s favorite restaurants will offer their best food pairings for beer, ranging from fresh fish and smoked meats to deep fried avocados and tropical sweets, against a backdrop of passing paddleboards and canoes at the historic Kamakahonu Bay Beach. Cost is $70 and includes a commemorative event mug and seven brew tastes. King Kamehameha’s Courtyard Kona Beach Hotel lu`au grounds, 75-5660 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona. Two sessions, 11a.m. & 4 p.m. For more information, call (808) 938-7376 or email email@summercarrick.com.

Saturday, March 12: 
A Taste of School Gardens. Maui’s best chefs and restaurants with fine wines and great music.  All supporting school garden programs on Maui. Hotel Wailea, 555 Kuakahi St., Wailea. 5 to 8:30 p.m.  Cost $100 – $120.  For information call (808) 280-5308 or visit www.growsomegood.org.

Friday & Saturday, March 11 & 12: 
Heiva I Honolulu.  Hawai`i’s largest and best Tahitian dance competition with local, mainland and international competitors. Unique Polynesian handicrafts and food on hand make it a must for locals and visitors alike. The dancing, drumming and music set it apart from the regular stereotype Waikiki show.. Neil Blaisdell Center Arena, 777 Ward Ave., Honolulu. For information call (808) 732-7342 or visit www.tahitinuiinternational.com.

Friday – Sunday, March 11 – 13: 
Honolulu Festival.  Celebrate the people and culture of the Pacific Rim and Hawai`i with dynamic dance performances, music, and exhibits. Under the theme, “Cultural Harmony, Journey to Peace”, the Festival’s weekend of activities also features the ever-popular Grand Parade through Waikiki (Sunday 4 p.m.) and the spectacular Nagaoka Fireworks Show (Sunday, 8:30 p.m.) over Waikiki Beach. Free admission.  Hawai`i Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, and other venues.  For information, schedule and list of venues call (808) 539-3409 or visit www.honolulufestival.com.

Wednesday, March 9: 
Haleakala National Park’s Commercial-Free Day. Haleakala National Park is home to Haleakala Crater, a dormant volcano, and Maui’s highest peak. Rising over 10,000 feet above sea level, its graceful slopes can be seen from just about any point on the island. Haleakala means “House of the Sun” in Hawaiian, and legend has it that the demigod Maui lassoed the sun itself from its summit to slow the sun’s journey across the skies.  This day allows Native Hawaiians to practice traditional cultural activities unfettered by tours and other activities.  The park will be open to visitors.  For information visit www.nps.gov/hale/parkmgmt/csp.htm.

Tuesday, March 8: 
The Pit Stop:  Shop, Dine & Dash.  Enjoy this block party including food trucks, Food tents, local crafters, resellers, live entertainment & more.  Enjoy an evening of shopping and dining instead of sitting in traffic.  Aloha Stadium, 99-500 Sale Lake Blvd, Honolulu.  For information call (808) 927-5730 or visit www.thepitstophawaii.com.

Tuesday, March 8: 
Maui Solar Eclipse Fair.  Safely experience the beauty of the crescent sun with The National Solar Observatory and the Maui Science Center. The moon will begin to move in front of the sun at approximately 4:30 p.m.  By 5:30 p.m., approximately 60% of the Sun will be blocked by the Moon, creating a crescent-shaped Sun on Maui’s western horizon.  Local astronomers will be on site with solar telescopes for an up close view of the eclipse.  Free eclipse glasses will also be available.  Enjoy science activities, exhibits, and crafts. Fun for the whole family. Kalama Park, South Kihei Rd., Kihei (across from Foodland).  3:30 to 7 p.m.  Warning:  Please remember to NEVER look at the sun without specially designed eye protection.  Direct viewing of the Sun can cause permanent eye damage!  For information visit www.MauiScienceCenter.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 and the landmarks they left behind. West Kaua`i Technology & Visitor Center, 9565 Kaumuali`i Hwy., Waimea. 8:30 a.m. Reservations required no later than 4 p.m. Friday before that Monday to schedule a tour.  For reservations and information call (808) 338-1332 or visit www.westkauaivisitorcenter.org/walkingtour.

Sunday, March 6: 
Royal Order of Kamehameha First Annual Fundraiser Concert.  Concert features award-winning vocalists Weldon Kekauoha and Kainani Kahuanaele, with hula by Kumu Hula Paul Neves’ Halau Ha`a Kea `O Kinohi.   There will be a Silent Auction from 1 to 1:45 p.m. in the lobby. Doors open for concert at 1:45pm; concert at 2 p.m. Reserved. Preferred seating $45; General seating $35. Keep your ticket stubs for Lucky Number Drawings. Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Rd., Waimea.  For tickets and information visit www.kahilutheatre.org or call (808) 885-6868.

Sunday Afternoons: 
Slack Key Guitar Concerts.  Traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar and `ukulele concerts.  March 6 – Spirit of Slack Key; March 13 – Hawai`i’s Cowboy Music; March 20 – Tour of the Island; March 27 – Traditional Slack Key.  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.  Voted 2014 Best Live Show in Hawai`i by Hawai`i Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards.  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.