Wednesday – Sunday, June 15 – 19: 
Maui Film Festival.  Dubbed Hawai`i’s version of the Sundance film festival, the Maui Film Festival is a cinematic celebration of international movies and independent works. The five-day engagement features dozens of U.S. and global premieres with screenings of documentaries, features and short films, as well as Q&A sessions, expert panels, red carpet photo-ops and cinephile-filled cocktail party mixers.  Celestial Cinema Wailea and Maui Arts & Cultural Center.  For tickets, schedule, venues, and information visit www.mauifilmfestival.com.

Every Wednesday and Thursday: 
Helping Paws Visitor Volunteer Program.  Do you miss your pet when traveling? Visitors can offer a “helping paw” to homeless animals at the Maui Humane Society shelter, located in Pu`unene (central Maui), on Mokulele Hwy. between Kihei and Kahului. 1 to 3 p.m. Help with such activities as walking dogs, bathing puppies, brushing cats, or playing with puppies and kittens. Arrive by 1 p.m. and wear close-toed shoes and comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. For Maui visitors only.  Children age 10 to 17 are welcome when accompanied by a supervising adult for the duration. Advance reservations required.  Register online at MauiHumaneSociety.org, “Get Involved/Volunteer/HelpingPawsVisitorProgram”.

Sunday, May 29: 
Annual Banana Poka Roundup.  A festive family event for the young and old, enjoy this annual forest education fair with live music, craft workshops, kid fun, snacks, a silent auction, and crowing contest at noon. Civilian Conservation Corps Camp (CCC Camp) at Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow in Koke`e State Park.  Free admission. 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Lawn chairs are ok to bring, but coolers are not. Call ahead for ADA arrangements. For information call (808) 335-9975 or visit www.kokee.org.

Saturday, May 28: 
The Female Comics of Hawai`i at Tree’s Lounge.  The Female Comics of Hawai`i are the only all-female standup comedy group in Hawai`i, based in Honolulu. Don’t miss the funniest ladies in Hawai`i.  Tree’s Lounge, 440 Aleka Pl., Kapa`a. 8 to 10 p.m.  $10 cover.  For information call (808) 542-8345.

Thursday, May 26: 
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.

Thursday – Monday, May 26 – 30: 
Big Island Film Festival.  Celebrate the rich history of storytelling through movies.  Enjoy films under the stars, social events, amazing food events, hula halau and Hawaiian musicians, and workshops by top mainland writers. An Awards Brunch and Best of the Fest Concert & Audience Choice for best feature & short films close the festival each year. A Silent Auction to benefit Fisher House will ensue during the closing event. The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai`i, One North Kaniku Drive, Kamuela.  For more information, schedule  and tickets, call (808) 883-0394 or visit www.bigislandfilmfestival.com.

Thursday, May 20: 
Benefit Night for the Birds.  The Maui Brewing Company is hosting a benefit night for the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project. Half the pub profits from house beers sold this night will go towards protecting native birds. The Maui Brewing Company, Kahana Gateway Shopping Center, 4405 Honoapi`ilani Hwy, Lahaina, 96761.  6 to 10 p.m.  For information call (808) 573-0280.

Sunday, May 15: 
Kokua Kailua Hulihe`e Palace Concert Series & Village Stroll.  Ali`i Drive along scenic Kailua Bay in Kailua-Kona becomes a festive pedestrian-only walkway from 1 to 6 p.m. 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, May 15: 
Tower of Power.  Tower of Power has been creating their own kind of soul music since 1968. The rhythm section lays down a groove like no other band. The horn-driven sound is unique, and the way they approach everything, from writing and arranging to mixing and performing, is totally their own.  Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater, 1 Cameron Way, Kahului.  7:30 p.m.  For tickets and information call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.

Saturday, May 14: 
May Day by the Bay.  Experience a unique hands-on opportunity in a one of a kind setting of Hawaiian culture in music, hula, cultural practitioners, craft fair, a silent auction and ono food.  An alcohol and drug-free event. Waioli Beach Park, He`e Rd., Hanalei.  10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission $5, children under 5 are free.  For information call (808) 635-9028 or visit www.maydaybythebay.com.