Monday, May 1:
Kauai Museum & Kauai Marriott Presents the 37^th Annual May Day Lei Contest honoring Irmalee & Walter Pomroy.  Kauai Museum May Day Lei contest started by Master Lei Maker Irmalee Pomroy and today her `Ohana continues her legacy. A make-a-lei table will be available at the event from 9 a.m. for those who want to make a lei to take with them, for a minimal donation.  Kaua`i Marriott – Puna Court, 3610 Rice St., Lihu`e.  Lei viewing and silent auction is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.   For more information or lei applications, call (808) 245-6931 or visit www.kauaimuseum.org.

Nightly:
Sunset Stories.  From Queen Emma to Don Ho, experience the stories of an icon. Gather at the International Market Place on Kalakaua Avenue just after sundown for the ceremonial lighting of the Lamaku Torch Tower. Then be immersed in an unforgettable storytelling performance told through Hawaiian and Polynesian song and dance. Honoring the beloved Queen Emma, the nightly show highlights the stories, traditions and culture of this special gathering place. International Market Place, 2330 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu.  Sunset. Free admission. For information visit http://www.shopinternationalmarketplace.com/events.

Saturday, April 29:
“Hā`upu”: A Hawaiian Opera. The epic story of Hina, the Helen of Hawai`i.  Students from Kamehameha Schools–Hawai`i Campus will showcase their talents in fine art, Hawaiian language, chant, solo and choral singing, dance, instrumental performance, and drama with a presentation of the Hawaiian language opera, “Hā`upu,” in the Castle Theater. “Hā`upu” is based on the legend of Hina and her son, Kana. Hina, an ali`i from Hilo, is kidnapped by Kapepe`ekauila, a rogue ali`i from the island of Moloka`i. In retaliation for this outrageous kidnapping, Hina’s sons Kana and Nīheu mount an attack on Kapepe`ekauila’s fortress on the north shore of Moloka`i on the cliffs of Hā`upu.  While the daring rescue is being conceived and carried out, Hina unexpectedly begins to fall in love with her captor, Kapepe`ekauila. In the end, Hina is saved by her sons and Kapepe`ekauila is vanquished, although the true fate of Hina’s love for the Moloka`i ali`i is unknown.  The Opera will be presented entirely in the Hawaiian language. The event program will include a synopsis of the story, and details of each act for all attendees.  Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater, 1 Cameron Way, Kahului.  For tickets and information call (808) 242-7469 or visit http://mauiarts.org/.

Saturday, April 29: 
Na Lei Alohilohi 2017 (A Lei of Caring).  Annual event to benefit The Caregiver Foundation’s charitable work with Seniors and Disabled Adults.  Fabulous silent auction, great raffle prizes, delicious food, refreshing beverages, live music, special guests, relaxing fellowship, and more. The Mandalay Restaurant, 1044 Alakea St., Honolulu.  11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  For tickets and information call (808) 625-2782 or visit http://thecaregiverfoundation.org/na-lei-alohilohi-2017.

Saturday, April 29:
East Maui Taro Festival.  The Festival features all day Hula and Music, local Arts & Crafts, a Farmers Market with all types of Taro for sale- from huli to potted plants to Kulolo and fresh poi; a nonprofits info tent, hands-on cultural activities such as poi pounding, lauhala weaving, kapa/tapa cloth making, 20 Food Booths, each with a main taro dish or side. Admission is free. Hana Ballpark, corner of Hauoli Rd. & Uakea Rd., Hana.  For information call (808) 264-1553 or visit http://www.tarofestival.org/.

Saturday, April 29:
Kilauea Art Night.  Festival featuring live music, local artisans and gourmet food trucks. Anaina Hou Community Park, 5-2723 Kuhio Hwy, Kilauea.  4 to 8 p.m.  For information call (808) 635-2572.

Friday, April 28:
Maui Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival.  This free event features master Hawaiian steel guitar players from around the world performing and teaching the only instrument thought to be indigenous to Hawai`i.  Open stage performances take place both days, with music performed by Hawaiian steel guitar bands from Hawai`i, the US mainland and Japan. Saturday workshop topics will include Beginning Hawaiian Steel Guitar, Steel Guitar Tips, Steel Guitar Styles, Hawaiian Style Singing, and Hula.  Kanikapila (jam sessions) follow evening performances, and the public is welcome to participate. Bring your own instruments.  Ka`anapali Beach Hotel, 2525 Ka`anapali Pkwy., Lahaina; Queen Ka`ahumanu Center, 275 W. Ka`ahumanu Ave., Kahului.   For more information call (808) 238-3476 or visit http://www.mauisteelguitarfestival.com/.

Friday & Saturday, April 28 & 29: 
Big Island Chocolate Festival.  With the theme, “Worth Its Weight in Gold: The History of Chocolate,” the festival opens with a cacao plantation tour in Keauhou and continues with agriculture seminars, culinary demonstrations, college culinary competition and decadent gala at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel on the Kohala Coast. The popular, indoor-outdoor gala from 5-9 p.m., Saturday, features sweet and savory culinary creations, unlimited wine and beer pours, chocolate body painting, a chocolate sculpture, entertainment, dancing and silent auction. Culinary stations will vie for best decorated booth and a variety of culinary categories by a panel of celebrity chefs. Attendees can cast a ballot for Best Savory and Best Sweet culinary creation. Proceeds benefit a variety of local non-profits while the event’s mission is to promote the emerging local cacao industry.  Hapuna Beach Hotel, 62-100 Kaunaoa Drive, Kamuela.  For more information call (808) 324-6100 or visit www.BigIslandChocolateFestival.com.

Thursday, April 27:
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 http://lahainarestoration.org/.

Sunday, April 23: 
Fast and Furriest Festival.  The festival will have food trucks, a keiki corner, dog contests, vendors, and demos. All dogs must be on a leash, socialized and six months or older. Bring a bag of pet food for the Pet Food Bank. This is a free event.  Kaua`i Humane Society Freddie’s Dog Park, 3-825 Kaumualii Hwy., Lihue.  9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  For information call (808) 632-0610 or visit http://kauaihumane.org/.