Friday and Saturday, May 8 & 9:
Big Island Chocolate Festival. Indulge in the alluring, rich taste of chocolate while participating in a host of delicious, fun and informative chocolate-themed activities. The chocolate extravaganza includes Big Isle cacao farm tours, student culinary competition, public seminars and a 5:30-9 p.m. gala May 9 with sweet and savory culinary stations presented by top isle chefs, chocolatiers and confectioners. Also on tap are fine wines and handcrafted ales, chocolate sculptures, chocolate body painting, live entertainment, dancing and a silent auction. The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai`i, 1 N. Kaniku Drive, Puako. For information call (808) 324-6100 or visit www.bigislandchocolatefestival.com.