Sunday, March 24: 
Lavaman Waikoloa Triathlon.  The 15th Annual Lavaman Triathlon Festival features an Olympic distance 10K-run, 40K-bike and 1.5K-swim open to individuals and relay teams of all ages and abilities, plus 5-K sunset fun run, health and fitness expo, awards party and beach barbeque.  Waikoloa Beach Resort, 69-425 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Kamuela.  7 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For information call (808) 329-9718 or visit www.lavamantriathlon.com.

Saturday, March 23: 
Big Island International Marathon.  In this annual 26.2-mile marathon and 13.1-mile and 3.1-mile fun runs, participants run the coast of old Hawaii along the Pacific Ocean, through rainforests, past rushing waterfalls and along black lava beaches to finish at the historic Hilo Bay front. 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Dr., Hilo.  For information call (808) 969-7400.

Saturday, March 23: 
2^nd Annual Big Island Chocolate Festival.  This sweet and distinctive festival celebrates chocolate. Taste creations by the top chefs and chocolatiers of the Big Island along with fine wines and hand-crafted ales, live music and dancing, silent auction and more. Fee.  Fairmont Orchid, 1 North Kaniku Drive, Kamuela. 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.  For tickets and information call (808) 324-6100 or visit www.bigislandchocolatefestival.com.

Sunday, March 17: 
Sam Choy’s Keauhou Poke Contest.  Hawaii regional cuisine chef Sam Choy lends his name and fame to this event celebrating Hawai`i’s favorite appetizer, poke, created with local seafood plus seaweed, seeds, herbs, spices, nuts and more. Cooking demos, tasting and contest. Fee.  Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, 78-128 Ehukai St., Kailua-Kona. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For information call (808) 930-4900.

Friday – Sunday, March 15 – 17:
Kamehameha III Celebration.  This celebration commemorates the Hawaiian King Lani Kauikeaouli who was born in Kona. Events include special Hawaiian tribute, kids fishing tournament, free concert from 5 – 10 p.m. March 16, and Sam Choy Poke contest on March 17.  Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, 78-128 Ehukai St., Kailua-Kona.  9 a.m. to 10 p.m.  For information call (808) 930-4900.

Friday – Sunday, March 15 – 17:
Kamehameha III Celebration.  This celebration commemorates the Hawaiian King Lani Kauikeaouli who was born in Kona. Events include special Hawaiian tribute, kids fishing tournament, free concert from 5 – 10 p.m. March 16, and Sam Choy Poke contest on March 17.  Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, 78-128 Ehukai St., Kailua-Kona.  9 a.m. to 10 p.m.  For information call (808) 930-4900.

Sunday, March 10: 
7^th Annual Birthday Bash KTA Family Free Day at Imiloa.  The Center’s exhibit hall and planetarium offerings this day are free and open to the public. Journey Through the Universe will present special hourly presentations with exhibits from the Observatories on Maunakea, NASA Lunar Space Institute, UHH Astrophysics Club, Visitor Information Station and many others will be open for viewing. Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai`i, 600 Imiloa Pl., Hilo.  9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  For information call (808) 969-9703 or visit www.imiloahawaii.org.

Saturday, March 9: 
Hula Arts at Kilauea – Na Mea Hawai`i Hula Kahiko Performance. Featuring Halau Hula Manaolana `O Kohala, visiting halau, Hula Halau Pi`o O Ke Anuenue of Ashland, Oregon and Halau Hula Keao `O Kala of Pahoa under the direction of kumu hula Roy Leabig. Their performance honors late kumu hula Raylene Kawaia`ea. This inspired outdoor presentation takes place rain or shine at the hula platform located near VAC Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The audience is encouraged to bring sitting mat and sun/rain gear. 10:30 a.m. to 11: 30 a.m.  Free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply.

Friday & Saturday, March 8 & 9: 
Kona Brewers Festival.  This annual festival promotes craft brewing in Hawai`i and promotes recycling. Expect about 60 craft beers from Hawai`i and the U.S. Mainland, plus gourmet food. Also Brewer’s Dinner, Golf Tourney and Run for the Hops. Fee.  Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona.  2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  For information call (808) 331-3033 or visit www.konabrewersfestival.com.

Every Wednesday and Friday: 
Hilo Farmers Market.  Find a colorful selection of locally grown exotic fruit, vegetables, herbs, island jams and jellies, macadamia nuts and delectable baked goods. Big buckets of orchids and anthuriums line the stalls. Wind chimes, etched glass and koa wood treasures fill the craft section. You can even find local t-shirts, tropical fashions and handmade jewelry. And don’t forget to buy a lei for that someone special. Get there early to shop for the best choices from the market’s more than 200 vendors. Downtown Hilo.