Thursday, December 27: 
Kadomatsu Making & Mochi Pounding.  For centuries, New Years is considered to be the most celebrated custom in Japan. Let your inner rhythm be set free during mochitsuki (rice pounding) and practice centering and a bit of visual poetry while making a kadomatsu (gate pine) for your home. Taste a variety of ways that you can enjoy consuming the ‘rice spirit’ for purity, strength and spiritual wealth as you bring in the New Year with old traditions and new faces.  10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  $25 per family. Donkey Mill Art Center, 78-6670 Mamalahoa Hwy., Holualoa.  For information call (808) 322-3362 or visit www.donkeymillartcenter.org.

Monday, December 24: 
Mokuaikaua Church Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.  This Christmas Eve service at Hawaii’s first Christian church (established in 1820) is always a beautiful and moving experience. All are welcome to this beautiful celebration of Jesus’ birthday.  8 p.m.  Mokuaikaua Church, 75-5713 Ali`i Drive, Kailua-Kona.  For information call (808) 329-0655 or visit www.mokuaikaua.org.

Sunday, December 16: 
Kokua Kailua Hulihe`e Palace Concert Series & Village Stroll.  One Sunday each month from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Ali`i Drive along scenic Kailua Bay in Kailua-Kona becomes a festive pedestrian-only walkway. 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, December 16: 
Joy to the World Community Concert.  Presented by the Kona Music Society, this performance features holiday favorites by the voices of the KMS adult and youth choruses along with guest artists and a “sing along.” Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area Pavilion, 74-5562 Makala Blvd., Kailua-Kona.  4 – 6 p.m.  For information call (808) 334-9880 or visit www.konamusicsociety.org.

Saturday, December 15: 
Ho, Ho, Ho! Ha, Ha, Ha! – Comedy at Kilauea.  Enjoy a night of holiday comedy out on the town featuring local performers.  Doors open at 6 p.m., show time is 6:30 p.m. VAC’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. For tickets and information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Saturday, December 15: 
Na Mea Hawai`i Hula Kahiko Performance. Featuring Kahula `O Nawahine Noho Pu`ukapu with kumu hula Ana Nawahine Kaho`opi`i, this outdoor presentation takes place rain or shine at the hula platform located near VAC Gallery. The audience is encouraged to bring sitting mats and sun/rain gear. Participate in hands-on cultural demonstrations from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at VAC Gallery porch. Free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply. For information, call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanohula.com.

Saturday, December 8: 
Christmas at the Fairmont Orchid: Dining with the Chefs.  A sumptuous holiday gala with tantalizing cuisine by top island chefs, handcrafted ales, wines and Kona coffee, plus entertainment and live auction. A scholarship fundraiser presented by the American Culinary Foundation, Kona Kohala Chefs Association. Fee charged. 5:30 p.m.  Fairmont Orchid Hotel, 1 North Kaniku Drive, Kamuela.  For tickets and information call (808) 329-2522 or visit www.fairmont.com/orc/ChristmasatTheFairmont.

Every Friday: 
Aloha Fridays at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  Every Friday. A free hands-on demonstration lesson is given in a cultural craft that will vary from week to week. Held at VAC Gallery porch in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  All events are free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volccanoartcenter.org.

Special Event on Oahu: Thursday, December 6: 
“It’s In the Air”: Pacific Aviation Museum’s 6^th Anniversary Dinner Gala.  The public is invited to spend a gala evening at the Museum, with military, civic and community dignitaries.  Guests will be greeted at the door of Hangar 37 with aircraft, vintage military vehicles, and re-enactors dressed in period costumes.  Enjoy a “1940’s Radio Show” for entertainment, award winning cuisine, and a silent auction to raise funds for education and restoration projects for the museum.  5:30 – 9 p.m., Pacific Aviation Museum, 319 Lexington Blvd., on Historic Ford Island at Pearl Harbor, Oahu.  For tickets and information call (808) 441-1006 or visit www.pacificaviationmuseum.org.

Every Sunday 6:00 pm: 
Emily T Gail Talks Golf & Other Sports sponsored by Aloha Big Island Visitor Guide is an hour long conversation with and about people and events on the Big Island and the mainland.  Emily talks with recreational, high school and professional athletes and the coaches, the parents, the organizers, the media and so much more.  Learn what’s going on in sports on the island where visitors are always welcome to participate and be a part of our Big Island Sports community. ESPN Radio AM850 Hilo AM790 Kona.  Emily T Gail (808) 896-6780, emilytgail@emilys.org, www.emilys.org.