Friday, September 21: 
Mealani’s Taste of the Hawaiian Range.  Over 30 of the state’s top chefs dazzle diners with delectable dishes using grass-fed beef, pork, lamb, goat, mutton and wild boar, plus a cornucopia of fresh island fruit, veggies, honey, spices and beverages. Grass-Fed Beef Cooking 101 presented at 3 p.m. by James Babian, executive chef at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.  Hilton Waikoloa Village, 69-425 Waikoloa Beach Rd., Waikoloa.  6-8 p.m.  For tickets and information, call (808) 969-8228 and visit www.tasteofthehawaiianrange.com, $40 presale and $60 at the door.  The fee for the cooking demo is $10.

September 16 – 23:
Historic Kailua Village’s third annual Kau Kau Kailua Restaurant Week. In the Hawaiian language, kau kau means food and this week-long event is all about visitors and residents experiencing delicious food at a variety of restaurants in Historic Kailua Village. Waterfront dining, superb three-course dinner menus for $20, $30 or $40 per person and special values at quick service eateries. For information call (808) 936-9202 or visit www.historickailuavillage.com.

 Sunday, September 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 4:00 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.

Saturday, September 15: 
Na Mea Hawaii Hula Kahiko Performance:  Halau Hula Ka Makani Hali ‘Ala O Puna under the direction of kumu hula Ehulani Stephany. This outdoor presentation takes place rain or shine at the hula platform located near VAC Gallery. The audience is encouraged to bring sitting mat and sun/rain gear. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. All events are free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply.  Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd, Volcano.  For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Saturday, September 15: 
37^th Annual Waimea Paniolo Parade and Ho’olaulea.  Leading the parade will be the 2012 Royal Court, beautiful island pau princesses and a few young, energetic keiki representing schools in Waimea. Various floats will row down Waimea town, Mamalahoa Hwy, Kamuela.  10 a.m.  For information call (808) 885-3110 or visit www.hawaiiislandfestival.org.

Wednesday & Thursday, September 12 & 13: 
Kupuna Hula Festival.  Some of Hawaii Island’s most experienced and talented kupuna or elder hula dancers will perform at 5:00 p.m. at this event, which is a part of the Hawaii Island Festival. Free. Also Hawaiian crafts fair from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa, 78-128 Ehukai St., Kailua-Kona.  For information call (808) 323-4340 or visit www.hawaiiislandfestival.org.

Saturday, September 8: 
He Halia Aloha No Ka Queen Liliuokalani Festival.  This festival celebrates the birthday of Hawaii’s beloved Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii. It is held in the beautiful surroundings of the Queen’s historical namesake, Japanese-style gardens in central Hilo. Hula performances by worldwide hula halau (schools).  Liliuokalani Gardens, Banyan Drive, Hilo. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For information call (808) 961-8706.

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.

Every Wednesday:
Hawaiiana Live. Experience Hawaiian history, traditions and culture through storytelling, film, music, oli (chant) and hula. Topics change weekly as the program revolves around the Hawaiian lunar calendar. Newly restored pipe organ featured. Palace Theater in Hilo. Wednesdays at 11 a.m. $5/children free. Call (808) 934-7010 or visit www.hilopalace.com.

Sunday, September 2: 
20^th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival – Keauhou-Kona Style. Featuring 15 of some of Hawaii’s finest practitioners of this guitar art form, this 6 hour musical journey will surely exude the “Aloha Spirit”.  Shop for arts and crafts from local artisans and enjoy local food favorites and refreshments at the festival. Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa (Ballroom), 78-128 Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona. 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  For information call (808) 226-2697 or visit www.slackkeyfestival.com.