Saturday, April 21: 
Earth and Ocean Festival at Keauhou.  A family/community based program featuring many booths, exhibits and fun activities that showcase environmental and recycling programs, coastal restoration, ocean literacy, energy conservation, cultural activities and more, plus live music and entertainment.  Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort, 78-6740 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona.  For information call (808) 329-1758 or visit www.kona-kohala.com.

Saturday, April 21: 
Na Mea Hawai`i Hula Kahiko Performance.  Featuring Halau Na Pua Ha`aheo O Kona with kumu hula Roy Palacat. This outdoor presentation takes place rain or shine at the hula platform located near VAC Gallery.  10:30 a.m. The audience is encouraged to bring sitting mats and sun/rain gear. On the same day, there are hands-on cultural demonstrations from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at VAC Gallery porch. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. All events are free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply.

Saturday & Sunday, April 21 & 22:
Pops Menagerie Concert.  A sometimes zany, often nostalgic, but always fun-filled trip down memory lane, ‘Pops Menagerie’ is a potpourri kind of event filled with unforgettable Broadway medleys, show tunes, popular period music both past and present, a little classical, and as many and varied stylings as you have time for. This event showcases the Gloryland & Celebration Singers, Kona Festivale Chorale, studio actors and musicians. Held at the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel Ballroom, 75-5660 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona. Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.  For tickets and information call (808) 331-1115 or visit www.konafestivalechorale.org.

Sunday, April 15: 
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, April 14:  Merrie Monarch Royal Parade.  One of the festival’s most entertaining and fun events for the entire family, the parade begins and ends at Pauahi St. and winds through downtown Hilo (Kilauea Ave. – Keawe St. – Waiānuenue Ave. – Kamehameha Ave.).  10:30 a.m.

April 8 – 14: 
Merrie Monarch Festival.  Hawaii’s most venerable hula celebration and competition with week-long festivities including exhibitions, musical entertainment, arts and crafts fairs and the Miss Aloha Hula Competition, kahiko (ancient) and auana (modern) hula competitions. Daily entertainment (Monday-Friday) at the Hawai’i Naniloa Volcanoes Resort (12 p.m.) and the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel (1 p.m.) Except for the hula competition at Edith Kanakaole Stadium, events are free.  Event times and locations vary throughout the day.  For information and a full description of all activities and events, call (808) 935-9168 or visit www.merriemonarch.com.

Sunday, April 8: 
Merrie Monarch Ho’olaule’a.  A celebration honoring King David Kalaukaua (The Merrie Monarch), with performances by local Halau.  Good food, local arts & crafts, and more.  Free Admission.  Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium, 799 Piilani St., Hilo. 9:00 a.m.

Saturday, April 7: 
Kona Coast Historical Cruise.  Enjoy an ocean adventure aboard the sailing catamaran Fair Wind II. Learn about the many interesting Hawaiian historical sites found on the Kona Coast. Along the way, look for whales and dolphins.  Complimentary Hawaiian-style buffet and no-host bar.  Kailua Pier at Kailua Bay.  For tickets and information call (800) 551-8911 or visit www.konabrewersfestival.com.

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.

Saturday, March 31:
Kealakomowaena: Life on a Lava Landscape. Join park archeologist Jadelyn Moniz Nakamura from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to take a walk through time and learn how Hawaiians living in the shadow of Pele adapted to life on a lava landscape. See ancient trails, agricultural fields, lava rock walls, and house sites as we explore the challenges life presented to those living in this leeward ahupua‘a of the Puna district.Cost is $45 for Friends members and $65 for non-members. Students (K-12 and college with valid student ID) are half-price.To register, call the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at (808) 985-7373 or visit www.fhvnp.org.