Saturday, February 18:
Aloha Saturday. These programs feature performances, exhibits, demonstrations, workshops, lectures and more by Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, scholars, musicians, hula halau and community groups. Noon – 4 p.m. Kālakaua Park in Hilo. Free. For information call (808) 961-5711 or visit www.ehcc.org.

Saturday, February 18:
Hawaii Avocado Festival. Go green – avocado green – at this celebration of the delicious and nutritious avocado, featuring tastings, growing demos, recipe contest, eco fashion show, farmers market, performing arts, avo-inspired dinner and more. Free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort, 78-6740 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona. For information visit (808) 334-3340 or visit www.manakeasanctuary.org.

Saturday, February 18:
Laupahoehoe Music Festival. Rising stars, veteran masters and top local bands come together for a day of nonstop music and hula, island style. Food vendors will offer a wide variety of tastes; local craft vendors will also be on site. Money raised goes for civic projects and scholarships. Fee $10 in advance, $15 at the gate. Laupahoehoe Beach Park, Hwy. 19, Hamakua Coast, Laupahoehoe. 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For information call (808) 938-3688.

Sunday, February 12:
‘Q’uisine of Hearts. Enjoy sumptuous food by Big Island chefs along with desserts, wine, handcrafted ales and Kona coffee; enjoy music and bid for silent auction items at this American Culinary Federation Valentine’s brunch that benefits childhood nutritional education. Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For information call (808) 886-1234.

Saturday, February 11:
Rotary Club of Kona Mauka’s Valentine Wine Tasting Fundraiser. Join the Rotary Club of Kona Mauka for a wonderful evening at its upcoming popular “Valentine Wine Tasting” from 4 to 8 pm. It will take place at a beautiful private residence in Kailua-Kona. Those who purchase tickets will receive physical address and directions. Featuring fine wines, delicious food, live music and a silent auction. Tickets are $65 per person. For tickets and more information, contact Sandee Crisp at (808) 987-0184 or sandee-crisp@hawaii.rr.com.

Saturday, February 11:
Makaha Sons Valentine’s Day Concert. Palace Theater, Hilo. Tickets $25 advance/$30 door; on sale at Box Office 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays, or by calling (808) 934-7010.

Saturday, February 11:
10th Annual Hilo Chinese New Year Festival. Chinese lion dancers celebrate the Year of the Dragon 2012 a mini-Chinatown setting in downtown Hilo. Performances, displays, cooking and cultural demonstrations show the Chinese influence in Hawaii. Free! 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. For information call (808) 935-8850 or visit www.downtownhilo.com.

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.

Saturday, February 4:
Annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival – Waimea. This year marks the annual celebration with the planting of cherry tree seedlings gifted from the Embassy of Japan. The festi- val includes a variety of activities from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at venues throughout Waimea – look for pink banners identifying site locations from the Parker Ranch Historic Homes on Mamalahoa Hwy. 190 to the Hawaiian Homestead Farmer’s Market on Hwy. 19. Enjoy Japanese and multi-cultural performing arts, hands-on demonstrations of bonsai, origami, traditional tea ceremony, mochi pounding, and a host of colorful craft fairs. Enjoy free shuttle transportation among most venues. For more info, please call (808) 961-8706