Sunday, August 19:
Kokua Kailua Hulihe`e Palace Concert Series & Village Stroll.  Ali`i Drive along scenic Kailua Bay in Kailua-Kona becomes a festive pedestrian-only walkway from 1 to 6 p.m. 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 http://kvbid.org/.

Saturday, August 18: 
Hula Kahiko Performance. Hula halau from across Hawai`i and beyond perform in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting at the kahua hula (platform) in the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, located just a short walking distance from the Volcano Art Gallery in Ka`auea. 10:30 a.m.  Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mat. Event is free, park fees apply. Date is subject to change; to confirm dates, call (808) 987-7288. Held in conjunction with the Hula Kahiko performances, enjoy a display of “Na Mea Hula” (all things hula). Visitors share in a variety of instruments, implements and lei styles that play an integral role in the life of the hula practitioner. This memorable demonstration is hands-on and family friendly.  Lanai of the Volcano Art Gallery. 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  For more information call (808) 967-8222 or visit http://volcanoartcenter.org/.

Saturday, August 18:
Don The Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival.  A full day of fun at Royal Kona Resort, including a Battle of the BBQ from 11a.m. to 2 p.m.; a Marketplace from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; a Pool Party with live music from 2:30 to 4 p.m.; and The Mai Tai Mix-off from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. where bartenders will compete for the title of the world’s best mai tai and a $10,000 first prize, a $5,000 second prize, and a $2,500 third prize. Royal Kona Resort, 75-5852 Ali`i Dr., Kailua-Kona. 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.  For information call (808) 930-3255 or visit http://www.donsmaitaifest.com/.

Sunday, August 12: 
Annual Kona Diaifukuji Orchid Club Show & Sale.  The free event offers attendees a complimentary orchid boutonniere corsage – while they last. This year’s theme, “Conservation of Orchids Through Creativity”, illustrates how to display orchids using recycled materials and there will be an unusual origami display of endangered North American orchids called “OrchidGami” by founding club member and historian Carol Zakahi. There will be a guided tour through the on-site Orchid Grotto, demonstrating how to beautify a problematic space. Enjoy an elaborate and colorful display of live blooming cattleya, cymbidium, dendrobium, phalaenopsis, miltonia, vanda orchids and more. Cameras are welcome. Veteran members staff a Question and Answer Booth where attendees can get expert advice on caring for orchids at different Kona elevations, Waimea and South Point. There will be an outdoor sale of high quality orchid species and hybrids grown by club members and select Big Island commercial growers. Club members will sell home-baked goods and drinks, and membership info will be available. The Kona Daifukuji Orchid Club is West Hawai`i’s oldest orchidaceae organization with a mission to learn and foster orchid culture and promote fellowship among orchid collectors. Daifukuji Soto Mission Hall (Hwy. 11 at mile marker 114, just north of Kainaliu). For information visit http://daifukuji.org/.

Every Tuesday: 
Kanikapila with Wes Awana and Friends.  Kanikapila jam sessions are open to all musicians.  Bring your own instrument and enjoy “garage style” jamming.  Volcano Art Center, Niaulani Campus, Great Room of the Admin Building, Volcanoes National Park. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Admission is free, donations are gratefully accepted. Park entrance fees may apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit http://volcanoartcenter.org/.

Every Tuesday Morning:
BikeWorks Beach & Sport – Queens Marketplace. Free fun road ride for cyclists of all levels at 8:15 a.m. Rental bikes available. Get updates on all the BikeWorks activities on the Emily T Gail Show at http://espnhawaii.com/ under the lineup or visit http://www.bikeworkshawaii.com/. Queens Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Rd. For information about other community rides and/or bike routes call BikeWorks at (808) 886-5000.

Throughout the Month of August:
Obon Dance & Festival.  The Obon tradition was brought to Hawai`i by Japanese immigrants and evolved into a social and cultural event, as well as a religious custom designed to honor ancestors through an evening of dance, music and merry-making.  Free.  Festivities and Dance schedules and locations are listed below (subject to change):

• Saturday, August 4:  Hawi Jodo Mission, 55-1104 Akoni Pule Hwy., Hawi.  Service 5 p.m., Dancing 6 p.m. For information call (808) 775-0965.
• Saturday, August 4:  Kurtistown Jodo Mission, 4025 Kua`aina Rd., Kurtistown.  Service 6 p.m., Dancing 7 p.m.  For information call  (808) 936-6996.
• Saturday, August 4:  Pa`auilo Kongoji Mission, 43-1461 Hauola Rd., Pa`auilo.  Service 5 p.m., Dancing 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 963-6308.
• Saturday, August 11:  Hamakua Jodo Mission, 44-2947 Kalopa Rd., Hamakua. Service 5 p.m., Dancing 6 p.m. (808) 775-0965.
• Saturday, August 11: Hilo Higashi Honwanji Mission, 216 Mohouli St., Hilo.  Service 6 p.m., Dancing 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 935-8968.
• Saturday, August 11:  Kona Koyasan Daishiji Mission, 76-5945 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa.  Service 5 p.m., Dancing 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 324-1741.
• Saturday, August 18:  Hakalau Jodo Mission, 29-2289 Hanamalo Lp., Hakalau.  Service 6 p.m., Dancing 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 963-6110.
• Saturday, August 18:  Kamuela Hongwanji Mission, 65-1110 Mamalahoa Hwy., Kamuela.  Service 6 p.m., Dancing 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 885-4481.
• Saturday, August 25:  Honohina Hongwanji Mission, 32-896 Mamalahoa Hwy., Ninole. Service 6 p.m., Dancing 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 345-6869.
• Saturday, August 26:  Pahoa Nikkei Jin Kyokai, Pahoa Senior YBA Kaikan, corner of Pahoa Village Rd. and Kauhale St., Pahoa.  Dancing 8 p.m.  For information call (808) 966-9981.

Every Monday:
Niaulani Nature Walk.  A free, guided rain forest tour in Volcano. This one-hour nature walk travels through a lush portion of an old-growth Hawaiian rain forest on an easy, 1/7-mile loop trail. The walk introduces visitors to the native plants and birds of Volcano. Guides focus on the biological, ecological, and geological features of the area, and the cultural usages of flora and fauna by native Hawaiians. Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd., Volcano Village. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Free; donations welcome. For more information call (808) 967-8222 or visit http://volcanoartcenter.org/.

Friday, August 3:
Ledward Kaapana.  Slack key master, ‘Ukulele Artist and Hawaiian Legend, Ledward Kaapana brings his melodious baritone and amazing falsetto to the Palace stage on August 3rd.  Featuring surprise Special Guests and celebrating Ledward’s Na Hoku Hanohano award winning CD “Jus Bes”.  Mehana Beer and Wine will be available for purchase. Palace Theater, 38 Haili St., Hilo.  7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at the box office or over the phone with a credit card at (808) 934-7010, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  For more information visit http://hilopalace.com/.

Every Friday:
Aloha Fridays at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.  A free hands-on demonstration lesson is given in a cultural craft that varies each week. Volcano Art Center Gallery porch in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Free (donations welcome); park entrance fees may apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit http://volcanoartcenter.org/.