Kanikapila with Wes Awana and Friends
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/.
Niaulani Nature Walk
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/.
Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival
Saturday, February 3:
Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival. This event showcases the blooming of Church Row Park’s historic cherry trees and the Japanese tradition of viewing them – hanami. The festival includes a variety of activities at multiple venues throughout Waimea. Look for pink banners identifying site locations sprawling throughout town. Spend the day to experience an all-day lineup of Japanese and multi-cultural performing arts at several locations, plus hands-on demonstrations of bonsai, origami, traditional tea ceremony, fun mochi pounding, plus a host of colorful craft fairs, a quilt show and food booths. Enjoy free shuttle transportation among most venues. Church Row Park, 65-1108 Mamalahoa Hwy., Waimea. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free shuttle transportation among most venues. For information call (808) 937-8706.
Aloha Fridays at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
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/.
The Emily T Gail Show
The Emily T Gail Show, aka “Emily T Gail Talk Story” is about sports, recreation and community events where Emily is involved: Island of Hawai`i and Detroit, her home town. Sponsored by Aloha Big Island Visitor Guide, Emily’s show includes lots of golf talk as the PGA Aloha Swing broadcast on NBC/Golf Channel worldwide has put the spotlight on golf, sunshine and beaches in Hawai`i to viewers and listeners all over the world. Emily’s show is available at www.EmilyTGailTalkStory.podomatic.com online 24/7 and via https://www.facebook.com/emilytgailtalkstory/ and a free iTunes podcast and includes Talk Story with Greg McLaughlin, President, PGA TOUR Champions, Kelly Fliear, Tournament Manager Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai, Wes Wailehua, Aloha Section PGA, Jack Berry, long time sports writer, Mark Rolfing, NBC Golf Channel. Emily has updates on events on Hawai`i’s Big Island and talks with people involved with events and activities for the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative, PATH-Connecting People and Places, Hawai`i Cycling Club, Hawai`i Wildlife Center, Daniel R Sayre Foundation, Big Island Mountain Biking, Bike Works Beach & Sport community bike rides and much more. Contact Emily at (808) 896-6780 or emilytgail@emilys.org.
Hawaiian Sunset Saturdays
Saturday, January 27:
Hawaiian Sunset Saturdays. Celebrate Kona’s spectacular sunset with live Hawaiian music and Hula. Coconut Grove Marketplace, 75-5809 Ali`i Dr., Kailua-Kona. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Free admission. For information, visit http://kvbid.org/.
`Iolani Luahine Hula Festival
Friday & Saturday, January 26 & 27:
`Iolani Luahine Hula Festival. The festival was established in 2003 with a vision to perpetuate the hula, and it also serves as a way to honor the memory of `Iolani Luahine and her contributions to the preservation of hula and Hawaiian culture. Workshops and public performances will take place. Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay, 78-128 Ehukai St., Kailua-Kona. For registration and workshop details visit at www.iolaniluahinefestival.org. For more information, email administrator@nawaiiwiola.org.
Kokua Kailua Hulihe`e Palace Concert Series & Village Stroll
Sunday, January 21:
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/.
Hula Kahiko Performance
Saturday, January 20:
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/.
37th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Monday, January 15:
37th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. The Birthday Commemoration of the great civil rights leader will include a community celebration, potluck, & program. Bring your favorite dish to share. The celebration will consist of displays of art, songs, and music by local schools and the community. This event is free and open to the public. Old Kona Airport Beach Park, Maka`eo Pavilion, 75-5560 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua-Kona. For more information, contact Virginia Halliday at (808) 325-1112 or Mamie Bramlett, at (808) 331-1448.