Saturday, October 28:
Monster Dash.  This family friendly event involves dashing through the 5K muddy obstacle course. Enjoy great prizes, food, drinks, and music. Old Airport Beach Park, 75-5560 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua-Kona.  7 to 10 a.m. Cost ranges from $5 to $30. 1 to 3 p.m.  For registration and information, call (808) 937-3727 or visit monsterdashkona.eventbrite.com.

Sunday, October 22:
A Taste of Hilo.  Started in 1998, this annual event showcases more than 30 of the island’s tastemakers and beverage purveyors. Attendees enjoy sweet and savory delights created by chefs, restaurants and patisseries, and sample locally crafted beer, wine and sake.  The event is a great way to taste flavors and ingredients unique to the islands. Each year, a different local ingredient is featured.  Other local products featured at A Taste of Hilo have included Big Island Abalone, sturgeon, pasture-raised beef, kampachi and blue fin tuna. Sangha Hall, 398 Kilauea Ave., Hilo. Tickets are $55 in advance.  For tickets and information call (808) 934-0177 or visit http://jccih.org/event/a-taste-of-hilo/.

Saturday, October 21:
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, October 21: 
17^th Annual Halloween Journey.  A time honored and well-loved tradition at Kona Pacific Public Charter School. Along with a magical journey through wooded trails, guests will enjoy games, food, crafts and fun. This year’s theme is “Neverland!”. The event will take place rain or shine. Kona Pacific Public Charter School, Tickets go on sale at the school office on Monday, October 16. Cost is $10; 2yrs and younger are free. For more information call (808) 322-4900 or visit www.kppcs.org.

Sunday, October 15: 
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, October 14:
Ironman World Championship Triathlon.  Considered one of the most grueling one-day sporting events in the world, triathletes from around the world swim through the waters surrounding Kailua Pier, bike through Kona roads to the Kohala Coast and back, and run a marathon course that ends at Ali`i Drive with thousands of cheering spectators at the finish line. For information and event schedule visit www.ironman.com.

Weekends, October 13 – 29:
16^th Annual Fall Musical – “Shout! The Mod Musical”. SHOUT! promises to be a fun romp through the sixties with songs like “Georgy Girl”, “These Boots were Made for Walkin’ ” and “To Sir With Love”. Set in London, SHOUT! takes you from 1960 to 1970 chronicling the dawning liberation of women. It was a time when English and American women were redefining themselves in the face of changing attitudes about gender. The soundtrack reflects that change through the unforgettable music of the time. Palace Theater, Show times are:  Fridays & Saturdays, 7 p.m.; Sundays 2:30 p.m. (Except Sunday, October 15 – no show scheduled).  Doors will open 1 hour prior to each performance.  For tickets and information call (808) 934-7010 or visit http://hilopalace.com/.

Saturday, October 7: 
Amy Hanaiali`i in Concert.  Five time Grammy nominee and 18 time winner of Na Hoku Hanohano awards Amy Hanaiali`i performs for a Music Scholarship Fundraiser for Hawai`i Performing Arts Festival. Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, 62-100 Kauna`Oa Dr.., Waimea.  4 p.m. Ticket prices are $60 General Admission/$95 VIP seating (includes artist reception). For tickets and information call (8080 333-7378 or visit http://www.hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org.

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/.

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/.