Sunday, August 27:
`Ohi`a Love Fest. Come out for a day of celebrating Hawai`i’s beloved `Ohi`a tree. This family-friendly event will feature hula, talks, demonstrations, music, crafts and activities focused on `Ohi`a. The event will also raise awareness about Rapid `Ohi`a Death. `Imiloa Astronomy Center, 600 Imiloa Pl., Hilo. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. For more information, call (808) 969-8268 or visit http://www.rapidohiadeath.org/.

Sunday, August 20:
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 19:
Big Island Blues Festival. A family-friendly event for all ages, featuring great original blues music by Bottle of Blue, Ronnie V & the Family Band, and Tomi Isobe’s Blues Band. There will be unique vendors, delicious BBQ and more. Hale Halawai Park, 75-5760 Ali`i Dr., Kailua-Kona. 2 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 and me be purchased online at http://www.bigislandbluesfest.eventbrite.com/.

Saturday, August 19:
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. For information call (808) 930-3255 or visit http://www.donsmaitaifest.com/.

Saturday, August 19:
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/.

Sunday, August 13:
Hospice of Kona’s Royal Tea Benefit. Enjoy an afternoon tea at Four Seasons Hualalai. Proceeds to benefit Hospice of Kona’s Nakamaru Hale. This tea party with a Hawaiian twist features tasty mini sandwiches, scones, French pastries, decadent desserts and more. Unlimited champagne and mimosas available with the purchase of a commemorative glass. Also enjoy a silent auction, dance performances, live music and more. Corporate tables available. Four Seasons Hualalai Resort, 72-100 Kaupulehu Dr., Kailua-Kona. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ticket prices start at $55. For more information, call (808) 333-0888, or visit http://www.hokroyaltea.com/.

Saturday, August 12:
Jazz in the Forest: Odyssey of Jazz. The 2017 Jazz in the Forest features Jean Pierre Thoma & the Jazztones with two performances (4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.) The Jazz in the Forest concert series offers an extraordinary opportunity to hear the highest caliber jazz anywhere, up close and personal. Volcano Art Center, Niaulani Campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd., Volcano. 4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. $18 VAC members, $20 non-members. For tickets and 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/.

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 5:  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 5:  Kurtistown Jodo Mission, 4025 Kaukauna Rd., Kurtistown.  Service 6 p.m., Dancing 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 936-6996.
• Saturday, August 5:  Pa`auilo Kongoji Mission, 43-1461 Hauola Rd., Pa`auilo.  Service 5 p.m., Dancing 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 776-1474.
• Saturday, August 12:  Hamakua Jodo Mission, 44-2947 Kalopa Rd., Hamakua. Service 5 p.m., Dancing 6 p.m. (808) 775-0965.
• Saturday, August 12: Hilo Higashi Honwanji Mission, 216 Mohouli St., Hilo.  Service 6 p.m., Dancing 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 935-8968.
• Saturday, August 12:  Kona Koyasan Daishiji Mission, 76-5945 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa.  Service 5 p.m., Dancing 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 324-1741.
• Friday, August 18:  Life Care Center of Hilo (Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin), 944 W. Kawailani St., Hilo.  Dancing 6 p.m. (808) 959-9151.
• Saturday, August 19:  Hakalau Jodo Mission, 29-2289 Hanamalo Lp., Hakalau.  Service 6 p.m., Dancing 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 963-6110.
• Saturday, August 19:  Kamuela Hongwanji Mission, 65-1110 Mamalahoa Hwy., Kamuela.  Service 6 p.m., Dancing 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 885-4481.
• Sunday, August 20:  Pahala Hongwanji Mission, 96-1123 Pa`auau Pl., Pahala.  Service 4 p.m., Dancing 5 p.m. For information call (808) 928-8254.
• Saturday, August 26:  Honohina Hongwanji Mission, 32-896 Mamalahoa Hwy., Ninole. Service 6 p.m., Dancing 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 963-6032.
• Saturday, August 26:  Pahoa Senior YBA Kaikan, corner of Pahoa Village Rd. and Kauhale St., Pahoa.  Service 6:30 p.m., Dancing 7:30 p.m.  For information call (808) 966-9981.

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/.