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/.

Saturday, June 3:
Ironman 70.3 Hawai`i.  Nicknamed Honu, in honor of the Hawaiian green sea turtle, The Ironman 70.3 Hawai`i starts with an open-ocean swim and follows with a challenging course along the northern half of the Ironman World Championship bike course. The hot and sunny run starts and finishes at the Fairmont Orchid, Hawai`i, and winds its way through the Mauna Lani Resort over modern golf greens, past ancient petroglyph fields and fishponds, and the historic Ala Loa Foot trail. There is a post-race lawn party at The Fairmont Orchid. The Fairmont Orchid, 1 North Kaniku Dr., Kohala Coast.  For information visit http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman-70.3/hawaii.aspx.

Friday – Sunday, June 2 – 4:
Hilo Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale. Gorgeous orchid displays and sale of a huge range of orchids. Demonstrations, refreshments, entertainment, auction, and fashion show. Edith Kanakaole Stadium, 350 Kalanikoa St., Hilo. Adults $5, Children 12 and under free; superpass good for 3 days, $8.  For information call (808) 430-6653 or visit http://www.hiloorchidsociety.org/hilo-orchid-show.html.

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, aka “Emily T. Gail Talks Story” show is found on http://espnhawaii.com/ online, all the time and via https://www.facebook.com/emilytgailtalkstory/ and a free iTunes podcast. Emily “talks story​”​ ​about recreational, high school​, professional ​sports​ along with ​talking story with ​​athletes, ​coaches, parents, community organizers and members of print and broadcast media. She talks about how sports and recreation play an important part in communities where Emily is involved; Island of Hawai`i and Detroit, her home town.  Sponsored by Aloha Big Island Visitor Guide, ​Emily ​has ​updates on ​Waikoloa Beach Resort​ events such as the Community Bike ​Rides​ every​ Tuesday at​ 8:15 a.m. from Bike Works at Queens Marketplace​ and Queens Marketplace Coronation Pavilion Entertainment and Kings’ Shops Center Court Entertainment. ​She has events and activity updates for the ​Waikoloa Dry Forest ​Initiative, PATH-Connecting People and Places, Hawai`i Cycling Club, Hawai`i Wildlife Center and Kailua Village Peaman & Team Mango multi -sport activities and more.  Contact Emily at (808) 896-6780 or emilytgail@emilys.org.

Thursday – Sunday, June 1 & 4: 
Big Island Jazz & Blues Festival.  Enjoy live entertainment by award-winning musicians from Hawai`i and around the world. June 1st – Jazzfest  kick off at Redwater Cafe, 65-1299 Kawaihae Rd., Waimea, 6 to 9 p.m.; June 2nd – VIP meet & greet at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s Copper Bar, 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr., Waimea, with live jazz & blues. 6 to 9 p.m.; June 3rd – Festival Day , 5 to 9 p.m.; June 4th – Sunday Jazz Brunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr., Waimea. For information call (808) 882-7222 or visit www.bigislandjazzandbluesfestival.com.

May 21 – 29:
Honoka`a Western Week Parade & Block Party.  Dress up western-style and visit Honoka`a town merchants, plus join in different paniolo-themed activities every night. For more information, visit http://www.honokaa.org/.

Tuesday – Saturday, May 23 – 27:
22nd Annual Lauhala Conference/Workshop. Aunty Elizabeth Maluihi Lee, founder and president of Ka Ulu Lauhala `O Kona, who is a designated Living Treasure, plus dozens of master weavers from all over the state will gather to share their knowledge and skills to perpetuate the beloved and ancient art of lauhala weaving. Students of all levels are welcome to attend. The conference will include a ho`olaulea (crafts fair), a talk story, lu`au and more. King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.  For more information, call (808) 938-0806.

Sunday, May 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/.

Saturday, May 20:
Hula Kahiko Performance. Hula halau from across Hawai`i and beyond have been invited to 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/.