He Lei Hiwa No `Iolani Luahine 2017 – Hula Festival and Educational Challenge
Friday & Saturday, January 27 & 28:
He Lei Hiwa No `Iolani Luahine 2017 – Hula Festival and Educational Challenge. 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. The event will include hula workshops by renowned Hawaiian Kumu Hula, Ni`ihau shell jewelry-making workshops, and more. Admission is free. Donations will be gratefully accepted to support the festival. Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay, 77-, 78-128 Ehukai St, Kailua-Kona. For registration, schedule and information visit www.iolaniluahinefestival.org. For more info, email administrator@nawaiiwiola.org.
Hula Kahiko Performance
Saturday, January 21:
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/.
36th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Sunday, January 15:
36th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. The 36th Anniversary Birthday Commemoration of the great civil rights leader will take place with 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 Makaeo pavilion, AKA the big pavilion. 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call Virginia Halliday at (808) 325-1112 or Mamie Bramlett, at (808) 331-1448.
Kokua Kailua Hulihe`e Palace Concert Series & Village Stroll
Sunday, January 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/.
Opening Reception: Hawai`i Wood Guild Show
Saturday, January 14:
Opening Reception: Hawai`i Wood Guild Show. This juried show celebrates the outstanding skills of Big Island wood craftsmen. All items are available for purchase, and a percentage of the sale proceeds will support HPA’s financial aid program. The show is free and open to the community. Attendees will be able to meet the artists and talk story with members of the Guild every Saturday during the show. Hawai`i Preparatory Academy, 65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road, Kamuela. Opening Reception 5 to 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.HawaiiWoodGuild.com or visit http://isaacsartcenter.hpa.edu.
Banyan Drive Art Stroll
Saturday, January 14:
Banyan Drive Art Stroll. Enjoy art exhibits, demonstrations, entertainment, and pupu at five venues on Banyan Dr., Hilo. 49 Banyan Dr., Hilo. Noon to 6 p.m. For information call (808) 895-8130 or email ktcannoneger@gmail.com.
Second Saturdays at Hawai`i State Art Museum
Saturday, January 14:
Second Saturdays at Hawai`i State Art Museum. Free hands-on art activities for all ages are hosted in the first floor Multipurpose Room. All materials are provided. Hawai`i State Art Museum, 250 South Hotel St., 2nd Floor, Honolulu. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., or while supplies last. For information call (808) 589-9959 or visit www.sfca.hawaii.gov/hisam/visitor-information.
Stradavarius! Benefit Performance – Honoka`a
Thursday, January 12:
Stradavarius! Benefit Performance – Honoka`a. Jeff Thayer, concertmaster of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, will perform on a Stradivarius violin produced in 1708. He will be accompanied by a Hawai`i Performing Arts Festival favorite, pianist Cary Lewis. A rare treat! Hi`ilani Ecohouse, Honoka`a, 6 p.m. Cost is $70, includes wine and pupu. For more information and location, call (808) 333-7378, email info@hawaiipaf.org or visit www.hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org.
Kona Jazz Experience
Saturday, January 7:
Kona Jazz Experience. Be transported to the big band era by Bill Noble’s Big Island Big Band at the historic Aloha Theatre, 79-7384 Mamalahoa Hwy., Kainaliu. 7 p.m. Cost: $20. For more information, call (808) 322-9924, email Info@apachawaii.org or visit Alohatheater.com.
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 fees apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit http://volcanoartcenter.org/.