May 13 – 22: 
Ka`u Coffee Festival. The festival kicks off with the Pa’ina Open House at Pahala Plantation House and continues with a recipe contest, pageant, the new Lobsterpalooza, Ka`u Mountain Water Systems Hike in Wood Valley, Coffee & Cattle Day at Aikane Plantation, and Ka`u Star Gazing. Fun culminates with the all-day Ho’olaulea May 21, and Coffee College May 22, at Pahala Community Center, 96-1149 Kamani St., Pahala. The Ho`olaulea offers Hawaiian entertainment; craft, coffee and food booths; Ka`u Coffee Experience with guided coffee tastings and farm tours. Some events are free, others have a fee. For information and venues call (808) 929-9550 or visit www.kaucoffeefest.com.

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 apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Friday & Saturday, May 6 & 7: 
Kona Orchid Show, Plant & Craft Sale.  Orchid vendors from all over the island will be present, with exotic orchid species and new hybrids for sale. There will also be many handmade items available for sale, including pottery, ceramics and lava pots, real flower jewelry nurturing gemstones and jewelry, orchid & fine art, and much more, as well as many varieties of plants. Old Airport Beach Park, Maka`eo Pavillion, 75-5560 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona.  Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission is free. For information call (808) 333-0889 or visit www.konaorchidsociety.org.

Every Wednesday:
Wainaku Wednesday! 5 pm – 8 pm at The Wainaku Executive Center. Relax with friends after work on the lanai while enjoying the panoramic view of Hilo Bay. This fun event happens includes free admission, live music, cocktails & pupus available for purchase. Parking is very limited, please plan to carpool and come early.  For more information please call (808) 930-6556.

Every Tuesday Morning: 
BikeWorks Beach & Sport – Queens Marketplace. Free fun road ride for cyclists of all levels at 8:30 a.m. Rental bikes available. Get updates on all the BikeWorks activities on the Emily T Gail Show at www.espnhawaii.com under the lineup or visit www.bikeworkshawaii.com. Queens Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Rd. For information about other community rides and/or bike routes call BikeWorks at (808) 886-5000.

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. Free, however donations are gratefully accepted. Park fees apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Sunday, May 1: 
In Dis Life – A Tribute to Bruddah Iz.  In honor of the great Israel Kamakawiwo`ole, featuring his greatest hits sung by an invited group of Hawaiian musicians.  Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Rd., Kamuela.  6 p.m.  For tickets and information call (808) 885-6868 or visit www.kahilutheatre.org.

Sunday, May 1: 
Lei Day Celebration – Hilo.  The celebration in Hilo’s old Town Square, Kalakaua Park, begins with Hawaiian music, hula, lei-making demonstrations, and features the heritage, history and culture of the lei.  Kalakaua Park, Hilo. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call (808) 961-5711 or visit www.LeiDay.net.

The “Emily T. Gail Talks Story” show is found on espnhawaii.com on line, all the time and via Facebook/emilytgailtalkstory and a free iTunes podcast. Emily “talks story​”​ with recreational, high school and professional athletes, along with coaches, parents, organizers and members of print and broadcast media. She talks about all sports, at all levels and how high school, college, major league and recreational sports play an important part in communities.  Sponsored by Aloha Big Island Visitor Guide.  Emily provides updates on many local events in M​ay. Also info on golf specials like Family Golf Days at Waikoloa Beach Resort, where, after 3:30 p.m., 9 holes for junior golfers is $25 with complimentary Nike Junior rental clubs and $50 for accompanying adult with $25 rental clubs. Updates on free Queens Marketplace Entertainment at Center Court and Kailua Village multi-sport activities.  Contact Emily at (808) 896-6780 or emilytgail@emilys.org.

Saturday, April 23: 
Laupahoehoe Music Festival.  Enjoy live entertainment, food, crafts and games, as well as craft and information booths and health screening.  Bid on many items at a silent auction to benefit the students of Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School.  Items for the silent auction can be viewed on their website, www.thehui.net. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the gate.  This is an alcohol and drug free event.  No coolers. Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For tickets and information visit www.laupahoehoemusicfestival.org.