Saturday & Sunday, April 23 & 24: 
She`island.   A world premiere play created from stories collected from local women, encouraged and directed by Jane Sibbett. After great success with two years of The Vagina Monologues, director Jane Sibbett is co-creating a new project to inspire. The first of Kahilu Theatre Original Productions built from the ground up, this collaboration is a colorful collection of never before heard, deeply moving, and sometimes hilarious and starling pieces as only our Big Island wahine (women) could share. Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Rd., Kamuela.  Saturday, 7 p.m., Sunday 4 p.m. For tickets and information call (808) 885-6868 or visit www.kahilutheatre.org.

Sunday, April 17: 
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 www.KVBID.org.

Saturday, April 16: 
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. The 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 www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Every Thursday: 
The Kona Historical Society’s Portuguese Stone Oven.  See this reproduction of a typical oven used by the Portuguese immigrants who came to Kona in the 1880s.  Join the process of panning bread dough and baking close to 100 loaves every Thursday. The program is free and the bread is available after 12:30 p.m. for $8 per loaf.  Bring your lunch and make a day of it with an oven-side picnic in the pasture. H.N. Greenwell Store Museum, Kealakekua. 10 a.m. to about 1 p.m. For information and directions call (808) 323-3222 or visit www.konahistorical.org, where you can also find the recipe for Portuguese Sweet Bread.

Every Tuesday: 
Kanikapila with Wes Awana and Friends.  Kanikapila jam sessions are held on Monday evenings, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. and 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.  Free, however donations are gratefully accepted. Park fees apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

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.

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.  Updates on many local events in March like Bike Works Beach & Sport, Queens Marketplace Community Bike Rides every Tuesday 8:30 a.m. and their Lavaman Sunset Run/Walk – April 8, 5:15 p.m.  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.

Friday & Saturday, April 1 & 2: 
53^rd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival.  Final days of the week-long festival of cultural events including Hawai`i’s most prestigious hula competition at Edith Kanaka`ole Stadium.  Friday & Saturday are the group Kahiko (ancient) and ‘Auana (modern) hula competitions. A parade winds through Hilo-town on Saturday morning. For more information visit www.merriemonarch.com.

Every Monday – Friday: 
The Kona Coffee Living History Farm.  Visit the only living history coffee farm in the nation. Stroll through this award-winning, historic farm that tells the story of Kona’s coffee pioneers during the early 20th-century. A self-guided experience, you’re free to walk among the coffee trees, crack macadamia nuts to taste, meet a “Kona Nightingale”, or watch how farmers used the kuriba and hoshidana to mill and dry their world-famous coffee. Visit the original 1920s farmhouse where you may find the homemaker starting the fire to cook rice or making musubi for the farmer’s lunch. “Talk story” along the way with living history interpreters and discover the story behind Kona’s gourmet crop. Before you leave, be sure to sample the farm’s 100% Kona coffee and purchase some to take back home. The Farm is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To be able to enjoy your experience, allow yourself an hour to see the farm before closing. For information call (808) 323-3222 or visit www.konahistorical.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 apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.