March 27 – April 3: 
53^rd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival.  A week-long festival of cultural events including Hawai`i’s most prestigious hula competition at Edith Kanaka`ole Stadium. Enjoy a Ho`olaule`a at the auditorium behind the Stadium on Easter Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with music, food and fun. A craft fair begins Wednesday, with incredible fresh lei, cream-of-the-crop Hawaiian crafts, and free, live music performances. On Wednesday, Ho`ike Night, a free hula exhibition at the Stadium begins at 6:30 p.m. Early arrival is recommended. Thursday is the solo Miss Aloha Hula competition; 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.

Sunday, March 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 www.KVBID.org.

Saturday, March 19: 
Art at the Pavilion.  This popular event showcases leading and emerging Big Island artists. Artwork will be for sale as well as food and gift items, featuring Peter Weinstock on keyboard.  Admission is $5, children 12 and under, free. Paid tickets qualify for raffle prizes and ballot voting for “best artist.”  Other raffle items and a silent auction are off erred.  Sheraton Kona Resort Convention Center, 78-128 Ehukai St., Kailua-Kona.  9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.  For information visit www.KCHAuxiliary.org or call (808) 326-2796 or (808) 937-9163.

Saturday, March 19: 
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.

Saturday, March 12: 
The Kona Brewers Festival.  Top chefs from some of the Big Island’s favorite restaurants will offer their best food pairings for beer, ranging from fresh fish and smoked meats to deep fried avocados and tropical sweets, against a backdrop of passing paddleboards and canoes at the historic Kamakahonu Bay Beach. Cost is $70 and includes a commemorative event mug and seven brew tastes. King Kamehameha’s Courtyard Kona Beach Hotel lu`au grounds, 75-5660 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona. Two sessions, 11a.m. & 4 p.m. For more information, call (808) 938-7376 or email email@summercarrick.com.

Sunday, March 6: 
Royal Order of Kamehameha First Annual Fundraiser Concert.  Concert features award-winning vocalists Weldon Kekauoha and Kainani Kahuanaele, with hula by Kumu Hula Paul Neves’ Halau Ha`a Kea `O Kinohi.   There will be a Silent Auction from 1 to 1:45 p.m. in the lobby. Doors open for concert at 1:45pm; concert at 2 p.m. Reserved. Preferred seating $45; General seating $35. Keep your ticket stubs for Lucky Number Drawings. Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Rd., Waimea.  For tickets and information visit www.kahilutheatre.org or call (808) 885-6868.

Saturday, March 5: 
Great Waikoloa `Ukulele Festival.  The festivities include a free workshop with celebrated teacher Roy Sakuma, concerts all afternoon, instrument giveaways, Hawaiian crafts and more. Traditional `ukulele masters, school groups, up-and-coming artists and top entertainers in the `ukulele world will be at the festival. Queen’s Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Resort, 60-201 Waikoloa Beach Rd., Waikoloa Village. 11:15 a.m. – 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 886-8822 or visit www.ukulelefestivalhawaii.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.

March 4 – 31: 
Big Island Woodturners 18^th Annual Exhibit – Hilo.  Meet-the-Artists opening reception on March 4th from 5 to 7 p.m., open to the public. Show is open Monday thru Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with free woodturning demonstrations every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free to the public. Wailea Art Center, 200 Piopio St., Hilo.  For more information, call (808) 934-4254 or visit www.bigislandwoodturners.org.

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 on April 8.  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.