Friday & Saturday, February 7 & 8:
International Nights – University of Hilo. Featuring performances from the many different cultures and countries represented at UH Hilo. Tickets can be purchased at the UH Hilo Performing Arts Center Box Office (No phone orders; only cash and checks are accepted.) University of Hawai`i at Hilo Performing Arts Center, Hilo. Cost: $10, General Admission/$5, Students, Keiki and Seniors. For more information, call (808) 974-7313 or visit www.hilo.hawaii.edu/studentaffairs/international.

Every Wednesday:
Hawai`iana Live.  A 45-minute cultural tourism program hosted by Leilehua Yuen. It features live on stage presentations that share the history and traditions of the Hawaiian culture through storytelling, film, music, oli (chant) and hula. Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo.  11 a.m. Admission is $5, Keiki 12 & under, free.  For information call (808) 934-7010 or visit www.hilopalace.com.

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 their activities on the Emily T Gail Show at www.espnhawaii.com or visit www.bikeworkshawaii.com.

Every Tuesday
features the new Emily T Gail Show.  Emily’s show can be found online at www.espnhawaii.com under “Lineup” on the homepage.  Sponsored by Aloha – Big Island Visitor Guide, 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 golf, running, swimming, biking, tennis, paddling, diving, skateboarding, as well as major league sports, high school sports, and college sports. For information, call Emily at (808) 896-6780, visit www.emilys.org, or email Emily at emilytgail@emilys.org.

Saturday, February 1:
Annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival. Japanese and multi-cultural performing arts, hands-on demonstrations of bonsai, origami, traditional tea ceremony, and mochi pounding, plus a host of colorful craft fairs. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at venues throughout Waimea – look for pink banners identifying site locations from the Parker Ranch Historic Homes on Mamalahoa Hwy. 190 to the Hawaiian Homestead Farmer’s Market on Hwy. 19. Free shuttle transportation among most venues. For information call (808) 961-8706.

Saturday, February 1:
Annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival. Japanese and multi-cultural performing arts, hands-on demonstrations of bonsai, origami, traditional tea ceremony, and mochi pounding, plus a host of colorful craft fairs. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at venues throughout Waimea – look for pink banners identifying site locations from the Parker Ranch Historic Homes on Mamalahoa Hwy. 190 to the Hawaiian Homestead Farmer’s Market on Hwy. 19. Free shuttle transportation among most venues. For information call (808) 961-8706.

Saturday, February 1:  Chinese New Year at the Kings Shops.  Celebrate the Chinese New Year and welcome the Year of the Horse. While supplies last, attendees will receive a free lai see (red and gold envelope) to fill with an honorarium and feed to the lions for good luck.  Kings Shops, Center Court Stage, 250 Waikoloa Beach Dr.,
Waikoloa, 5:00 p.m.  Free.  For information call (808) 886-8811

Friday & Saturday, January 31 & February 1: 
Kona Surf Film Festival.  Hawai`i’s premier international surf film showcase.  The event, which showcases independent short and feature surf films from filmmakers around the world, includes film, music, and art highlights, as well as appearances by distinctive guests. Special hotel room rates will be offered during the festival.  Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona.  For information call (808) 936-0089 or visit www.konasurffilmfestival.org.

Friday, January 31:
Makana Performs at Kahilu Theatre.  Makana’s unique blend of Hawaiian, folk and rock influences and the passion and energy of his performance engages his audience like few entertainers on the scene. He has performed worldwide in venues ranging from Tianjin Opera House to Bumbershoot in Seattle to WOMAD in England to The White House.  7 p.m. Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Rd., Waimea.  For tickets and information call (808) 885-6868 or visit www.kahilutheatre.org.

Friday & Saturday, January 30 & 31:
He Lei Hiwa No `Iolani Luahine Hula Festival & Educational Challenge. This festival was established in 2003 with a vision to perpetuate 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. Enjoy hula workshops and presentations and an educational challenge to Kumu Hula with a prize for the one who best demonstrates the values of education and Hawaiian culture.  Evening musical entertainment will be held on the Bay view Lawn. Tickets will be available at the door for a modest donation of $10 per person.  Saturday the festival will also feature local quality handmade Hawaiian arts and crafts items along with entertainment all day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa, 78-128 Ehukai St., Kailua-Kona. For information and schedule visit www.iolaniluahinefestival.org.