Sunday, November 3: 
Hilo Medical Center Wine, Cheese, Chocolate and More!  This annual benefit supports Hilo Medical Center and recognizes the physician of the year. Featuring locally grown food and wine plus a silent auction.  Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Drive, Hilo HI 96720. 4 to 9 p.m.  For tickets and information call (808) 935-2957 or www.hilomedicalcenterfoundation.org.

November 1 – 10: 
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.  Festival goers are immersed in a Kona coffee extravaganza that includes such favorites as the prestigious Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Cupping Competition, Kona coffee cooking and recipe competitions, art exhibits, Kona coffee farm tours, and cultural events that honor nearly 200 years of coffee heritage in Hawai`i.  For complete schedule, venues, and information call (808) 326-7820 or visit www.konacoffeefest.com.

Friday, November 1: 
13^th Annual Black & White Night.  An upscale street party of sorts, the event will feature shops and restaurants offering samples, bargains, and special guest appearances by artists and authors.  Free live music will be provided at many different venues. A Treasure Hunt will be conducted with prizes. Dress casually or formally for this black and white event. Downtown Hilo, Haili Street. For more information, call (808) 935-8850 or visit www.downtownhilo.com.

Every Friday: 
Aloha Fridays at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.  A free hands-on demonstration lesson is given in a cultural craft that will vary from week to week. Held at VAC Gallery porch in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  All events are free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Sunday, October 20: 
Pumpkin Patch Festival in Waimea. Pick out a pumpkin and have a terrific and fun family day. Climbing wall, haunted house, huge pumpkin patch, live entertainment, horseback rides, ono (delicious) food and much more!  Bring the whole family for a great day of celebration. Hawai`i Preparatory Academy’s Upper Campus, 65-1692 Kohala Mountain Rd., Waimea, 96743. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Free.  For information call (808) 756-0975 or visit www.hpa.edu.

Sunday, October 20: 
15^th Annual Taste of Hilo.  Featuring the culinary art of many of the Big Island’s restaurants, dessert makers, bakeries, beverage distributors, and other food purveyors. In years past, this popular food show has featured specialty items such as Kobe Beef, Blue Fin Tuna, and Sturgeon. Sangha Hal, 398 Kilauea Ave., Hilo. 1 to 3 p.m.  Admission is charged.  For information and to order tickets call the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawai`i at (808) 934-0177 or visit www.jccih.org.

Sunday, October 20: 
Kokua Kailua Hulihe`e Palace Concert Series & Village Stroll.  One Sunday each month from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Ali`i Drive along scenic Kailua Bay in Kailua-Kona becomes a festive pedestrian-only walkway. 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, October 12: 
Hula Arts at Kilauea.  This VAC program features Hula Kahiko Informance with kumu Leilehua Yuen and Manu Josiah, and is a 50-minute narrated demonstration of preparation, protocol and offering of traditional hula and chant. This inspired outdoor presentation takes place rain or shine at the hula platform located near VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.  The audience is encouraged to bring sitting mat and sun/rain gear. On the same day, there is a hands-on cultural demonstration from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at VAC Gallery porch. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Saturday, October 12: 
Ironman Triathlon World Championship.  The top 1,800 triathletes from around the world (50 countries and all 50 States) converge on Kona for this Super Bowl of triathlon events, featuring a 2.4-mile ocean swim off Kailua Pier, a 112-mile bike course to Hawi and a 26.2-mile run. The first racers swim at 6:30 a.m. The top finishers complete the event around 3:30 p.m.; the last official finisher is at midnight. Spectators may enjoy the race anywhere along the course (but note that roads around the area are closed), but being right downtown in Kailua Village is the best way to see the action. For information call (808) 329-0063 or visit www.ironman.com/worldchampionship.

Sunday, October 6: 
2^nd Annual Festival of Aloha.  “E Hele Mai!” Celebrate Hawaiian Heritage at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel Ballroom Courtyard, 62-100 Kauna Oa Drive, Kamuela. Learn the craft of lei or ipu making as well as the games the ancestors used to play. Enjoy unique island crafts, authentic native food and be entertained by some of the Big Islands most popular and award winning musicians.  For more information on the Festival of Aloha, call 808-880-1111. Free.  10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  For information call (808) 880-1111.