Friday – Monday, September 14 – 17:
Hawai`i Island Festival of Birds.  The program will include expert guest speakers, a trade show for outdoor and birding equipment, a children’s corner, bird-themed arts and crafts fair, photography workshop, a birding film festival, time to interact with Hawai`i Island naturalists and bird experts, and guided field trips on land and sea. Friday and Sunday activities include guided birdwatching field trips along the newly created Hawai`i Island Coast to Coast Birding Trail, and guided boat trips out of Honokohau Harbor to watch seabirds. The 90-mile Trail crosses Hawai`i Island from Kona on the west coast to Hilo on the east coast, from rainforest to lava plains. While birds will be the focal points, elements of Hawai`i Island`s unique plants and trees, geology, history and of course, scenic viewpoints will also be highlighted. Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa, 78-128 Ehukai St., Kailua-Kona.  For information and event schedule call (808) 331-3617 or visit www.birdfesthawaii.org.