Every Tuesday:  Kanikapila with Wes Awana and Friends.  Kanikapila jam sessions 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. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Admission is free, donations are gratefully accepted. Park entrance fees may apply. […]

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 may apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Saturday, December 8:  Kailua-Kona Community Christmas Parade.  The parade will begin at 5 p.m. at Kailua’s Kekuaokalani Gym next to Kona Aquatic Center, continues south on Kuakini, down Palani Rd., and along Ali`i Drive to Walua Road, just past Coconut Grove Marketplace. For information call (808) 313-0025 or visit www.paradesinkona.com.

Saturday, December 15:  Holiday Block Party.  This holiday block party in historic Kainaliu town will be fun for the whole family. Santa, face painting, crafts, food, live music, giveaways, and much more. Mamalahoa Hwy., Kealakekua, from Aloha Theatre to Sandy’s Drive-In. 5 to 8:30 p.m. Free admission. For more information, call (808) 747-4239.

Sunday, December 16: 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, vendor booths, merchants and restaurants. At 4 p.m., there is a free Hawaiian music concert on the lawn at Hulihe`e Palace. Bring […]

Friday – Sunday, December 21 – 23: The Nutcracker Ballet.  Going to see The Nutcracker Ballet is a holiday tradition. The dedicated students of West Hawai`i Dance Theatre will showcase their talent and dance skill, as Maestro Brian Dollinger will lead the orchestral accompaniment. Guest dancers will join in to complete the festive event. West […]

Monday, December 24:  Candlelight Service at State of Hawai`i’s Oldest Church.  Mokuaikaua Church will celebrate Christ’s birth with their annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.  Mokuaikaua Church, 75-5713 Ali`i Dr., Kailua-Kona. 8 p.m.  For more information, call (808) 329-0655 or email office@mokuaikaua.com or visit www.mokuaikaua.com.

Saturday, December 29:  Annual Wailea Village Mochi Pounding. Celebrate making traditional rice cakes the “old-fashioned” way.  Everyone takes their turn at pounding the glutinous sticky rice for good luck. Hearty local style lunch available to purchase for $5. New Year’s crafts, food vendors, Okinawan taiko drumming, Hawaiian entertainment & more.  Akiko’s Buddhist Bed & Breakfast, […]

Saturday, December 29: Hawaiian Sunset Saturdays.  Celebrate Kona’s spectacular sunset with live Hawaiian music and Hula.  Coconut Grove Marketplace, 75-5809 Ali`i Dr., Kailua-Kona. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Free admission.  For information, visit www.kvbid.org.

January 1 – 9: 9th Annual Waimea Ocean Film Festival - Various Locations  The festival brings an immersive visual experience to the island each January, offering guests heart-pounding adventure, giant surf, marine life, international expeditions and ocean action, all while garnering greater insight and understanding into the ocean environment and island culture. Breakfast Talks provide […]