Friday and Saturday, May 8 & 9: Big Island Chocolate Festival. Indulge in the alluring, rich taste of chocolate while participating in a host of delicious, fun and informative chocolate-themed activities. The chocolate extravaganza includes Big Isle cacao farm tours, student culinary competition, public seminars and a 5:30-9 p.m. gala May 9 with sweet and […]

Saturday, May 9: Brothers Cazimero. Fulfilling an unbroken 30 year old tradition, Robert and Roland Cazimero will celebrate May Day in Waimea in 2015. Nothing beats Hawaiian music with Robert on bass and Roland on twelve string guitar! The Brothers Cazimero are consummate musicians who have made their indelible imprint on the face of contemporary Hawaiian […]

Saturday, May 16: Na Mea Hula. Held in conjunction with the Hula Kahiko performances, presenting a lovely 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 […]

Saturday, May 16: 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 an area known as Ka`auea. 10:30 a.m. Audience members […]

Sunday, May 17: 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 […]

Thursday – Monday, May 21 – 25: Big Island Film Festival. Celebrate the rich history of storytelling through movies. Enjoy films, social events, amazing food events, hula halau and Hawaiian musicians, and workshops by top mainland writers. A new script contest will provide an outlet for all the workshop training and is open to anyone […]

Saturday, May 30: Ironman 70.3 Hawai`i. The swim takes place at Hapuna Beach State Park, frequently listed as one of the best beaches in the United States. The bike course leads athletes along the infamous Queen Kaahumanu and Akoni Pule Highways towards the tiny northern town of Hawi famous as the IRONMAN bike turn-around. The […]

Saturday, May 30: Sleeping Beauty Ballet. Based on the original 1890 ballet, academy dancers age 3 through adult bring to life this family favorite fairy tale in four swiftly moving scenes. A silent auction will be held during intermission to benefit educational programs and studio renovations. Kahilu Theatre, 68-1186 Lindsey Road Kamuela. 2:30 p.m. For […]

Every Monday: Kanikapila with Wes Awana and Friends. Kanikapila jam sessions are held on Monday evenings, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. and are open to all musicians.  Bring your own instrument and enjoy ‘garage style’ jamming.  Held in the Great Room of the Admin Building, Volcano Art Center, Niaulani Campus, Volcanoes National Park. The event […]

Every Monday: Te Ao Maohi; The Land of the Natives. Experience the Culture and Traditions of the Polynesian people, from the voyages of Pele to the Mo`olelo of Oro Master of the Sky, from the genealogy of Tangaroa the God of the Sea to Olo Misilagi Letuli, The Father of the fireknife. Learn the stories of […]