thru July 6, 2005
HAWAII PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL - HAWAII PREPARATORY ACADEMY
A series of concerts by the faculty and students of Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Waimea. Free to the public. For more information email genette@hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org, visit hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org

July 4, 2005
KAILUA-KONA INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
Sponsored by the Council of Kona Area Service Clubs, starts at 5:30 p.m. from Kona Kekuaokalani Gymnasium (near Old Airport), goes down Palani, then South on Alii Drive to Coconut Grove Marketplace. Awards ceremony follows at Coconut Grove Marketplace, with entertainment and then fireworks starting at 8 p.m. More entries than ever, with Grand Marshals Alfredo Tobias (WWII and Korea veteran) and Senator Daniel Akaka. For information call: 345-2108 or email konakolohe@yahoo.com

July 4, 2005
GREAT WAIKOLOA RUBBER DUCKIE RACE & 4TH OF JULY EXTRAVAGANZA
Benefit for United Cerebral Palsy Assn. of Hawaii. Free entertainment all day, from 10 am to 8:30 pm; Fireworks and laser light show at 8:30 pm. Forms for "Duckie adoption" available at all Kings' Shops Merchants.

July 4, 2005
TURTLE INDEPENDENCE DAY
Three and four year old turtles are released in the ocean after growing up in the Mauna Lani ponds. Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows 808/885-6622

July 5, 2004
AN EVENING WITH RICKY IAN GORDON - HAWAII PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL
"If the music of Ricky Ian Gordon had to be defined by a single quality, it would be the bursting efferverscence infusing songs that blithely blur the lines between art song and the high-end Broadway music of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim...It's caviar for a world gorging on pizza."-The New York Times. Hawaii Performing Arts Festival guest composer Ricky Ian Gordon will be joined by Australian Opera star Jennifer McGregor and Festival Artistic Director Val Underwood. 7:00 pm at Peoples Theater, Honokaa. Cost: $10 at the door. For more information email genette@hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org, visit hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org

July 23, 2005
AN EVENING IN PARADISE - UNITED WAY BENEFIT, MAUNA LANI RESORT
The premiere benefit event for Hawaii Island United Way, spotlighting some of the island's best chefs and vendors. Local radio personalities, John Burnett and Debbie Weiser, will serve as emcees, with Mid-Life Crisis providing the entertainment. Tickets are available at the Fairmont Orchid; KTA Super Stores in Keauhou, Waimea and Puainako; Waikoloa Village Market; Kona Wine Market; Kamuela Liquors; Bank of Hawaii's Hilo, Kamuela and Kona branches; First Hawaiian Bank's Waimea, Waikoloa and Kona branches. 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at The Fairmont Orchid's Turtle Pointe, Mauna Lani Resort. Tickets are $75.00 adults; $40.00 (ages 5 to 12); FREE (ages 5 and under). For information call: 935-6393 or email hiuwhilo@hawaii.rr.com

July 26 and 27, 2005
FREE UKULELE PLAYER WORKSHOPS WITH CANADIAN VIRTUOSO JAMES HILL (see July 27 calendar entry)
In addition to his concert appearance at the Aloha Theatre (below), James Hill will also conduct a series of free ukulele players workshops around the island in the days preceding the concert. The workshop schedule is as follows:
Monday, July 25 at 6:30 P.M. at Hilo Guitars and Ukuleles; 114 Ponahawai St., Hilo. Call 935-4282 to reserve a space as seating is limited.
Tuesday, July 26 at 12 noon at the Holualoa Ukulele Gallery. Call 324-4100 to reserve your space, as seating is limited.
Tuesday, July 26 at 6:00 P.M. at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea (Kamuela). Call 885-6868 for info.
Wednesday, July 27 at 12 noon at the Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu. Call 322-2122 for info.

July 27, 2005
UKULELE AND SLACK KEY GUITAR CONCERT - ALOHA THEATRE, KAINALIU-KONA
7:30pm. The Hawaii Island chapter of the Ukulele Guild of Hawaii, in association with the Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu, will present a ukulele and slack key concert tribute to the late luthier (ukulele and guitar builder) Andy Berard. Featured performers will include Canadian ukulele virtuoso James Hill, the Big Island's own Hoku Award winner Brittni Paiva, special guests slack key guitarist Chris Yeaton; the Hana Aloha trio featuring Lenard Kaniho, Konabob Stoffer & Shirley Stoffer; classical/slack key guitarist David Gomes, Willie Pereira, and others. Ticket prices are $20 for Ukulele Guild of Hawaii Members, and $25 for non-members. In order to receive the members' discounted ticket price, non-members can become members by signing up and paying their membership dues at the time of their ticket purchase. Call 322-2122 for concert tickets and dinner reservations. Reserved seating is available for those having dinner at the Aloha Cafe' prior to the concert (entree' purchase is required); all other seating is general admission. For additional information, visit the Aloha Theatre website alohatheatre.com. Proceeds from this event will be used to support the Ukulele Guild in its educational and cultural activities, and to purchase ukuleles for its Ukes For Kids program. The Ukulele Guild of Hawaii is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, perpetuation, and promotion of the ukulele as a significant instrument, from the standpoint of both builders and players. More information can be obtained by visiting the Guild website at www.ukuleleguild.org

July 30, 2005
COLGATE COUNTRY SHOWDOWN
Hawaii's KOA Country (KKOA Radio, 107.7) will host a country music talent contest from 7pm till 10 pm at Kahilu Theatre, Waimea. Twelve groups will vie to be Hawaii's best, and go on to the regional and hopefully national competition at Walt Disney's Epcot Center in Orlando. Colgate Country Showdown ultimate winners will receive $100,000 and the title "Best New Act in Country Music". Free admission, doors open 6 p.m.Time: 7 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. at Kahilu Theatre. For information call: 808/329-8090 or email chip@lava105.com

Aug. 6, 2005
2nd ANNUAL "CREAM OF THE CROP" KONA COFFEE TASTING
The public and a specialty panel of resort chefs are invited to vote which coffee is crowned "Cream of the Crop". The coffees will be divided into "Organic Kona", "Estate Kona" and the "Kona Open" categories. The public is also encouraged to sample specialty desserts featuring 100% Kona Coffee, and many of the farms and confectioners will also offer their products for sale. Slack Key guitarist, Chris Yeaton will provide music for the event. Time: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Hoku Amphitheatre, Four Seasons Hualalai Resort, Free to the public. For information call: 808/328-2356 or email pr@itskona.com

August 13, 2005
HAWAII FOOD BANK GALA HEADDRESS BALL, BENEFIT
To be held at Hilton Waikoloa Village with the "traditional" headdress ball contest, silent and live auctions, and live entertainment. Contact Hawaii Island Food Bank at (808) 935-3050 for more info.

August 13-14, 2005
PU'UKOHOLA HEIAU NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE ESTABLISHMENT DAY CULTURAL FESTIVAL - KAWAIHAE
Hawaiian arts, crafts and food, sailing trips in a double-hulled canoe and ancient ceremonies. Festivals begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m., going till 3 p.m. For more information: (808) 882-7218

August 28, 2005
KONA DAIFUKUJI ORCHID SOCIETY SHOW
Orchid show of hundreds of varieties. Orchids on display and for sale along with lectures and demonstrations of general orchid culture. Held at Daifukuji Hall in Honalo, Kona, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information: (808) 238-8835

August 27, 2005
HAWAII'S WORLD HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Experience the richness of Hawaii's heritage shared by modern ancestors of immigrants who started coming here - Polynesians arriving in 300 AD (Hawaiians), followed by Europeans in the 1700s, Americans, Chinese, Portuguese, Okinawans, and Japanese in the 1800s, then Puerto Ricans, Koreans, Filipinos and Spanish in the early 1900s. Navigate your way to Kalakaua Park in historic Downtown Hilo where ethnic foods, traditional art and craftwork, displays, demonstrations, and performing artists will fill and spill out of a giant tent. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information call: 808-933-9772 or email amoon@bigisland.com

August 28, 2005
ALOHA FESTIVALS WAIMEA PANIOLO PARADE AND HO'OLAULE'A
9 am Paniolo Parade featuring princesses on horseback with attendees (complete with "Pooper Scooper" brigades!) decorated with the flowers of their respective islands, followed by one of the best crafts show of the year featuring island foods, games, arts & crafts, Hawaiian products and live entertainment in Waimea Ball Park, from 11 am to 4 pm. Truly a great local family event! For more information: (808) 885-7786.

September, 2005
ALOHA FESTIVALS HAWAI'I
Aloha Festivals Big Island of Hawai'i events are a wonderful opportunity to experience the very essence of Hawaiian customs, cultures & tradition. From the Royal Court investiture on the rim of Halema'uma'u Crater to the Keiki Makahiki at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, there is an abundance of activities and events to enjoy. For information, call Aloha Festivals 808/589-1771 or 1-800-852-7690.

September 3 and 4, 2005
QUEEN LILI'UOKALANI LONG DISTANCE CANOE RACES
The world's largest long distance canoe race attended by paddlers from all over the world. After the race on day 1, there is a torchlight parade down Kailua's Alii Drive followed by a dance. After the race on day 2, the awards ceremonies are held in the afternoon along with a luau, and entertainment. The public is invited to purchase tickets to the luau and festivities. Call: (808) 324-1541 for more info. There will be a 3-day crafts fair conducted by award-winning paddling team and local favorites, Kai Opua Canoe Club, at the "turn-around" near the Pier during the events.

September 9-10, 2005
TERRY FOX 10K RUN AND 5K RUN/WALK
7 am at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Proceeds will go to cancer research. For more info. or to acquire a registration form, call 808/325-8052.

September TBA, 2005
13th ANNUAL HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY GUITAR FESTIVAL - HILTON WAIKOLOA VILLAGE
The big annual event which features some of "the cream" of Hawaii's slack key guitar artists, such as Ledward Ka'apana, Dennis Kamakahi, John Keawe, Sonny Lim, and more. Starts at 4 pm in the Grand Ballroom. Tickets are $10 at the door.

September 8-11, 2005
BIG ISLAND FARM FAIR
Annual event at the Old Kona Airport State Park. Carnival rides (including a ferris wheel) & games, agricultural products, service and equipment displays and demos, livestock show & petting zoo, food booths, country market (fresh produce!) and live musical entertainment. Also, the U of HI's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources' Plant Doctor will be on hand to answer questions. For more info, call 324-6011.

September 25, 2005
QUEEN LILIUOKALANI MUSIC FESTIVAL - HILO
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Queen Liliuokalani Park, Hilo.
Honoring Hawaii's last Monarch, the event features music food and dance. Includes flower drop, multi-ethnic dancing and performances and 300+ dancers from dozens of Big Island halau sharing their love of hula. Also top name island entertainers will perform. Shuttle to and from Civic Auditorium parking area. For more info, call Roxie Waltjen (808) 961-8706.

September 16, 2005
A TASTE OF THE HAWAIIAN RANGE
In its 10th year, this culinary event features 38 of Hawaii's premier chefs, each preparing/serving an entree' of forage-raised beef, veal, bison, venison, mutton, goat, lamb, pork or poultry. It's an "all-you-can-eat" affair, sponsored by the U of H College of Tropical Agriculture. Non-alcoholic beverages, ice cream, chocolates and cakes are also on the menu. Bosco the One Man Band will entertain the guests. Time: 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Hilton Waikoloa Village Grand Ballroom. Tickets $25 Adv/$40 Door. For information call: (808) 322-4892 or email gfukumot@hawaii.edu

September 24-25, 2005
HOLISTIC HAWAII EXPO
Hands-on demonstrations, exhibits, speakers, hula classes, workshops, presenters, therapies, music, and much more. Presentations and products concerning the topics of wellness options, beauty, fitness, anti-aging, personal growth, and positive living. Meet professionals and businesses showcasing leading-edge technologies, natural therapies, services, and products that can enhance your life and raise your level of well-being. 10 am - 6 pm at Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort, Kailua-Kona. Free to the public. For information call: 808/887-0044 or email Expo@Holistic-Hawaii.com

October , 2005
KOHALA COUNTRY FAIR - HAWI
Food, live music, silent auction, a raffle, art, Spam carving and bubble blowing contests, special keiki activities, and much more. Under the Big Banyan Tree from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. More info: 889-5015

October 15, 2005
IRONMAN TRIATHLON
This ultimate endurance event - a 2.4 mile swim, 112-mile bike and a 26.2 mile run - attracts thousands of the world's best athletes, and thousands of volunteers from the Big Island help make it happen!

October 20 -29 (Big Island dates TBA), 2005
HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Some of the films are being shown for the first time in the U.S. Producers, actresses and directors from a variety of the films will be present throughout the festival. Established in 1981, the Hawai'i International Film Festival (HIFF) is the largest East-meets-West Festival in North America, and is the primary source for the discovery and exhibition of Asian and Pacific feature films, documentaries and videos in the nation. The Foundation is unique in discovering features and documentaries from Asia made by Asians, films about the Pacific made by Pacific Islanders, and films made by Hawai'i filmmakers that present Hawai'i in a culturally accurate way. Tickets for each feature will be available at the Hualalai Cinemas (ph. 808/329-5900). For information call: 808/937-7596 or email larakmackey@yahoo.com

November 9-13, 2005
HAWAII'S BIG ISLAND FESTIVAL
A five-day festival showcasing all that makes the Big Island unique, including fine wines and cutting edge island cuisine, agriculture, fine arts, health and wellness, championship golf, history and Hawaiian culture. Food & Wine Magazine's Best New Chefs 2005 and island culinary stars highlight daily culinary demonstrations, wine seminars and tastings centered around the luxurious resort properties of the Kohala Coast. For information call: 808/934-9044 in Hawaii; toll free: 1-866-424-FEST or email info@bigislandfestival.com

November 4-13, 2005
KONA COFFEE CULTURAL FESTIVAL
Hawaii's oldest food fest features over 30 events, kicking off with the International Lantern Parade. There will be a variety of events thruout the festival, including art exhibits, tastings, a cupping competition, a coffee picking competition, coffee recipe cooking contest, farm tours, sporting events and more. For info call: 808/326-7820 or visit http://www.konacoffeefest.com

November , 2005
HOLUALOA VILLAGE COFFEE STROLL
The Coffee Stroll is an annual event of the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. Fresh coffee samples from over a dozen of Kona's finest coffee farms presented at this artist colony's unique art galleries and shops. 9 am to 3 pm.

November , 2005 thru beginning of January, 2006
INVITATIONAL WREATH EXHIBIT
Volcano Art Center Gallery at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will feature wreaths by some of Hawaii's most creative fiber, wood, glass and multimedia artists. Closed on Christmas Day; open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free, but park entrance fees may apply. Information: 808/967-7565

November , 2005
11th ANNUAL NA LIMA HANA HOLIDAY CRAFT & COLLECTIBLE FAIR - HILTON
Over 100 crafters from the Big Island will be on hand to showcase and sell their unique one-of-a-kind arts and crafts at the Na Lima Hana (The Helping Hands) Annual Holiday Craft & Collectibles Fair & Silent Auction. Items ranging from Hawaiian quilts, wood carvings, holiday ornaments and decorations to paintings, books, jewelry, clothing, coffee and macadamia nuts. There also will be ono (delicious) food. Special events for keiki include Parrot Talk, where children learn about the unique Hawaiian birds at Hilton Waikoloa Village; pictures with Santa, and holiday cookie decorating. Proceeds from the craft booth fees, silent auction and children's activities will benefit Hawaii Island United Way, and the Dolphin Days charities, which include Hawaii Shriners Hospital for Children, and the Pacific Marine Life Foundation. 9:00 am-3:00 pm at Hilton Waikoloa Village, Grand Ballroom, Waikoloa. Free to the public. For information call: 808/886-2860 or email leanne_pletcher@hilton.com

thru December, 2005
INVITATIONAL WREATH EXHIBIT
Volcano Art Center Gallery at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will feature wreaths by some of Hawaii's most creative fiber, wood, glass and multimedia artists. Closed on Christmas Day; open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free, but park entrance fees may apply. Information: 808/967-7565

December , 2005
KAILUA-KONA CHRISTMAS PARADE
5:30pm starts at Coconut Grove Market Place, up Alii Drive to Kopiko, up Kopiko to Lanihau Shopping Center.

December , 2005
ANNUAL WINTER CONCERT
This is Volcano Art Center's holiday gift of family entertainment to the community, featuring local talent, good cheer, and an audience sing-along. Kilauea Theater in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Free but advanced tickets are required (Calabash donations accepted at the door). 7:00 p.m. Call 967-8222 for info; fax: 967-8512; vacpro@gte.net

December 31, 2005
TRADITIONAL MOCHI POUNDING FOR THE NEW YEAR
Wailea village's 6th annual mochi-zuki celebration, held in Wailea at Akiko's Buddhist Bed and Breakfast. Traditional rice cakes made the "old-fashioned" way. Everyone takes their turn at pounding the glutinous sticky rice for good luck. Fire building starts at 6 a.m. to steam the rice. Event goes from 8am to 2:00 pm. Local style lunch for $5. Akiko Masuda: 808/963-6422 or email msakikko@aloha.net