February, 2012

“Oklahoma!”

Feb. 17 – March 11

Kainaliu

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s first and perhaps most innovative collaboration, Oklahoma! set the standard for musical theatre still being followed today. “Oklahoma!” is set in Oklahoma Territory in 1906. Several intertwining love stories unravel with humor and danger, as the audience is treated to some of the most famous songs in the Broadway canon, including “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey With the Fringe on Top,” “Kansas City,”  “People Will Say We’re In Love,” and the title tune, “Oklahoma!” 7:30 p.m. Aloha Theater in Kainaliu. Visit apachawaii.org or 808.322.9924.

Bad Boys of Dance

Tuesday, Feb. 21

Hilo

Bad Boys of Dance is a fresh, new dance company comprised of the most talented and versatile young male dancers in the world today, each one hand-selected based on his extraordinary physical abilities and artistry. Founded by Rasta Thomas, “to show the world what great male dancing looks like; and to make dancing fun, entertaining and accessible to a whole new generation.” badboysofdance.com. 7:30 p.m. UH Hilo Performing Arts Center. 808.974.7310 or visit artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu.

Grow Hawaiian Festival

Saturday, Feb. 25

Captain Cook

The annual Grow Hawaiian Festival features presentations on native plant horticulture; this year taro will be featured—its conservation and traditional Hawaiian arts. Also dance, demonstrations and garden tours.  Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Gardens on Highway 11. 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Free. 808.323.3318 or visit bishopmuseum.org/exhibits.

Metropolitan Opera HD Live
Ernani by Giuseppe Verdi

Saturday, Feb. 25

Kailua-Kona

Verdi’s thrilling early drama is about a young woman named Elvira who finds herself loved and pursued by three noblemen. The one she loves is the former nobleman Don Juan of Aragon who turned outlaw and was banished. He took the name Ernani.  One of the other suitors was King Carlo who later became the Holy Roman Emperor.  The third suitor was Elvira’s elderly Uncle Silva whom she is being forced to marry.  The opera’s plot tells the story of the interactions of these four characters. $24, $22 senior, $20 student. 12:55 p.m. Makalapua Stadium Cinemas, 74-5469 Kamakaeha Ave., 808.329.4461.

Swing Into Spring Dinner Gala

Saturday, Feb. 25

Kailua-Kona

Annual fundraiser featuring a sumptuous dinner buffet, live cabaret, silent and live auctions, plus dancing in support of the Kona Festivale Chorale. Held in the newly renovated ballroom of the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Historically a sellout, order tickets early. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Price TBA. 808.331.1115, email kfchoral@hawaii.rr.com or visit konafestivalechorale.org.

“Ma Maison”

Saturday, Feb. 25

Waimea

“Ma Maison,” the stunning, 30-minute dance collaboration between choreographer Trey McIntyre, costume designer Jeanne Button, the improvising musicians of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and nine dancers whose artistry let them forge a powerful blend of street styles and ballet athleticism, is an artistic triumph. 8 p.m. Kahilu Theatre. 808.885.6868 or kahilutheatre.org.

Chinese New Year:
Celebration and Tradition

Wednesday, Feb. 29

Kailua-Kona

Another in a monthly community lecture series on a variety of historical and cultural topics featuring statewide speakers. In this presentation, Ed Yap and the Kohala Tong Wo Society discuss the customs and traditions of the Chinese New Year. 5:30 – 7 p.m.  Free. West Hawai‘i Civic Center in Kona. 808.323.3222 or konahistorical.org

March, 2012

Art Exhibit: Hawai‘i Volcanoes: 1880s to Present

Through March 31

Hilo

In celebration of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s centennial, historic paintings, photographs, film footage, oddities and curiosities are on display at Lyman Museum. Art by Hitchcock, Bailey and Furneaux as well as vintage film footage of the Halema‘uma‘u (1930s), Puna (1955), Kīlauea Iki (1959), and Kapoho (1960) eruptions are among the highlights. Kama‘āina admission available. 276 Haili St. 808.935.5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.

Pianist Soyeon Lee in Concert

Friday, March 2

Waimea

A 2010 Naumburg Competition prize winner, Soyeon Lee has been hailed by The New York Times as a pianist with “a huge, richly varied sound, a lively imagination and a firm sense of style,” while The Washington Post has lauded her for her “stunning command of the keyboard.” 8 p.m. at the Kahilu Theatre. Tickets, 808.885.6868 or online at www.kahilutheatre.org.

The Great Waikoloa ‘Ukulele Festival

Saturday, March 3

Kohala Coast

12th Annual musical festival honoring Hawai‘i’s well-known instrument with a day of Hawai‘i’s top ‘ukulele musicians and entertainers performing at the Kings’ Shops and Queens’ Marketplace at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. 808.886.8811 or visit www.waikoloabeachresort.com.
See Spotlight.

Puna ‘Ulu Festival

Saturday, March 3

Pū‘āla‘a

Along with taro, breadfruit or ‘ulu was one of the staples of the ancient Hawaiian diet. New festival celebrates the versatile foodstuff, with a cooking contest, care and cultivation of ‘ulu trees and ‘ulu preparations plus kids activities and musical entertainment. Free.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School in Pū‘āla‘a. 808.965.5098 or visit www.breadfruit.info.

“Healthy Aging” Spring Health Fair

Saturday, March 3

Hilo

The theme of Hawai‘i College of Oriental Medicine (formerly TCMCH) Spring Health Fair and Celebration is “Healthy Aging.” Health classes for the public, continuing education for LAc/ND/DC and LMTs, authentic Asian music, local businesses offering services, enjoy free qigong, Chinese and Japanese acupuncture, tuina sessions, acupuncture facelifts and gifts. Free admission from noon to 4:30 p.m. at Hawai‘i Naniloa Volcanoes Resort. Celebration Party includes a sake intro and tasting, keynote speaker presentations, alumni awards, pupu and music. 5-7:30 p.m. Tickets for the Celebration available online at www.tcmch.edu. 808.981.2790 or email ce@tcmch.edu.

Robo Rally

Monday, March 5

Kailua-Kona

The Kealakehe High School Robotics Team heads off for National Competitions in style with a pep rally for the whole family! Enjoy robotics demonstrations, food vendors, local businesses and one very dramatic makeover for the team’s coach, whose ponytail will be donated to Locks for Love if students can reach their goal of raising $2,000! $5 in advance, $10 at the door. Kealakehe High School Cafeteria, 6-9 p.m. 808.430.6939.

A Brewers’ Pa‘ina

Friday, March 9

Keauhou

Dining Under the Stars: A Brewers’ Pa‘ina kicks off the Kona Brewers Festival with a beer and food pairing dinner on the lawn at Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort. Explore a diverse selection of Kona-brewed beers paired with delectable pupu, salads, sides, entrees and desserts. Hawaiian-style entertainment and silent auction benefiting The Kohala Center and The Bill Healy Foundation on behalf of the 2011 Kona Brewers Festival beneficiaries. 6–8 p.m. Tickets, 808.331.3033 or visit www.konabrewersfestival.com.

Aloha Friday “Boat Day” Luncheon

Friday, March 9

Hilo

Experience the nostalgia of Hawai‘i’s old-time boat days, complete with colorful flower lei, graceful hula, lively Hawaiian music and four-course luncheon on board the elegant m.s. Rotterdam cruise ship docked in Hilo Harbor. The benefit luncheon takes place in the ship’s elegant La Fontaine Dining Room on the promenade deck. Fundraiser tickets are $65 and benefit the non-profit Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Group rates are available for parties of five or more. 11:30 a.m.  Tickets, 808.985.7373 or visit www.fhvnp.org. Due to security regulations, tickets are not transferable, photo ID is required and RSVPs must be made by March 5.

Kona Brewers Festival

Friday and Saturday, March 9 and 10

Kailua-Kona

Annual festival promotes craft brewing and recycling in Hawai’i. Expect about 60 craft beers from the Aloha State and U.S. Mainland, plus gourmet food. Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel.  2:30 – 6:30 p.m. Tickets $60. Related events: Brewer’s dinner, golf tourney and “Run for the Hops.” 808.331.3033 or visit www.konabrewersfestival.com.

Run for the Hops 5K/10K

Saturday, March 10

Kailua-Kona

Preceding the Kona Brewers Festival, this fast, fun and family-friendly footrace gets an early morning start and follows a course seaside route. Registration at 6:15 a.m.; race at 7:30 p.m. Post-race festivities. 808.326.7284 or visit www.pathhawaii.org.

Na Mea Hawai‘i Hula Kahiko

Saturday, March 10

Volcano

See traditional hula and chant performed outdoors featuring Hālau o Po‘ohala at 10:30 a.m.; also Hawaiian cultural demonstrations from
9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Both at Volcano Art Center Gallery at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.  Free; park entrance fees apply.  808.967.8222 or visit
www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Pahoa Community Garden Workparty

Saturday, March 10

Pahoa

The East Hawai‘i Timebank and Pahoa Museum co-host a Community Garden Workparty to help the community bond and create a beautiful garden. Bring your own tools, gloves, hat, sunscreen, water and potluck dish. 3 p.m. Pahoa Community Garden on the main street by Island Naturals. 808.982.8925.

“First Person: Seeing America”

Saturday, March 10

Hilo

“First Person: Seeing America” combines iconic photographs from the Metropolitan Museum of Art with the music of Ensemble Galilei and narration by NPR’s Neal Conan and actress Lily Knight to create a remarkable, powerful performance. 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Theater at the University of Hawai‘i–Hilo. Tickets, 808.974.7313 or visit www.artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu.

Keauhou Bay Clean-Up

Saturday, March 10

Keauhou

Meet at the Keauhou Canoe Club Hale, 7– 11 a.m.  Free refreshments and t-shirts.  Visit  www.keauhouresort.com.

Sunday Walk in the Park

Sunday, March 11

Volcano

This monthly program (on second Sundays) takes participants on guided walks along the trails of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.  Monthly hike routes, distances, meeting places and times vary.  To register, 808.985.7373 or programs@fhvnp.org.

Puana Ka ‘Ike Lecture

Thursday and Friday, March 15 and 16

Hilo and Keauhou

Part of an ongoing series of lectures sponsored by the Kohala Center, Puana Ka ‘Ike (Imparting Knowledge) aims to provide an educational forum for anyone interested in a deeper understanding of Hawaiian culture, history and tradition. Dr. Keanu Sai speaks on “1893 Executive Agreements and their Profound Impacts Today.” Thursday, noon – 1:30 p.m. at University of Hawai‘i-Hilo; Friday, 5:30 – 7 p.m. at Convention Ballroom, Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa.

Healing through the Arts, Healing through the Heart

Friday, March 16

Pahoa

Shawn Gallaway, visual artist, singer-songwriter and healer has traveled throughout the world sharing his message of healing through the arts. Shawn has recently shared the stage with the Dalai Lama, authors Gregg Braden, Bruce Lipton, Robert Holden, Darren Weissman, T. Harv Ecker, and with rock and pop masters Orleans, Jimi Jamison of Survivor, Dave Jenkins from Pablo Cruise, Allan Parsons and Robbie Dupree. Pahoa Village Museum, 7 p.m. $10-$15 sliding scale admissions. 808.329.3030 or visit www.shawngallaway.com.
Also see March 31 in Kona.

Zen Pen with Tom Peek

Saturday, March 17

Volcano Village

Go zen with the power of the pen! Deepen the conversation with your soul by using writing as a means to explore the human spirit, foster compassion for others and ourselves, understand suffering and ease anger and conflict. Peek leads the workshop, “Zen Pen – Writing as a Spiritual Practice.” Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 808.967.8222.

2^nd Annual Spring Art & Music Festival

Saturday, March 17

Kailua-Kona

Artists, musicians and food vendors throughout the Kona International Market.  Young artists contest, any medium, Theme: “What I Love About Hawaii.” 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Vendors wanted. 74-5533 Luhia St. Free to the public.  Free parking.  Fun for the whole family! Contact Sandi, 808-329-3030 or sandi@luhia.com

The 26th Annual Magic Spectacular

Saturday, March 17

Kainaliu

Magic Spectacular is a benefit for SKEA, a non-profit organization that provides education in the arts to children and serves as a community center in Honaunau. Two shows at the Aloha Theatre—2:30 p.m. matinee and 7 p.m. evening show—stage magicians from Big Island Magic Club plus headliner Stephen Bargatze, known as the “funniest comedian in America.” Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children and seniors.  Tickets for sale from SKEA, at Kona Wine Market, from Magic Club members or at the door. 808.323.9707 or 808.328.9392.

Concert for a King

Saturday, March 17

Keauhou

This 12th annual free concert remembers Hawai‘i’s King Lani Kauikeaouli, also known as Kamehameha III, who was born in Keauhou, Kona in 1813.  The event features hula and Hawaiian music under the stars on the Hawaiian lawn at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa in Kona. Entertainers include Marlene Sai, 
Iaukea Bright, Nephi Brown, 
Nina Kealiiwahamana, Na Palapalai, A’Oia, Ho’okena, the Ladies of 
Na Lei O Kaholoku
and many more. 5 – 10 p.m. 808.930.4900.

Kokua Kailua Village Stroll

Sunday, March 18

Kailua-Kona

Ali‘i Drive is closed to traffic from 1 to 6 p.m. to visit arts, crafts and food vendors in historic downtown Kailua Village. Enjoy hula and the Hulihe’e Palace Band on the lawn of Hulihe‘e Palace at 4 p.m. Bring your own beach mat or chair. Enjoy oceanside cafes and visit gift shops. For info about the palace event, phone 808.329.9555; for the Village Stroll, 808.936.9202, email dorlenechao@yahoo.com or visit www.historickailuavillage.com.

Sam Choy’s Keauhou Poke Contest

Sunday, March 18

Keauhou

Hawai‘i’s favorite pupu gets its due with culinary fun offering over $10,000 in prizes. Cooking demo, Hawai‘i Island Marketplace with fresh fish sales, sustainable acquaculture presentation, judging, awards and poke tasting. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa.  $3 admission (keiki 12-and-under free) benefits culinary facilities at future Palamanui campus. Visit Sam Choy’s Keauhou Poke Contest on Facebook. 808.222.0795.

Big Island International Marathon

Sunday, March 18

Hilo

Participate in a 26.2-mile marathon, or your choice of 13.1-mile and 3.1-mile fun runs. A flat course traverses old Hawai‘i coastline, tropical rainforest, rushing waterfalls and black lava beaches to finish at the historic Hilo Bayfront. 808.969.7400 or visit www.hilomarathon.org.

Haili Men’s Invitational Volleyball Tournament

March 19 – March 24

Hilo

Now more than a half-century old, this popular sporting event features novice to nationally ranked AA players from around the nation. The five-day tourney is at the Hilo Civic Auditorium and other locations. 808.961.3633.

Mauna Kea Resort Golf Demo Day

Saturday, March 24

Kohala Coast

Enjoy a day at Hapuna Golf Course; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Meet at Hapuna Driving Range and visit with vendors. 808.880.3000 or 808.882.5400.

“Fire ‘Em Up With No Ice” Car and Bike Show

Saturday, March 24

Kailua-Kona

The Big Isle Chapter of Sober Riders Motorcycle Club presents its second annual car and bike show, a community awareness event for the Hawai‘i Meth Project. Free to the public, registration for show participants is $10 per car or bike. Drive-up registration starts 9 a.m. with voting from 10 a.m. –12:30 p.m. Trophies awarded 1 p.m. for people’s choice in multiple classes.  Live music, food, raffles, silent auction and vendors. Sponsored by Lowes, Kona. 808.895.4310 or email paidinfull4u@msn.com.

Day At Hulihe’e

Saturday, March 24

Kailua-Kona

The annual fundraiser at Hulihe‘e Palace begins 8:30 a.m. with a traditional Hawaiian blessing and continues until 4 p.m. Hosted by the Daughters of Hawai’i and the Calabash Cousins, the celebration includes arts and crafts, bake sale, ono food and the ever-popular “Classy Tutu’s Attic.” Debuting at this year’s fundraiser is the new cookbook, Just Like Tutu Made With Love, which features recipes from palace volunteers and supporters. Hula by local hula hālau and prize drawings take place throughout the day. 808.329.1877, 808.329.9555 or visit www.daughtersofhawaii.org.

Jazz at the Volcano

Saturday, March 24

Volcano Village

Jazz musician extraordinaire Ray Brown returns from a Mainland tour to join fellow Hawai‘i Island jazzmen Junior Choy, Brian McCree, Gary Washburn and Bruce David for a scintillating evening of old standards, new tunes and improv.  Sure to be a hot ticket.  7 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus. 808.967.8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

“Singspiration” by Kona Festivale Chorale

Saturday, March 24

Kailua-Kona

Annual vocal concert at Mokuaikaua Church, the state’s oldest Christian church, is a concert of inspirational, sacred music and featured artists. This one-of-a-kind event is free.  Ali‘i Drive, across from Hulihe‘e Palace, 7 p.m. 808.331.1115, email kfchoral@hawaii.rr.com or visit www.konafestivalechorale.org.

Portal to the Past: Hawaiian Kingdom Property Taxes

Wednesday, March 28

Kailua-Kona

Another in a monthly community lectures series on a variety of historical and cultural topics featuring speakers from around Hawai‘i. Tom Woods of the Mission Houses Museum in Honolulu talks about what past property taxes tell us about society. 5:30 – 7 p.m. Free. West Hawai‘i Civic Center. 808.323.3222 or visit www.konahistorical.org.

Art Exhibit: Reef Fish Portraits

Friday, March 30

Hawi

Opening reception at Living Arts Gallery in Hawi, 4 – 7 p.m. Refreshments and pupu. Reef fish portraits in watercolor by Karen Spachner. 808.889.0739.

Lavaman Sunset Fun Run

Friday, March 30

Kohala Coast

This short (5K) evening fun and fitness run for the whole family serves as a kick-off for the Lavaman Triathlon on Sunday, April 1.  Registration at 3:30 p.m.; race at 5 p.m. at the Queens’ Marketplace at the Waikoloa Beach Resort . 808.326.7284 or visit www.pathhawaii.org.

Tahitian Competition and Multi-Cultural Festival

Saturday and Sunday, March 31 and April 1

Kailua-Kona

Two, fun-filled days of music, dance and food at Old Airport Beach Park. From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Maka’eo Pavilion. 808.652.1775, email tcarolcasil@gmail.com or visit www.temanarose.com.

Healing through the Arts, Healing through the Heart

Saturday, March 31

Kailua-Kona

Shawn Gallaway, visual artist, singer-songwriter and healer has traveled throughout the world sharing his message of healing through the arts. Shawn has recently shared the stage with the Dalai Lama, authors Gregg Braden, Bruce Lipton, Robert Holden, Darren Weissman, T. Harv Ecker, and with rock and pop masters Orleans, Jimi Jamison of Survivor, Dave Jenkins from Pablo Cruise, Allan Parsons and Robbie Dupree. Aloha Center for Spiritual Living, 7 p.m. $15 admission. 808-329-3030 or  visit www.shawngallaway.com.