April, 2012

Hawaiian Spirits: Earth Angels on the Big Island

April 1-30

Hilo and Pahoa

Exhibit by fine art photographer Michael Philip Manheim. Photographs feature Big Island people in expressive poses. First exhibit of “Hawaiian Spirits” at One Gallery in Hilo beginning April 1. Reception and book signing by Manheim during First Friday on April 6, 6 – 8p.m. Another segment is on display at Kalani Oceanside Retreat from April 10 – 16.  It is complemented by paintings of Rose Adare and textural costumes of Tess Howell. Opening reception on Tuesday, April 10, 7:30 p.m. Both segments combine after that at the One Gallery and are exhibited there for the remainder of the month of April. To see the images online: www.MichaelPhilipManheim.com/hawaiian-spirits

Spearfishing and the History of Kona

Wednesday, April 25

Kailua-Kona

Hear the history of Kona through the experience of all-around waterman Sonny Tanabe—author, former Olympic swimmer and an avid and accomplished spear fisherman and freediver. Sonny has recently authored his second book, Evolution of Freediving and the History of Spearfishing in Hawai‘i after finishing his beautiful pictorial “Spearfishing on the Island of Hawai‘i” in 2008.  5:30 – 7 p.m.  Free. West Hawai‘i Civic Center. 808.323.3222 or www.konahistorical.org.

14th Annual Weekend Writer’s Retreat

April 27 – 29

Volcano

Join an intimate community of writers in a focused weekend of writing, sharing and inspiration. Improve the emotion, depth and potency of your work via intensive writing exercises, friendly reading of work and engaging group discussion. Open to all levels. 808.967.8222 for fees and housing information or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

May, 2012

“He Mo‘olelo o Ka Lei”

Tuesday, May 1

Hilo

May Day is Lei Day, and this event celebrates the history, culture, and heritage of the lei at Kalākaua Park in downtown Hilo.  Event features Hawaiian music by well-known entertainers, music, hula, lei-making demonstrations, storytelling, silent auction, food and crafts. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free. For more information, call 808.961.5711 or visit Leiday.net.

May Day is Lei Day Festival

Tuesday, May 1

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

A celebration of Lei Day for all ages with lei-making demonstrations, ‘ukulele band, talk-story and more. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Free. Volcano Art Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 808.967.8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Ewe O Ka Hula: Legacy of the Hula

Saturday, May 5

Kohala Coast

Ka Pā Hula Nā Wai Iwi Ola, under the direction of Kumu Keala Ching, hosts hula hālau from around the world at Waikoloa Bowl at Queens Gardens as they perform both hula kahiko (ancient style) and hula ‘auana (modern style) in a family-friendly setting. Featuring musical guests Waipuna, Aunty Diana Aki, The Ladies of Waiku’i, with special appearances by Loea Kawaikapuokalani Hewett and Kumu Hula ‘Ula Hewett and more. Keoki Kahumoku leads his famous ‘ukulele jam session. Gates open at 1 p.m., show begins at 2 p.m. $15 general admission; $25 reserved seating—tickets available online and at the door. For tickets and information please visit nawaiiwiola.org

Makana in Concert

Saturday, May 5

Hilo

Voted by Guitar Player magazine in 2008 as one of the top three guitarists in the U.S., last protégé of the legendary slack-key master Sonny Chillingworth, with songs featured in multiple Grammy-nominated records and feature films, including “The Descendants” with George Clooney.  Makana appears at the Palace Theater, 7 p.m. Tickets on sale at the box office 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. weekdays. Call 808.934.7010 to purchase tickets by phone. Visit hilopalace.com.

Leche De Tigre: Live on Cinco De Mayo

Saturday, May 5

Pahoa

An evening with Latin gypsy funk band Leche De Tigre, performing their own blend of original acoustic dance music to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. 8 p.m., Akebono Theater. Age 21 and over. Tickets, music, videos and more info at Ldtband.com. Call 808.965.9990.

“Ka‘u Farmers’ Table: A Feast for the Senses”

Saturday, May 5

Waiohinu

“Ka‘ū Farmers’ Table: A Feast for the Senses” hosted by Kalaekilohana Bed and Breakfast on South Point Road. An intimate evening of music with world-renowned Hawaiian entertainer Robert Cazimero and a paired five-course, locally sourced gourmet meal. 5 – 9 p.m. Tickets $100 in advance. Contact Kalaekilohana at 808.939.8052. kaucoffeefestival.com

Guided Archaeological Hike

Thursday, May 10

Hōnaunau

This hike takes you along the main coastal route, which historically connected several villages in Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. Three-mile hike traverses a rugged, natural lava landscape and requires hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, a snack and drinking water. 8:30 – 11 a.m. Limited to 15 people max, reservations required – call 808.328.2326, ext. 1702.

Tropical Paws Gala

Friday, May 11

North Kona Coast

Annual benefit gala for the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society held at the elegant Four Seasons Resort Hualālai, north of Kona. Silent and live auctions,  gourmet buffet dinner, live entertainment and dancing. 6 p.m. Always a sellout. Tickets at hihs.org; for information call 808.329.2135, ext. 2, or 808.329.1175.

Mother-Daughter Retreat

May 11-13

Volcano

Celebrating Mother’s Day with a weekend of laughter, relaxation, healing, body movement, delicious healthy meals, pleasant accommodations, hiking and evening viewing of the magnificent glow of Halema’uma’u Crater. Retreat fees. By Lehua Enterprises. 9innerjewels.com; 808.333.4514.

MAMo: Native Hawaiian Arts Market

Saturday, May 12

Waimea

MAMo, Maoli Arts Month celebrates native Hawaiian arts at Kahilu Town Hall. Sponsored by Waimea Artists Guild, waimeaartistsguild.com. Call 808.887.2289 for more information.

Artists in Action 2012

Saturday, May 12

Volcano Village

Volcano Village Artists Hui presents a day of free demonstration and hands-on activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include demonstrations of pottery making, accordion book making, paper collage, Japanese paste paper and more. It’s all free and fun, with opportunities to try your hand at a variety of creative projects.  Gourmet lunch will be available for purchase. Volcano Garden Arts, 19-3834 Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village. 808.985.8979  VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com.

Annual Mother’s Day Hula and Concert

Saturday, May 12

Kailua-Kona

Hālau Kala’akeakauikawekiu, under the direction of Kumu Hula Aloha Victor, presents their annual “Mama, My Mama, I Love You” Mother’s Day hula and concert at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel Lū’au Grounds. Featuring Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning musicians Kekuhi Kanahele, Anelaikalani, Darren Benitez and Sean Na’auao. $40 general seating only; $100 for private Hawaiian buffet and reserved concert seating. This is the hālau’s official Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula Competition Fundraiser. For more info, call Kumu Aloha at 808.989.4616.

HAPA in Concert

Saturday, May 12

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

“A Celebration of Lo`ea Hula honoring Charles Kauhi Ka`upu”—a special performance by Hawaiian music’s legendary duo HAPA, featuring Barry Flanagan and Ron Kuala`au. HAPA’s brilliant artistry, musicianship and musical creativity affirms the group’s place among the top groups on the Hawaiian music scene today. 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Theater in Volcanoes National Park. Advance tickets available at the Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Call 808.967.8222, email concerts@volcanocenter.org
or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Ka‘u Coffee Festival

Saturday – Sunday, May 12 – 13

Pahala

An annual festival celebrating award-winning coffee and growers in the beautiful Ka‘ū district. Coffee growers from the Hawai‘i Island district of Ka‘ū have won international awards over the past several years, and the world is starting to take notice. The Ka‘ū Coffee Festival’s mission is to raise awareness of Ka‘ū and its growers as a world-class coffee growing origin. Most events free. 808.928.0500 or visit kaucoffeefestival.com.
Festival schedule includes:

Saturday: 4th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Festival Ho‘olaule‘a featuring the Ka‘ū Coffee Experience at the Pahala Community Center in the heritage town of Pahala. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Festival highlights include day-long live entertainment featuring music by Cyril Pahinui, Keoki and Moses Kahumoku and a host of others, plus hula, local food and crafts, farm and mill tours and lots of fresh coffee and coffee treats. Festival entry is free. At the Ka‘ū Coffee Experience, attendees can sample Ka‘ū coffees prepared in a wide variety of brewing methods while chatting with 2011 U.S. Barista Champion Pete Licata. Entry to the Ka‘ū Coffee Experience and tours are $10. Visit kaucoffeefest.com for updates and schedule of events.

Sunday: Ka‘ū Coffee College with distinguished guests and educational series. Notable guest speakers include Jeff Taylor, co-founder of PT’s Coffee Roasting Company in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Anthony Carroll, manager of coffee quality for Starbucks. Dr. Robert Hollingsworth, research entomologist with the USDA-Agricultural Research Service, shares strategies for optimizing the cost effectiveness of controlling coffee berry borer.

For updates, call 808.928-0500 or visit kaucoffeefest.com.

Ka Ulu Lauhala o Kona

May 16 – 19

Keauhou

The skill of weaving with pandanus or hala leaves—lauhala—is taught in this four-day event offering workshops with top Hawai‘i instructors. There are six different sessions: beginners, intermediate I and II, advanced I and II, and specialties. At the Keauhou Beach Resort. Information/registration call 808.938.0806 or visit http://sites.google.com/site/kalululauhalaokona/.

“Kokua Kailua” Village Stroll

Sunday, May 20

Kailua-Kona

Ali‘i Drive is closed to traffic from 1 – 6 p.m. while you visit arts, crafts and food vendors in historic downtown Kailua town. Free Hawaiian music and hula on the lawn of Hulihe‘e Palace at 4 p.m. For more info about the Palace event, email hulihee@ilhawaii.net. For info about the Village Stroll, call 808.936.9202, email dorlenechao@yahoo.com or visit historickailuavillage.com.

Puna Music Festival

May 20 – 26

Puna

A one-week festival with five major concerts and a schedule full of workshops, the Puna Music Festival bridges the audience/performer divide, and a special feature concert on Saturday, May 20 that is the only “open” concert in Hawai‘i: open to performers who wish to apply. Experiment with songwriting, drum making, ‘ukulele, nose flute, and more in intensive workshops. Final performance and lū‘au featuring musical and culinary tastes of Puna. At Kalani Oceanside Retreat in lower Puna. 808.965.0468 or visit
kalani.com/pmf and punamusicfestival.com.

Big Island Film Festival

May 24 – 28

Kohala Coast

An international film festival which celebrates narrative filmmakers and narrative films. With three movie venues, food and beverage events, workshops, celebrities, and Hawaiian music and culture, it’s rapidly gaining an international reputation. Now in its seventh year, the Big Island Film Festival (BIFF) delivers unique entertainment for film lovers of all ages, with free family films at The Shops at Mauna Lani, daytime movies, nightly double features at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i and much more. BIFF 2012 showcases 57 films from around the world, including nine from Hawai‘i—four of those from the Big Island. Along with short and feature-length narrative films, BIFF will, for the first time, spotlight two documentary films.  “Aunty Nona Beamer – Malama Ko Aloha (Keep Your Love) screens Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. at The Shops at Mauna Lani (free).  “The Family of the Wa‘a” screens Sunday night (approximately 9:30 p.m., as the second feature at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i Plantation Estate (adults $15, kama‘āina $10, late film only $7.50). Some events free. For complete schedule information and tickets, visit bigislandfilmfestival.com

The Art and Traditions of Hula at Kīlauea

Saturday, May 26

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Kumu Leilehua Yuen and Manu Josiah present a hula kāhiko “informance” at the hula platform 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.; cultural/craft demonstrations 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. Call 808.967.8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Seventh Annual Inter-tribal Powwow

Saturday – Monday, May 26 – 28

Hilo

A free, family event—traditional foods, dancing and special performances at Wailoa State Park Memorial Day weekend. The Powwow is an alcohol and drug-free activity, celebrating native cultures. Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Monday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Event honors all veterans of all wars and families of veterans of the State of Hawai‘i who have died in military service. The Hilo Inter-tribal Powwow is sponsored by the Federation of American Natives and Connections Public Charter School. For more info call 808.968.1591 or email hilopowwow@yahoo.com.

Waimea Bonyu Bonsai Exhibition

Saturday – Sunday, May 26 – 27

Waimea

The Japanese horticultural art of bonsai—growing trees and plants in miniature—is artistically on display at the annual exhibition of this club which has nearly a half century of history of promoting bonsai. Featuring beautiful miniature plants and a large variety of trees. Waimea Community Center, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day.   Free. 808.887.0862.

Pā‘ū Riding: Perpetuating the Tradition

Wednesday, May 30

Kailua-Kona

The pā‘ū riders on their horses wearing large coloful lei have been a popular part of parades in Hawai‘i for many years. Learn more in this interesting presentation and discussion of the history of this cultural tradition.  5:30 – 7 p.m. Free. West Hawai‘i Civic Center. 808.323.3222 or konahistorical.org

Big Island Jazz and Blues Festival

Thursday, May 31 – Sunday, June 3

Kohala Coast

A star-studded line-up of jazz and blues performances highlight this four-day event, beginning with a dinner concert at the Blue Dragon Restaurant in Kawaihae on Thursday, 6 – 9 p.m., call 808.882.7771. Friday evening a VIP Jazz and Blues Lū‘au at Mauna Kea Beach Resort, 6 – 9 p.m. Limited seating; call 808.882.7222. Saturday oceanfront music from 4 – 9 p.m. and Sunday golf
tournament. Call 808.882.5400.