SPECIAL EVENTS

VOLUNTEER FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT
Date: Saturday, June 5th, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, 2010
Place: Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Big Island
Contact: Patty Kupchak, (808) 261-2585, kupchakk001@hawaii.rr.com
This month we will protect planted native seedlings from invasive plants in the manele (soapberry) and koa forest on the Mauna Loa strip of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. We will work in a former cattle pasture that has been transformed into a diverse native forest by planting nursery-reared seedlings over the past 10 years. alternativehawaii.com. Our primary focus will be cutting morning glory vine, which can overwhelm seedlings and smaller plants, and removing invasive blackberry sprouts. We will also learn about the park's native forest restoration program and control of invasive plants in Special Ecological Areas. Volunteers should be at least 14 years old, and be able to hike at least one mile over uneven terrain.

NORTH KOHALA KAMEHAMEHA DAY CELEBRATION
Date: June 11th, 8 am - 4 pm, 2010
Place: Kapa'au, Big Island
Contact: Susan Ince (Publicist - Kamehameha Day Celebration Committee), susan.ince@hawaii.rr.com, 808-889-6238
Celebrate Kamehameha Day in beautiful North Kohala, birthplace of the King. alternativehawaii.com. All-day festivities include lei-draping ceremonies at the King's original statue, a traditional floral parade with pa'u riders, and a ho'olaule'a with music, hula, food, and cultural exhibits. A wonderful free event for the entire family. Bring your camera!

2010 KAMEHAMEHA FESTIVAL
Date: June 11th, 10 am - 5 pm, 2010
Place: Hilo, Hawaii on Moku Ola (Island of Life), Big Island
Contact: Pua Ishibashi, Pua@KamehamehaFestival.org, 808-989-4844 cell
The Kamehameha Festival (Festival) is part of the Kamehameha Day celebration that was first established in 1871 as a national holiday of the Kingdom of Hawai'i. alternativehawaii.com. Today the Festival continues to honor the memory of Kamehameha who united the Hawaiian Islands in 1810 to became Hawai'i's first King. The Festival will be held on Friday June 11, 2010 (Kamehameha Day) in Hilo, Hawaii on Moku Ola (Island of Life) from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. This historic and culturally significant event is enjoyed each year by thousands of island residents and visitors from around the world. The 2010 Festival will feature traditional Hawaiian music, hula, oli (chant), cultural presentations, ono (delicious) food, and arts and craft vendors. Proudly presented by the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, Māmala Hoa (Hilo Chapter), the Festival is free and open to the public and is an alcohol, substance, and tobacco free event. For more information, please visit our web site at KamehamehaFestival.org

8TH ANNUAL HAWAI‘I ISLAND SEED EXCHANGE
Date: Saturday, June 19th, 9:00am - noon, 2010
Place: Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook, Big Island
Contact: nredfeather@kohalacenter.org
The Exchange will open with a short meeting to discuss the creation of seed working groups around the island, for the purpose of sharing knowledge, building a network of seed savers, and conducting variety trials and field days at various farms. Redfeather will then demonstrate cleaning and saving lettuce seed, and participants will have the opportunity to exchange seeds with one another. alternativehawaii.com. Participants are also invited to bring cuttings and roots, but no potted plants, so as to avoid spreading the Little Fire Ant. Participants who do not bring material to exchange will be charged a $10 entry fee. Proceeds will help fund the next Seed Exchange in 2011. Participants who would like to stay for lunch are invited to bring their own lunch or to purchase lunch and join the group from noon to 1:00 p.m.

THE BUBBA GUMP RUN FORREST RUN KEIKI FUN RUNS
Date: June 20th, 8:00am - 12:00am, 2010
Place: Hale Halawai County Park, Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, Big Island
Contact: Sharron Faff, 808-967-8240, raceinfo@konamarathon.com
Children ages 1-14 can participate in age specific runs/walks. 100 yard dash; 200 yard dash; 1/4 mile run; 1/2 mile run; 1 mile run. All entrants receive t-shirt, finisher ribbon, and goodie bag. Entry Fee is only $5. Come join in the fun. Register at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Kona or printout application at: www.konamarathon.com

“BIRDS OF HAWAI‘I ISLAND” - MIDSUMMER AT THE ZOO
Date: Friday, June 25th, 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., 2010
Place: Pane‘ewa Zoo & Gardens, Big Island
Contact: admin@fhvnp.org, (808) 985-7373
Come experience the diversity and wonder of Hawai‘i’s birds and celebrate the summer solstice with the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and the Friends of the Zoo. Docents will lead small groups to learn about the zoo’s native bird species, followed by a delicious catered dinner from Soontaree’s Deli in Hilo. alternativehawaii.com. The evening culminates with a special presentation by noted nature photographer, wildlife biologist, and birder Jack Jeffrey. Don’t miss this exclusive after-hours program at the Pane‘ewa Zoo & Gardens! Cost per person is $30.

ONGOING EVENTS

KOKUA KAILUA VILLAGE STROLL AND CONCERT
Date: May 16th (Other dates in 2010: (Sunday) June 13, July 18, Aug 22, Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 21, Dec. 12), 1:00pm - 6:00pm, 2010
Place: Historic Kailua Village, Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, Kauai
Contact: Dorlene Kolina Chao, dorlenechao@yahoo.com
Historic Kailua Village becomes a festive pedestrian-only walkway and marketplace. Enjoy free music, artists, and friendly merchants open for great shopping and delicious dining. At 4pm, there is a free Hawaiian music concert on the lawn at Hulihee Palace honoring Hawaiian royalty. Bring your own mat or chair and they will be checked for free while you stroll Alii Drive. alternativehawaii.com. Sponsored by Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Destination Kona Coast, Kailua Village Merchants Association, Kailua Village Business Improvement District, Hulihee Palace, & Pacific Radio Group. SHOP, DINE, BUY LOCAL!

THE ARTFUL TASTE OF VOLCANO
Date: Daily, April 25th - June 1st, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., 2010
Contact: Emily Catey (Program Director - Volcano Art Center), (808) 967-8222, info@volcanoartcenter.org
The Artful Taste of Volcano, a group show of tableware and related treasures by Volcano artists. Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free. Park entrance fees apply.

BACK TO CALENDAR INDEX