Wednesday, July 4: 
Turtle Independence Day.  This event educates people about endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles. Watch as the young honu (turtles), which have grown up in the ponds at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, are given their freedom as they are released back into the ocean. Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, 68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr., Kamuela.  9:00 a.m.  For more information call (808) 881-7911.

Every Wednesday:
Hawaiiana Live. Experience Hawaiian history, traditions and culture through storytelling, film, music, oli (chant) and hula. Topics change weekly as the program revolves around the Hawaiian lunar calendar. Newly restored pipe organ featured. Palace Theater in Hilo. Wednesdays at 11 a.m. $5/children free. Call (808) 934-7010 or visit www.hilopalace.com.

Wednesday, July 4: 
Annual Parker Ranch Rodeo.  This Independence Day weekend tradition includes action-packed rodeo events, keiki (children) activities, delicious food and more. Parker Ranch paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) are joined by other Big Island paniolo for a corral of traditional rodeo events.  Parker Ranch Arena, 67-1435 Mamalahoa Hwy., Kamuela.  9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  For information call (808) 885-7311 or visit www.parkerranch.com.

Wednesday, July 4: 
Volcano Village July 4.  Enjoy a real small town Independence Day parade at one of the most unique communities on Hawaii Island – Volcano Village at the 4,000-foot elevation next to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Includes parade, craft fair, huge farmers market and local musical entertainment. Cooper Center, 19-4030 Wright Rd., Pahoa.  9 a.m. to 10 p.m.  For information call (808) 967-7800.

Wednesday, July 4: 
Kailua Kona Independence Day Parade.  The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Kekuaokalani Gym and travel south on Kuakini Hwy., down Palani Road to Ali`i Drive along to Walua Road.  For information visit www.paradesinkona.com.

Every Wednesday: 
Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Concert.  Host and slack key guitar master George Kahumoku, Jr. is joined by renowned slack key masters who are true ambassadors of their music, their culture and their land for an evening of traditional Hawaiian songs and authentic “talk-story”.  July 4 – No Show/Independence Day; July 11 –Ledward Ka’apana; July 18 – John Keawe; July 25 – Nathan Aweau. Tickets: $39.99, seating is limited. Pavilion at the Napili Kai Beach Resort, Napili. 7:30 p.m. showtime.  For information call (888) 669-3858.

Wednesday, July 4: 
2012 Maui Invitational Music Festival Presents July 4^th Concert in the Park.  Bring your lawn chair and enjoy this outdoor musical extravaganza featuring the Maui Community Band performing patriotic favorites and popular Hawaiian music. Spectacular fireworks display is the finale of a great show.  Lahaina Library Lawn, Front Street, Lahaina.  5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  For information call (808) 283-3576 visit www.aecg.org.

Wednesday, July 4: 
Red, White and Ocean Blue Day. The Maui Ocean Center Aquarium puts an ocean-friendly spin on Independence Day with special presentations and giveaways. Throughout the day, Ocean Naturalists will highlight ocean, land and energy conservation and share helpful hints with guests on how they can protect and promote healthy oceans. Children will receive patriotic red, white and blue silicone wristbands; giveaways will be offered at the Aquarium’s Front Gate while supplies last.  Maui Ocean Center, Ma’alaea Harbor.  9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Included with cost of admission.  For information call (808) 270-7000 or visit mauioceancenter.com.