Friday Evenings:
Slack Key Guitar Concerts.  Traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar and `ukulele concerts. January 3 – Hawai`i’s Sunset Music Slack Key; January 10 – Legends of Slack Key; January 17 – Kaua`i’s Slack Key; January 24 – Hawai`i’s Sunset Music; January 31 – Circle of Life Slack Key.  Free gift drawing.  Tickets: $20 ($15 keiki/seniors).  A portion of the proceeds supports the Hale Halawai Ohana `O Hanalei.  Hanalei Family Community Center, 5-5299 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei.  4 to 6 p.m.  For information and reservations call (808) 826-1469 or visit www.mcmasterslackkey.com.

Every Friday:
Maui Friday Town Parties. Enjoy food, live entertainment, shopping and art. Many retailers, galleries and boutiques operate extended hours and highlight special promotions. Crafters, artisans and culinary wizards add their creativity to the event.  6-9 p.m.  January 3 – Wailuku, on Market Street; January 10 – Lahaina, on Front Street; January 17 – Makawao, on Makawao and Baldwin Avenues; January 24 – Kihei, on South Kihei Road, Azeka Shopping Center.  For more information visit www.mauifridays.com.

Every Friday:
Aloha Fridays at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.  A free hands-on demonstration lesson is given in a cultural craft that will vary from week to week. Held at VAC Gallery porch in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  All events are free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Friday, January 3: 
Hawaiian Pa`ina (luau).  Enjoy a day of family, sun and fun in the courtyard of the Kaua`i Museum to celebrate the community. Kaua`i Museum, 4428 Rice St., Lihue.  10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For information call (808) 245-6931.

January 2 – 10: 
Waimea Ocean Film Festival.  This is a two-part festival, which includes a combination of film, breakfast talks, filmmaker Q&As, receptions, art exhibits and activities to Hawai`i’s Big Island. Experience Films, presentations and speakers with a non-stop schedule of award-winning films and dynamic talks. Early risers can enjoy yoga on the beach, and breakfast talk sessions with filmmakers and special guests. The Waimea portion of the festival wraps up with the Taste of the Island event held at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on January 5^th.  For more information on venues, details, days, and times, call (808) 854-6095 or visit www.waimeaoceanfilm.org.

• Part 1: January 2 – 5, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Fairmont, Waimea, 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr., Kamuela.

• Part 2: January 6 – 10, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, 100 Kaupulehu Dr., Kailua-Kona.

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”.  January 1 – Sterling Seaton CD Release Party; January 8 – Ledward Kaapana; January 15 – Dennis Kamakahi; January 22 – Waipuna; January 29 – Jeff Peterson & Nathan Aweau. Seating is limited. Dinner/Show packages are available. Pavilion at the Napili Kai Beach Resort, Napili. 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information call (888) 669-3858 or visit www.slackkeyshow.com.

Daily:
Na Keiki `O Ka Aina (The Children of the Land). Classes in Hawaiian and Polynesian Arts and Culture for Keiki & Adults.  Most Keiki classes are free, adult classes request a donation to the non-profit organization. Located under the Whale Clock Tower in Kaua`i Village Shopping Center.  For more information and class schedules call (808) 821-1234 or visit www.TheChildrenoftheLand.com.

Every Monday through Saturday Night: 
Jazz Minds.  A fun, eclectic café, featuring live Jazz music, cocktails and pupus, served in an ultra comfy, hip setting.  Different bands perform nightly.  1661 Kapiolani Blvd., near the Ala Moana Shopping Center.  6:30 to 2 a.m. nightly.  For information call (808) 945-0800 or visit www.honolulujazzclub.com.

 Every Wednesday and Thursday:
Helping Paws Visitor Volunteer Program.  Do you miss your pet when traveling? Visitors can offer a “helping paw” to homeless animals at the Maui Humane Society shelter 1 to 4 p.m. doing such activities as walking dogs, bathing puppies, brushing cats, or playing with puppies and kittens.  Arrive by 1 p.m. and wear close-toed shoes and comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. Children age 10 to 17 are welcome when accompanied by a supervising adult for the duration. For information call (808) 877-3680, ext. 14.

Every Wednesday: 
Hawai`iana Live.  A 45-minute cultural tourism program hosted by Leilehua Yuen. It features live on stage presentations that share the history and traditions of the Hawaiian culture through storytelling, film, music, oli (chant) and hula. Palace Theater, 38 Haili Street, Hilo.  11 a.m. Admission is $5, Keiki 12 & under, free.  For information call (808) 934-7010 or visit www.hilopalace.com.