Every other Thursday in July:
Ke Kani `O Ke Kai.  Kick back on the cool, beachfront lawn at the Waikiki Aquarium, 1777 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, for an evening of live entertainment and food under the stars.  Doors open 5:30 p.m., performances 7 to 8:30 p.m. Waikiki Aquarium galleries will remain open during the concerts. July 7 – Kupaoa, Mark Yamanaka, Amy Hanaiali`i; July 21 – Lehua Kalima, Maunalua, Raiatea Helm. For tickets and information call (808) 923-9741 or visit www.waikikiaquarium.org.

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, located in Pu`unene (central Maui), on Mokulele Hwy. between Kihei and Kahului. 1 to 3 p.m. Help with 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. For Maui visitors only.  Children age 10 to 17 are welcome when accompanied by a supervising adult for the duration. Advance reservations required.  Register online at MauiHumaneSociety.org, “Get Involved/Volunteer/HelpingPawsVisitorProgram”.

Every Wednesday: 
Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Concert.  Host and slack key guitar master George Kahumoku, Jr. is joined by various 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 1 – Jerry Santos of Olomana; July 6 – Richard Ho`oip`i; July 13 – Led Kaapana; July 20 – Mark Yamanaka; July 27 – Bobby Ingano. Seating is limited. Dinner/Show packages are available. Located at the Sea House Restaurant at the Napili Kai Beach Resort, 5900 Lower Honoapi`ilani Hwy., Napili. Doors open 6:45 p.m., show begins 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information call (888) 669-3858 or visit www.slackkeyshow.com.

Every Tuesday Morning: 
BikeWorks Beach & Sport – Queens Marketplace. Free fun road ride for cyclists of all levels at 8:30 a.m. Rental bikes available. Get updates on all the BikeWorks activities on the Emily T Gail Show at www.espnhawaii.com under the lineup or visit www.bikeworkshawaii.com. Queens Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Rd. For information about other community rides and/or bike routes call BikeWorks at (808) 886-5000.

Tuesday – Friday, July 5 – 8:  
Explorers Club: Eyes on the Sky. Four-day STEM program for students in grades 3-5 with the theme of aerospace. Participants will operate robotic telescopes to view objects in the universe, engineer a mechanism for “soft landings” on another planet, create unique artwork through astrophotography, and more.   $240 per student ($216 Museum Members) which includes all program fees, lunches, snack and a program T-shirt.  Pacific Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Historic Ford Island, 319 Lexington Blvd., Honolulu.  9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.  For more information call (808) 441-1005 or visit www.PacificAviationMuseum.org.

Every Tuesday: 
Kanikapila with Wes Awana and Friends.  Kanikapila jam sessions are open to all musicians.  Bring your own instrument and enjoy ‘garage style’ jamming.  Volcano Art Center, Niaulani Campus, Great Room of the Admin Building Volcanoes National Park. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Free, donations are gratefully accepted. Park fees apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Monday, July 4:
Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival “North Shore Style”.  Featuring some of Hawai`i’s finest artists in the slack key guitar genre. Music, fun, food, and fireworks for the whole family.  Free giveaways throughout the day and a free brand new Taylor Guitar will be given away to some lucky winner. Turtle Bay Resort, 57-091 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku.  For information call (808) 226-2697 or visit www.slackkeyfestival.com.

Monday, July 4: 
Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade & Fireworks Extravaganza.  Parade begins at 6 p.m. starting at the Kekuaokalani Gym/Pool Complex on Kuakini Hwy.   It will proceed south on Kuakini Hwy, to Palani Road, to Ali`i Drive, and then south on Ali`i Drive to Walua Road just past Coconut Grove Marketplace. Following the parade, there will be a grand Fireworks Extravaganza over Kailua Bay, starting at 8 p.m. For more information call (808) 313-0025 or visit www.paradesinkona.com.

Monday, July 4: 
Parker Ranch Horseraces and Rodeo.  Big Island ranchers participate in fast-paced horseraces and rodeo events with Parker Ranch cowboys. Ribbon mugging, ranch mugging, dally team roping, Po’o Wai U and more. Keiki activities including roping practice and pony rides. Lots of food and mementos for sale at the Parker Ranch Store booth. Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena, Waimea. Pre-sale tickets available at the Parker Ranch Store in Waimea (at Parker Ranch Square). For more information, call 885-2302 or visit www.parkerranch.com.

Monday, July 4: 
Kekaha Fourth of July Celebration Event.  Enjoy cultural demonstration, exhibits, variety of crafts, a plantation museum and lots of fun game booths and rides for the keiki. Enjoy local entertainment throughout the day, along with contests, talent show, local style food, and more. The day ends with a spectacular fireworks display, accompanied by live patriotic music. An alcohol and drug free event (no coolers).  Bring your mat or chair. Parking available. Faye Park, Alae Rd., Kekaha.  4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  Free admission.  For information call (808) 634-5248.