Friday, April 28:
Maui Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival.  This free event features master Hawaiian steel guitar players from around the world performing and teaching the only instrument thought to be indigenous to Hawai`i.  Open stage performances take place both days, with music performed by Hawaiian steel guitar bands from Hawai`i, the US mainland and Japan. Saturday workshop topics will include Beginning Hawaiian Steel Guitar, Steel Guitar Tips, Steel Guitar Styles, Hawaiian Style Singing, and Hula.  Kanikapila (jam sessions) follow evening performances, and the public is welcome to participate. Bring your own instruments.  Ka`anapali Beach Hotel, 2525 Ka`anapali Pkwy., Lahaina; Queen Ka`ahumanu Center, 275 W. Ka`ahumanu Ave., Kahului.   For more information call (808) 238-3476 or visit http://www.mauisteelguitarfestival.com/.

Friday & Saturday, April 28 & 29: 
Big Island Chocolate Festival.  With the theme, “Worth Its Weight in Gold: The History of Chocolate,” the festival opens with a cacao plantation tour in Keauhou and continues with agriculture seminars, culinary demonstrations, college culinary competition and decadent gala at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel on the Kohala Coast. The popular, indoor-outdoor gala from 5-9 p.m., Saturday, features sweet and savory culinary creations, unlimited wine and beer pours, chocolate body painting, a chocolate sculpture, entertainment, dancing and silent auction. Culinary stations will vie for best decorated booth and a variety of culinary categories by a panel of celebrity chefs. Attendees can cast a ballot for Best Savory and Best Sweet culinary creation. Proceeds benefit a variety of local non-profits while the event’s mission is to promote the emerging local cacao industry.  Hapuna Beach Hotel, 62-100 Kaunaoa Drive, Kamuela.  For more information call (808) 324-6100 or visit www.BigIslandChocolateFestival.com.