Every Friday: 
Aloha Fridays at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.  A free hands-on demonstration lesson is given in a cultural craft that varies each week. Volcano Art Center Gallery porch in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

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.  December 4 – Wailuku, on Market Street; December 11 – Lahaina, on Front Street; December 18 – Makawao, on Makawao and Baldwin Avenues; December 25 – Christmas Day, no town party scheduled.  For more information visit www.MauiFridays.com.

Friday, December 4: 
Festival of Lights.  The Park lights glow every night through the New Year. The Festival of Lights interior display of Auntie Josie’s gorgeous creations and the dazzling creations crafted by Kauai artisans is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. through Christmas Eve with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  County Historic Building, 4428 Rice St., Lihue. Free admission.  For information call (808) 639-8564 or visit www.kauaifestivaloflights.com.

Thursday, December 3: 
Kaimuki Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting.  Parade begins at 6 p.m. and runs along Waialae Avenue from Saint Louis School/Chaminade University to Koko Head Avenue. Over 40 groups will be marching in the parade, including Santa, beauty queens, and local area schools and bands.

Wednesday, December 2: 
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – Castle Medical Center.  Enjoy colorful decorations, bright lights, holiday concerts and trolley rides.  At 6:15 p.m., enjoy a pre-ceremony Christmas concert by the Marine Forces Pacific Band. At 7 p.m. the formal ceremony that includes special music, the lighting of the tree and the arrival of Santa. 7:30 p.m., a special holiday concert by multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner – Weldon Kekauoha. Activities for the children, with free popcorn, Christmas cookies and beverages (while they last). Plan to pack a picnic supper to enjoy on the lawn with your family and friends as you arrive at CMC early. Castle Medical Center, 640 Ulukahiki St., Kailua. 6:15 to 8 p.m. For information call (808) 263-5500 or visit www.castlemed.org.

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”.  December 2 – No Concert Scheduled; December 9 – Led Kaapana; December 16 – Jeff Peterson; December 23 – Herb Ohta Jr. & Jon Yamasato Hawaiian Holiday Party; December 30 – George Kahumoku. Seating is limited. Dinner/Show packages are available. Located at the 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.

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”.

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 Tuesday: 
Kanikapila with Wes Awana and Friends.  Kanikapila jam sessions are held on Monday evenings, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. and 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.  Free, however donations are gratefully accepted. Park fees apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

The “Emily T. Gail Talks Story”
show is found on espnhawaii.com on line, all the time and via Facebook/emilytgailtalkstory and a free iTunes podcast. Emily “talks story​”​ with recreational, high school and professional athletes, along with coaches, parents, organizers and members of print and broadcast media. She talks about all sports, at all levels and how high school, college, major league and recreational sports play an important part in communities.  Sponsored by Aloha – Big Island Visitor Guide.  Updates on many local events in December include:  Waikoloa Beach Resort Kings’ and Beach Course Golf updates and specials; Mauna Lani Hawai`i State Open December 11-13 at Mauna Lani Resort, spectators welcome; updates on Waimea Ocean Film Festival January 1 – 8; multi-sport events for visitors and locals; Queen’s Marketplace Entertainment – free at Center Court.  For information call Emily at (808) 896-6780 or email emilytgail@emilys.org.