Friday – Sunday, March 15 – 17: Kamehameha III Celebration.  This celebration commemorates the Hawaiian King Lani Kauikeaouli who was born in Kona. Events include special Hawaiian tribute, kids fishing tournament, free concert from 5 – 10 p.m. March 16, and Sam Choy Poke contest on March 17.  Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, 78-128 Ehukai St., Kailua-Kona.  9 a.m. to 10 p.m.  For information call (808) 930-4900.

Sunday, March 17:  Sam Choy’s Keauhou Poke Contest.  Hawaii regional cuisine chef Sam Choy lends his name and fame to this event celebrating Hawai`i’s favorite appetizer, poke, created with local seafood plus seaweed, seeds, herbs, spices, nuts and more. Cooking demos, tasting and contest. Fee.  Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, 78-128 Ehukai St., Kailua-Kona. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For information call (808) 930-4900.

Friday & Saturday, January 30 & 31: He Lei Hiwa No `Iolani Luahine Hula Festival & Educational Challenge. This festival was established in 2003 with a vision to perpetuate hula, and it also serves as a way to honor the memory of 'Iolani Luahine and her contributions to the preservation of hula and Hawaiian culture. Enjoy hula workshops and presentations and an educational challenge to Kumu Hula with a prize for the one who best demonstrates the values of education and…

Friday & Saturday, January 30 & 31: He Lei Hiwa No `Iolani Luahine – Hula Festival and Educational Challenge 2016.  Enjoy hula workshops and presentations and an educational challenge to Kumu Hula with a prize for the one who best demonstrates the values of education and Hawaiian culture. Hula presentations begin at 5 p.m. on Friday.  Tickets are $10 donation at the door.  Saturday the festival will also feature local quality handmade Hawaiian arts and crafts items along with entertainment all…

Saturday & Sunday, September 24 & 25: Hawai`i Island Festival of Birds. An event where residents and island visitors with all levels of interest in birding and nature study celebrate the diversity of Hawai'i's birdlife and the habitats that support them. Saturday - Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday's tours will depart from various locations in Kailua-Kona and Hilo to be determined. For tickets and information, visit www.hawaiibirdingtrails.com.

Friday & Saturday, January 27 & 28: He Lei Hiwa No `Iolani Luahine 2017 – Hula Festival and Educational Challenge.  The festival was established in 2003 with a vision to perpetuate the hula, and it also serves as a way to honor the memory of `Iolani Luahine and her contributions to the preservation of hula and Hawaiian culture. The event will include hula workshops by renowned Hawaiian Kumu Hula, Ni`ihau shell jewelry-making workshops, and more. Admission is free. Donations will…

Friday – Monday, September 14 – 17: Hawai`i Island Festival of Birds.  The program will include expert guest speakers, a trade show for outdoor and birding equipment, a children’s corner, bird-themed arts and crafts fair, photography workshop, a birding film festival, time to interact with Hawai`i Island naturalists and bird experts, and guided field trips on land and sea. Friday and Sunday activities include guided birdwatching field trips along the newly created Hawai`i Island Coast to Coast Birding Trail, and…