'ALEMANAKA - CALENDAR

'Alemanaka 'Apelila

TRADITIONS OF THE PACIFIC 2008: YEAR OF THE HULA

Bishop Museum's multimedia and interdisciplinary tribute to one of the most profound practices in Hawaiian culture continues this month. 848-4187 or www.bishopmuseum.org. Event reservations recommended via email: courtneychow@bishopmuseum.org. April events include:

Mele Hula Lecture

Thurs., April 24, 6–8 p.m.

University of Hawai'i scholar Dr. John Charlot discusses the historical circumstances that have shaped various styles of hula and song, including the works of Helen Desha Beamer. Atherton Hālau. $5, free to members.

Kumu Hula: Keepers of the Culture

Tues., April 15, 7 p.m.

In this award-winning 1989 documentary directed by Robert Mugge, kumu hula Vicky Holt-Takamine is one of several hula masters presenting a panoramic look at hula's past, present and future influences on the life of Native Hawaiians. $3 members, $5 regular admission

HO'OHUIHUI CRAFT FAIR “EG”STRAVAGANZA

Sat., April 5, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

While the “Superbowl of Hula” unfolds over the duration of four days inside the Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium, talented handicraft artists from throughout Hawai'i converge at the Merrie Monarch Festival and offer an array of artsy items to ensure you won't leave Hilo without omiyage. Free. Hilo High School cafeteria, 556 Waiānuenue Ave. 808-959-7389 or egplants@gmail.com.

HO'OMAU CONCERT — PŪNANA LEO O MOLOKA'I

Sat., April 19, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Supporters of 'ōlelo Hawai'i pull out all the stops for this Ho'olaule'a to benefit Pūnana Leo O Moloka'i. Festival includes Hawaiian music, crafts, food booths and keiki games. Free at Lanikeha Center in Ho'olehua. 808-567-9211 or www.
molokaihawaii.com.

16TH ANNUAL EAST MAUI TARO FESTIVAL

Sat.–Sun., April 26–27, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The festival focus is purely kalo – the staple food of Native Hawaiians. Saturday highlights at Hāna Ballpark include poi-pounding demonstrations, talk-story fun and performances of hula and mele. Sunday events include the annual Taro Pancake Breakfast (7–10:30 a.m.) and excursions to Pi'ilani heiau and Kahanu Gardens. Saturday events are free. 808-264-1553 or www.tarofestival.org.

A Celebration of Women's History

Sat., April 26, 9:15 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The second annual He Ho'olaule'a No Nā Mo'olelo o Nā Wāhine examines the lives of important women in Hawaii history through 15 presentations in lectures, chants, traditional Hawaiian storytelling, dramatic performances and premiere excerpts from executive producer Edgy Lee's documentary Exit to Paradise. Registration for 315 lifelong learners per session, age 17 and older through April 18; space-available after that. Free. Mission Memorial auditorium, Honolulu Civic Center, downtown. 497-3775, info@distinctivewomenhawaii.org or www.distinctivewomenhawaii.org.

NATIVE HAWAIIAN ARTS MARKET

Sat.–Sun., May 3–4, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

A highlight of Maoli Arts Month, the Native Hawaiian Arts Market features sales of arts and crafts by dozens of Native Hawaiian artisans in various media, along with performing arts, demonstrations and food booths. Also offered is the Keiki Art Festival, with hands-on art activities, storytelling, kapa beating and more. $3 residents/military, free for members and keiki under 3. Bishop Museum. 808-847-3511, bishopmuseum.org or www.maoliartsmonth.org.

QUILTS IN PARADISE

Two centuries ago, Native Hawaiians began embroidering their own style on the New England-based art of quilting. Today, members of the Hawai'i Quilt Guild will have you in stitches, marveling over 100 pieces created for this exhibit that includes “a special quilt challenge” for nimble-fingered artisans. Free Academy Art Center at Linekona. 532-8741 or http://hawaiiquiltguild.org.

LEI DAY EVENTS:

MAY DAY IS LEI DAY IN HAWAI'I

Many times, wearing lei will prompt the questions: Is it your birthday? Promotion? Graduation? The exception is Lei Day, a statewide occasion, which makes getting and giving lei customary for everyone. The first Lei Day was founded in 1928 at the suggestion of a Honolulu newspaper writer who believed that a celebration was in order for the special talents and emotions woven into Hawaiian flower garlands. On each island, the holiday has truly blossomed (pun intended), with lei-making contests, workshops and concerts.

81ST ANNUAL KAPI'OLANI PARK LEI DAY CELEBRATION

Thurs., May 1, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

At this grand-tūtū of all Lei Day celebrations, a Lei Queen and Court enhance the celebration and symbolize warmth and goodwill of Hawai'i's unique floral adornments. Court investiture at 10 a.m. Lei contest results announced around noon followed by lei exhibit. Also, for the time ever, lei will be joined together in an effort to make the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest floral and greenery garland. 768-3041 or www.honoluluparks.com.

MAY DAY AT KAUA'I MUSEUM

Thurs., May 1, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The lei contest begins with a lei viewing and culminates with an awards ceremony plus bidding on your favorite lei during a silent auction. Free at Kaua'i Museum. 808-245-6931 or www.kauaimuseum.org.

FAIRMONT KEA LANI MAUI MAY DAY CELEBRATION

Thurs., May 1, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Featured floral or kukui nut lei are part of the celebration, which also includes a royal court procession. Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea. Free. 808-875-4100.