'ALEMANAKA - CALENDAR

Pepeluali

Photo: Courtesy of Kamehameha Schools, Michael Young

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS HO'OLAULE'A

Sat., Feb. 28, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

The schools' 79th annual fundraiser for curriculum enrichment grants features an all-star lineup of mele-makers: Holunape, Ledward Ka'apana, Del Beasley, Brother Noland and more. Student entertainment by KS Marching Band, Concert Glee, Children's Choir, Hawaiian Ensemble and the Dance Company. Bring kālā to take advantage of bargains offered in the Country Store and a silent auction. Bring your appetite, too, to enjoy Neighbor Island goodies such as Kaua'i kūlolo, Moloka'i dried squid, Kona coffee and Hilo lava tubes. Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus. Free. Free parking with shuttles from Kapālama Elementary, the KS terminal, Damien Memorial School and designated on-campus locations. 808-842-8659 or www.ksbe.edu.

Kauhane Morton helps students with a hands-on pohaku-shaping experience. - Photo: Margo Vitarelli, courtesy of Bishop Museum

GROW HAWAIIAN FESTIVAL

Sat., Feb. 28, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Get growin' in pono style with help from experts in Hawaiian arts, biologists, conservationists and a host of other professionals who share a passion for the native and introduced plants of the Hawaiian Islands. Activities include cultural demonstrations, ask-the-expert booths, a lei contest, live entertainment and a chance to marvel at the setting: the Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden offers more than 200 species of flora and 5 acres of significant archaeological sites, which comprise the Kona Field System. Located in Captain Cook, 12 miles south of Kailua-Kona. Free. 808-323-3318 or bishopmuseum.org.

The Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden features a kuaiwi with plants, and a stone platform, shown at center, possibly a heiau ho'oulu'ai. - Photo: Garden photo collection, courtesy of Bishop Museum

NĀ MEA HAWAI'I HULA KAHIKO

Sat., Feb. 7, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Enjoy the first traditional chant and hula performance of 2009 on the outdoor platform overlooking Kīlauea Crater. Hālau Ka Pā Hula Nā Wai Iwi Ola dances under the direction of kumu Keala Ching. Park entrance fee applies. 808-967-8222 or volcanoartcenter.org.

Waimea hula dancers put their best foot forward during an annual town celebration. - Courtesy photo

WAIMEA TOWN CELEBRATION

Feb. 20-21, Fri. and Sat., day and evening events

Celebrate Kaua'i's Waimea town and get to know a kanaka-style Westside Story. (This Waimea was the site of an ancient Kanaka Maoli settlement, a standoff between King Kaumuali'i and Kamehameha I and the ever-fateful first Hawaiian landing of Capt. James Cook.) Enjoy two days of continuous island entertainment, homemade island grinds, canoe races, games and contests, served up by local volunteers and nonprofit organizations known for Westside hospitality. Free. 808-337-1005 or wkbpa.org.

E KANIKAPILA KĀKOU HAWAIIAN MUSIC PROGRAM

Mondays, 6-9 p.m.

The sing-a-long and learn-as-you-go series continues with a featured master at the kanikapila helm every Monday night in the Island School Main Hall. Bring your favorite instrument – including your singing voice. Leaders for early March are as follows: Eric Lee, songwriter/composer for Nā Kama Trio on March 2; Darryl and Leilani Rivera Low, will share new compositions and some dancers from their hālau March 9. Free. 808-241-4946 or gardenislandarts.org.