'ALEMANAKA - CALENDAR

'Apelila 2009

Rising stars of 'Young Voices' include l. to r. (foreground) Abigail Adachi, Kristi Caberto, Kenny Cabanting, with Moloka'i student songwriters in background.- Photo: Courtesy of UH Outreach

YOUNG VOICES: THE STORIES AND MUSIC
OF LĀNA'I AND MOLOKA'I YOUTH

Sat., April 25, 7:30 p.m.

Under the direction of the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Outreach College's Statewide Cultural Extension Program, arts educators have been working with students on Lāna'i and Moloka'i to develop songs and stories from oral histories and the youth's own experiences. Palikū Theatre, Windward Community College. $5 in advance, $10 at the door. 956-8246 or for tickets, 944-BOWS.

CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS

Fri.-Sun., April 10-12

This summit of Hawai'i's most beloved artists and cultural practitioners offers an Easter weekend program of seminars, hands-on workshops in Hawaiian arts and crafts, a children's program and superb Hawaiian music and hula performances. Recording artist Henry Kapono makes special guest appearance. All events free, except closing lū'au show and selected craft workshops. Kapalua Resort at One Ritz-Carlton Drive. 808-669-6200 or celebrationofthearts.org.

LA'AMAIKAHIKI

Tues., April 14, 1 p.m.

As part of a cultural program at 'Imiloa Astronomy Center during Merrie Monarch week, the high school students of Ke Kula 'O Nāwahīokalani'ōpu'u present the story of the pahu and the legacy of La'amaikahiki. Free. 808-982-4260 or mhmaiona@gmail.com.

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS MAUI HO'OLAULE'A

Sat., April 18, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Join in the fun of No Nā Keiki a Pauahi at the Upcountry Maui campus of Kamehameha Schools. Crafts, great grinds, games, prizes and entertainment make for a memorable family outing. Funds enhance scholarship opportunities for students. Free admission and parking. ksmauiptso.org.

GROW HAWAIIAN FESTIVAL

Sat., April 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Come celebrate Earth Day (technically April 22) by checking out a stunning array of native plants at this all day eco-friendly event presented by Hawaiian Electric Co. complete with food and entertainment. Free. Bishop Museum. 845-3511 or bishopmuseum.org.

DISTINCTIVE WOMEN IN HAWAIIAN HISTORY

Sat., April 25, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

He Ho'olaule'a No Nā Mo'olelo o Nā Wāhine shines light on little-known stories of women in Hawaiian history. A special film screening of Ma Ka Malu Ali'i: the Legacy of Hawai'i's Ali'i directed by Lisa Altieri Sosa examines the Hawaiian leaders of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Hawai'i Convention Center. Free. See article in March KWO or visit distinctivewomenhawaii.org.

ALOHA EXPO IN LOS ANGELES

Sat.-Sun., May 16-17

Two-day festival features an outdoor cultural marketplace, island cuisine and continuous Hawaiian and Polynesian music and dance sponsored by the Kama'āina Club of Orange County. Free admission and parking. Heritage Park, Santa Fe Springs, California. aloha-expo.com.

17th annual East Maui Taro Festival poster. - Artwork: Design by Kanoa Nelson

EAST MAUI TARO FESTIVAL

Sat.-Sun., April 25-26, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Celebrate the 17th year of this granddaddy of isle kalo festivals with more booths than ever (20 in all) offering onolicious poi dishes and tips on taro cultivation. Plus crafts, music and the "Ag tent's popular farmers market." Sunday events include field trips to Kahanu Garden and Kapahu Living Farm. Saturday events free at Hāna Ballpark. Fee for Sunday taro pancake breakfast. 808-264-1553 or tarofestival.org.

2009 LEI DAY FESTIVITIES

In the northern hemisphere, revelers have long celebrated May 1, our halfway point between spring equinox and summer solstice. Throughout Europe the day is marked with a gritty tribute to labor. Hawai'i, by contrast, offers the most fragrant of all festivals, filled with the exchange of lei.

CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU LEI DAY CELEBRATION

Fri., May 1, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Ogle the bouquet of talents belonging to Hawai'i's best lei makers at the all-day ho'olaule'a of the 82nd annual Lei Day Celebration. Kicks off with music and the May Day court investiture ceremony, followed by lei judging from 10 a.m. to noon. Entertainment by Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association, lei exhibit, craft and food vendors are in full blossom throughout the day. Keiki activities from 1-5 p.m. at Tutu's Hale. Free. Kapi'olani Park Bandstand. honoluluparks.com. Contest lei will be placed on the tombs of Ali'i at Mauna'ala on upper Nu'uanu Avenue, 9 a.m. May 2.

'OHANA DAY KAUA'I MAY DAY FESTIVAL

Sat., May 2, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Visit the make-a-lei tent, lei auction and enjoy food and entertainment on the Kaua'i Museum grounds. Lei contest display in museum from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with $5 admission. Silent lei auction at 3 p.m. 808-245-6931 or kauaimuseum.org.