'ALEMANAKA - CALENDAR

'Alemanaka Kēkēmapa

A CAZIMERO CHRISTMAS

Fri.-Sat., Dec. 12-13, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 14, 2 p.m.

Chase away holiday blues with this ultimate grinch-buster: Hawaiian cultural icons Robert and Roland Cazimero pull out all the stops with the help of Leina'ala Kalama Heine, Hālau Nā Kamalei and other special guests. Hawai'i Theatre. $30-$75, with discounts for seniors, students, military and Hawai'i Theatre members. hawaiitheatre.com or 528-0506.

LIGHTS ON RICE STREET PARADE AND KAUA'I MUSEUM FAIR

Fri., Dec. 5, 6-8 p.m., and Sat., Dec. 6, 8 a.m.-noon

Santa and helpers kick out the jams at Vidinha Stadium and then head down Rice Street toward the County Building – all lit up in Mele Kalikimaka style – with food booths and local entertainment. The next morning offers shopping at the Kaua'i Museum crafts fair, where many locally made gift items have Hawaiian flair. Free. For craft fair information, 808-246-2470.

POETRY READING AND BOOK LAUNCH

Sat., Dec. 6, 6-8 p.m.

Brandy Nālani McDougall shares poetry from her new collection The Salt-Wind, Ka Makani Pa'akai, published by Kuleana 'Ōiwi Press. Other poets presenting their work include: Haunani-Kay Trask, Māhealani Perez-Wendt, Robert Sullivan, Richard Hamasaki, Ku'ualoha Ho'omanawanui and Kai Gaspar. Free. UH Mānoa Art Auditorium. oiwi@hawaii.edu or 956-3031.

SEASON OF PEACE AT WAIMEA VALLEY PARK

Sun., Dec. 7, gates open at 7 a.m.

Retreat to the wahi pana of Waimea Valley Park for a tribute to the accomplishments of the Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu and founder Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana'ole. Kanikapila by Hau'oli Akaka and others. Keynote speaker Celine Pi'ilani Nelsen will present Ancient Connections. Cultural specialist Butch Helemano will lead the way to the restored heiau. $10, adults; $5, children; keiki 12 and younger are free. Entrance fee includes continental breakfast and pa'ina, cultural games, swimming and full day of entertainment. Contact Maylene Enoka at 426-1073 or email: maenoka@hawaii.rr.com or Kaina Yasuhara at 594-0245 or email: alohakaina@yahoo.com.

KĀ WAIMEA MAKAHIKI

Sat., Dec. 13, 7 a.m.

To honor the makahiki season, Kanu o ka 'Āina Learning 'Ohana and New Century Charter School host traditional Hawaiian games of skill and strength, hana no'eau, or art and crafts, and a feast of foods of the 'āina, plus health and education screenings. All proceeds from food sales to benefit the school. Waimea Park, Hawai'i Island. 808-887-1117.

WILLIE K: Willie Kalikimaka

Sat., Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.

As part of Maui Arts and Cultural Center's Ho'onanea Series, the incomparable Willie Kahaiali'i, aka “K,” and his 'ohana mesmerize music lovers with holiday mele magic. $12-$37, half-price for kids 12 and younger. Castle Theatre. mauiarts.org, 808-242-7469 or williek.com.

'Ohana holidays at Volcano Art Center

Wed., Dec. 17, 7 p.m.

Break out your best (or only) sweater and cozy up for the annual holiday concert amid the winter forest environs of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Plenty of homegrown talent present Hawaiian jams and other musical styles. Calabash donation. volcanoartcenter.org or 808-967-8222.

Honolulu Boy Choir at Waikīkī Beach Walk

Sun., Dec. 21, 4-5 p.m.

It just would not be Christmas in Hawai'i without the Honolulu Boy Choir.  Founded in 1974, the group is made up of a distinctive rainbow of Hawai'i's boys who benefit from the choir's tuition-free music education program. Christmas music is their forte. They have been featured on two “seasons greetings” albums. Free at the Embassy Suites Waikīkī Beach Walk Hotel's 4th floor grand lānai. For info: 921-6941