Every Monday
Niaulani Nature Walk. This one-hour nature walk travels through a lush portion of an old-growth Hawaiian rain forest on an easy, 1/7-mile loop trail. The guided walk introduces native plants and birds of Volcano and explains the cultural usage of flora and fauna by native Hawaiians. Admission is free, calabash donations welcome. Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village (corner of Kalanikoa and Old Volcano Roads). Info: (808) 967-8222.

Obon Dance & Festivals. Through the summer months, the local Hongwanji missions host Obon festivals. The Obon tradition, brought to Hawai'i by Japanese immigrants, is a religious custom designed to honor ancestors through an evening of dance, music and merry-making. It has since evolved into quite the social and cultural event. The dates and times for various festivals follow:

• July 4 & July 5: Puna Hongwanji Mission, Keaau. 6 p.m. Info: (808) 966-9981.
• July 4 & July 5: Keei Hongwanji Fukyojo, Keei (near Kealakekua Bay, South of Captain Cook). 5 p.m. Info: (808) 323-2993.
• July 11 & July 12: Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, Hilo. 6 p.m. Info: (808) 961-6677.
• July 12: Kohala Jodo Mission, Kapa‘au, North Kohala. 6 p.m.
• July 12: Kona Soto Mission Daifukui, Kealakekua-Kona. 7:30 p.m. Info: (808) 322-3524.
  
  July 18 & July 19: Hilo Melshoin. 7 p.m. Info: (808) 935-6996.
• July 19: Honokaa Hongwanji Mission. 6 p.m. Info: (808) 775-7232.
• July 26: Kurtistown Jodo Mission, between Volcanoes National Park and Hilo. 7 p.m. Info: (808) 966-9777.
• July 26: Papaaloa Hongwanji Mission, northeast coast, between Hilo and Honokaa. 6 p.m. Info: (808) 962-6340.

Friday, July 4
46th Annual Parker Ranch Rodeo. This award-winning Independence Weekend tradition includes action-packed rodeo events, keiki (children's) activities, ‘ono (yummy) food and more. Tickets: $5 in advance, $6 at the gate, keiki 10 and under are free. Parker Ranch Arena, Waimea. 9 a.m. – Noon. Info: (808) 885-5669.

Friday, July 4
Volcano Village Parade & Celebration. Come for the parade and stay for the fun and ‘ono (yummy) food. Parade begins at Volcano Post Office promptly at 9 a.m. and runs for 1/2 mile. The festivities include keiki (children's) games, dunking pond, food booths, craft fair, live music and entertainment and a silent auction. Info: (808) 985-9508.

Saturday, July 12
Fifth Annual Cream of the Crop coffee and dessert tasting competition at the Hualalai – Four Seasons Resort in the Haku Amphitheater from 10am to 2pm. To the sounds of a Hawaiian band playing island music in the beautiful Haku Amphitheater, visitors will be able to sample some of the finest coffees and desserts available anywhere in the world. Admission is free. Hualalai – Four Seasons Resort may be reached at 325-8000.

Saturday, July 12
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 28th Annual Cultural Festival –The Year of the Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboy). Enjoy hula and music while partaking in Hawaiian arts, crafts and ‘ono (yummy) food tasting. Admission is free. Located off Hwy 11 between Mile Markers 70 & 71. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Info: (808) 985-6166.

Saturday, July 26
26th Annual Kilauea Volcano Runs. If you brought your running shoes, and are dealing with pent-up energy to burn, you could sign up for the 26.2 mile Volcano Marathon (called "one of the world's toughest measured marathons"), the 10 mile Rim Run, the 5 mile Kilauea Caldera Run and the 5 mile non-competitive Kilauea Caldera Walk. Call Race Director Wayne "Big Dog" Joseph at (808) 969-7400 or email race@volcanoartcenter.org for more information.

Monday, July 28 – Friday, Aug. 1
49th Annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament. The best charter skippers in Kona, Hawaii fish with some of the best angler in the world. The public is welcome at the pier for the weigh-ins. Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel. Info: (808) 836-3422.

The TV game show, “Wheel of Fortune” returns to Hawaii!: “Wheel of Fortune” will be at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island on September 12, 13, 15 and 16. For information on tickets to see Pat Sajak, Vanna White and America’s #1 game show, please go to www.khon2.com from July 21-August 8 to request tickets. Move fast, as tickets for "Wheel" go faster than Vanna turns the letters!

The Lyman Museum
The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawai`i to tell the story of its islands and people. The museum, located at 276 Haili Street in Hilo, is open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 pm. For additional information on this exhibit or the museum call 935-5021 or visit us online at www.LymanMuseum.org.

The Gallery Hilton Waikoloa Village
Jazz guitar and vocals by Greg Shirley. Artist in Residence Aelbert Aeghema land, sea and volcano scapes. Original art by Big Island artists, located in the Lagoon Tower. Open Monday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sunday from 12 p.m.- 8 p.m. Info: 886-2199.