Entertainment

Dream of weekend bliss and plan on audio love, food and fundraising, artsy enchantment and more this weekend beginning May 18.

The Big Island Film Festival is nearly upon us and the screenwriting and filmmaking workshops still have some seats to fill. Thursday May 24, enjoy the expertise and skill of filmmaker Brian Kohne with writer and consultant Jen Grisanti.

Burnished brown and glistening with oil, the aromatic Ka’u coffee bean has won cupping contests and gained fans worldwide. Saturday May 12, the 4th Annual Ka’u Coffee Festival will also celebrate Ka’u Coffee Day at the Pahala Community Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn about and make a donation to Parents and Children Together, while taking a peek at classic Americana at the monthly Cruise Night at Lanihau Center on Saturday May 12, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

When a handmade card and crayon drawing with a scrawled “I love you Mom” simply won’t do, here’s where to go and what to see this weekend.

HAPA’s crystal clear tones evoke images, encapsulate feelings, and trigger memories of old Hawai’i. On May 12, at 7 p.m., the Kilauea Theater in Volcanoes National Park will fill with the sweet strains of two musicians that garner respect and world renown.

All on a Saturday. So many events to choose from and not enough time in the day. May 5th, or Cinco de Mayo doesn’t disappoint with its variety of activities.

The picturesque Waikoloa Bowl at the Queens Gardens in the Queens’ Shops in Waikoloa, will host performances of hula kahiko, or traditional style hula, as well as hula ‘auana, or modern style hula by halau from around the world.

After months of working on individual pieces and group projects, dancers of every variety will showcase their efforts on stage on May 2, at 7:30 p.m. at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo Pacific Arts Center.

Each year, the beginning of May signals a Hawai’i tradition that looks and smells good. May 1st, is “He Mo’olelo ko ka Lei,” or A Story of the Lei, at the East Hawai’i Cultural Center.

For one night only, the Bayhouse overlooking the beautiful Keauhou Bay will host angelic soprano Chelsea Basler and velvet voiced Brian Major, in this yearly fundraising soiree for the Kona Hospital.

On April 20 and 21, the artistic vision of Kumu Hula Lani Isaac will be realized with the premiere of her new show, “Huakaʻi.” This event will benefit the students of the ‘Alohi Polynesian Dance Academy.

Entrance fees will be waived to Hawaii Volcanoes April 21-29 as National Park Week is celebrated with a variety of events.

Denis Azabagic, and Eugenia Moliner are internationally acclaimed musicians who will make a brief stop at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo’s Performing Arts Center on April 24, at 7:30 p.m.

Rooting for the underdog is so much fun in this plus-sized musical feature full of song and dance at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo’s Performing Arts Center. The first few shows have already concluded and cast members have taken their bows.

At the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on April 21, Halau Hula Ka Noʻeau, with kumu hula Michael Pili Pang, will perform traditional hula and chant at a free event from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

A week of Merrie Monarch Festivities concluded Saturday, April 14, with an exciting ʻauana hula competition and awards ceremony.

Hilo town shone brightly with vibrant hues, festive floats, gorgeous costumes and more at the 2012 Merrie Monarch Royal Parade.

The title of Miss Aloha Hula 2012 for the 49th Merrie Monarch Festival went to Rebecca Lilinoekekapahauomaunakea Sterling of Ka`ōhao (Lanikai), O`ahu.

On Friday the 13th, the Merrie Monarch Festival continues with the group Kahiko Competition with groups of Wahine (women), and Kane (men) halau. Kahiko means “ancient style,” making the hula Kahiko performances a very traditional artform and exhibition.