(For a more complete listing of events, go to KONAWEB's Big Island Events Calendar).

November 22, 2008
A TRIBUTE TO DAVID KALAKAUA - HULA GATHERING, OUTRIGGER KEAUHOU BEACH RESORT
Organized by Kumu Hula Keala Ching, this 2nd annual event is from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the resort’s Royal Luau Grounds. Admission is free and festivities include arts and crafts booths plus food and beverages. Bring a beach mat or chair and kindly leave coolers at home. 14 hula halau have been invited to come and share their joy and understanding of hula "in an open and loving, non-competitive environment". Each hula troupe will perform a dance to salute King David Kalakaua (1836-1891), who is credited with reviving the hula, to the chagrin of missionaries. Explaining the goal of the event, Kumu Ching says, "We want to educate the community about the different styles, traditions and knowledge of hula passed on through the generations…" He adds, "A ohe pau ka ike i ka halau hookahi-not all knowledge is gained from one school." In addition to Kumu Ching and his hula halau, Ka Pa Hula Na Wai Iwi Ola, confirmed participating schools include Kumu Bobo Palacat of Na Pua Ha'aheo O Kona, Kumu Bulla Kailiwai of Halau Kukuimalamalama O Kona and Kumu Wayne Kane and Kauluokalani O Kona - both of Kumu Kiiwaikapu Hoapili, and Kumu Aulani Young of Aulani’s Hula Halau. Also taking the stage will be Kumu Michael Pili Pang of Hula Halau Ka Noe'au, Kumu Aloha Victor of Hula Halau Ka Laakeakauikawekiu, Kumu Ulalia Ka'ai-Berman of Ulalia School of Hawaiian Dance, Kumu Meleana Manuel of Halau Hula o Mauna Loa and Kumu 'Etua Lopes of Na Pua U'I o Hawai'i. Serving as mistress of ceremony will be Kaea Alapai. The festival will also feature an appearance by Kumu Nani Lim and Na Lei O Kaholoku. For more information, phone (808) 355-8889.

November 22, 2008
HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR - KEAUHOU, KONA
Made in Hawaii, local artists' pottery, paintings, photography, jewelry, wood, glass, wearable art and much more will be represented. Parking available. Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort Convention Center, Kailua-Kona. Cost: Free to the public. For more information, call 345-1550 or email konagal3@hawaii.rr. com

November 22, 2008
BOLO WITH ANDY RISING AND BUDDY & SAMMI FO TO PERFORM AT EHCC - HILO
Bolo, popular slack key fusion guitarist, will launch the release of his new CD at the East Hawaii Cultural Center joined by Buddy Fo, a Na Hoku Hano Hano Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Buddy will be playing improvisational percussion and will joined by his wife Sammy, who will perform hula. Cellist Andy Rising will also add his unique talent to this special performance. The performance will begin at 7:30pm. Tickets: $15/in advance, $18/at the door, $5/student with ID. For more info, call EHCC at 961-5711, email arts@ehcc.org or visit www.ehcc.org

November 26, 2008
MEET & EAT THANKSGIVING DINNER - KAILUA-KONA
The Kona Task Force on Feeding the Hungry's "Meet & Eat" program will serve their 75,000th meal at their next weekly dinner. The person marking this milestone will receive a special gift basket at the program's Thanksgiving Dinner and it will be presented by Marge Clewett, the wife of one of the founders, the late Ken Clewett. The Thanksgiving Dinner with all-the-trimmings will take place on Wednesday, November 26, 2008, at 5:30PM at the Kealakehe Intermediate School cafeteria. The free meal is open to the public, and there will be performances by the Kealakehe High ROTC, Uncle Willy and Friends, Beamer Solomon Halau O Poíohala, and Lea Lea Na Opio Halau. The Kona Task Force on Feeding the Hungry's Meet & Eat Program is in its 15th year. They are a community-based volunteer organization and all funds are directed to supplies and food that make up the meals they serve. Through generous donations, they are able to serve the community. For more information, please contact Ardie Ikeda at 987-1664 or Margo Takata at 960-1392, or email mdtakata@hawaii.rr.com

November 28, 2008
LIGHT-UP-A-LIFE EVENT - HOSPICE OF HILO, PRINCE KUHIO PLAZA
Light Up A Life begins Friday, November 28th, at Macy's in Hilo. Each holiday season since 1990, Hospice of Hilo has presented its hallmark "Light Up A Life" event, offering the public a way to remember loved ones who have passed away. Members of the community are invited to visit one of the Trees of Remembrance, located at the two inside mall entrances of Macy's at Prince Kuhio Plaza, to hang an ornament bearing the name of a friend or family member who has died. The displays will be open every day during mall hours, from November 28th through December 24th. To volunteer for the event, please call Pearl Lyman at 969-1733, email hospice@hospiceofhilo.org or visit www.hospiceofhilo.org

November 28-30, 2008
VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTISTS STUDIO TOUR & SALE
Over Thanksgiving weekend, the Volcano Village Artists Hui hosts their 22nd annual Art Studio Tour & Sale. Visitors are invited to meet the artists in their studios, and see artworks in a variety of media. Pottery, hand blown art glass, sculpture and fiber art, as well as photographs, paintings, drawings and block prints will be on display and available for purchase. Maps to the artists' studios will be available at local businesses and galleries in Volcano Village. A special drawing for pieces contributed by the artists will held at the end of the sale. This year, as a way to give back to their community, the Hui will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the Studio Tour to the Volcano Health Collaborative. The current objective of the VHC is to obtain support and funding for the Greater Volcano Health Center, which will improve access to health care for Volcano and its neighboring communities. Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at seven artists' studios in Volcano Village. Free to the public. For more information, call 808/987-3472 or email eherb@hawaii.rr.com

November 29, 2008
BEREAVEMENT GROUP - ANNA RANCH, WAIMEA
Lost a loved one recently? Join CIRCLE OF SUPPORT, a bereavement group for all ages, in celebration of life, sponsored by North Hawaii Hospice. Ono food, friends, activities, laughter, and talk story. Time: 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM at Anna Ranch, Waimea. Free to the public. To RSVP or for more information, please call 885-7547, email nhh.office@hawaiiantel.net or visit www.northhawaiihospice.org

November 29, 2008
THANKSGIVING WEEKEND HIKES - KAPA'AU
Calling all Veteran Hikers! Join Chris Cackley, North Kohala resident and experienced guide, as he leads a 7-mile hike for seasoned hikers. Terrain may include open pasture, gulch, eucalyptus forests and macadamia nut orchards. The views are incomparable near the Kohala Mountain tops. Please arrive early to ensure parking and sign-up. The climb will have an approximate 1200 feet rise in elevation. Time: 8:30 - 12:30 p.m. FREE.
Leisurely Hike: Bill Cook, NMF Land Steward, will guide visitors along the beautiful Wainaia Gulch Trail. Join us for this moderate 2 mile hike with some short climbs in/out of gulch. Enjoy the vistas from the top of the trail gulch. Time: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. FREE
For more information, call (808) 889-0615, email programs@newmoonfoundation.org or visit www.newmoonfoundation.org