"Ke Ala Kupuna (The Ancestral Path)," an exhibit of mixed media paintings by Harinani Orme. Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free (Park entrance fees apply). Call (808) 967-7565 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Fri, May 5, 5 – 8 p.m. Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, A Mixed Plate buffet will be served. $11/adult and $6/ children under 12. Park entrance fees may apply. 967-8370.

Two Guys from Puna Band, Fri, May 5, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m., in the Kilauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.Fun and dancing in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. 967-8370.

Ka`u Concert Society presents the Spring Wind Quintet in Concert, Fri, May 5, 7:30 p.m., at the Na`alehu Theatre. This free concert for the public brings Ka`u Concert Society back to its chamber music roots, featuring the classical sounds of the oboe, bassoon, horn, flute and clarinet in concert. The Spring Wind Quintet, recognized as one of the country's leading woodwind quintets, has been a major force in the development of chamber music in Hawaii. Many new works have been composed and arranged especially for the Spring Wind Quintet. The group has an extensive and varied repertoire earning several national grants and offers educational programs for all ages. The concert is supported by the Ka`u Concert Society with State Foundation on Culture and the Arts funding. Contact Sandy Demoruelle at 929-9244 for more information.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers hikes at its Kahuku section to celebrate the human history of this area, Sun, May 21, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The Kahuku gate (mountain side of Highway 11 near the 70 mile marker in Ka’u) will open at 9 am. Hikes begin at 9:30 and end at noon. Four wheel drive vehicles are not required. Entitled “People and Land of Kahuku,” the guided hike explores ways people have lived on the vast Kahuku lands from the earliest Hawaiian settlements through the Park’s current and future projects. This moderately difficult hike traverses 2 ½ miles of rugged terrain including lava fields, pastures and historic ranch roads. Boots, long pants and raingear are recommended. A treasured home and rich resource in traditional times, a successful ranch, a 1940s radar station and now national park, Kahuku offers a variety of landscapes that tell stories about its past and give promise for the future. For information, call 985-6014.

Photography & Photoshop: The Digital Darkroom with professional photographer Robert Frutos, Sat, May 6, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. This in-depth and fun class is designed to guide you through the steps of digital photography, from shooting the digital image to "developing" the finished photograph, using Photoshop as an electronic darkroom. All you need is a basic understanding of computer use, a digital camera, and a laptop (if possible) loaded with Photoshop 4 to 8. $50 (financial aid available). 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Hawaiian Music Concert with the Lim Family of Kohala, Sat, May 6, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy traditional, classic, and contemporary Hawaiian music, song, and hula with this award-winning Big Island musical family. Aunty Mary Ann Lim is joined by her children and extended `ohana in a special performance inspired by the beauty and power of Kilauea. Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $14 adults / $12 seniors (65 & up) and children (12 & under). 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Islands of Life in the Pacific: The National Parks of Hawai`i, May 9 – 24, This 16 day/15 night Elderhostel program visits Hawai`i’s National Parks, Historical Sites, National Wildlife Refuges, and State Parks on five Hawaiian Islands: Hawai`i (the Big Island), Maui, Moloka'i, Kaua'i, and O'ahu. Explore the richness of Hawai`i’s people and places, flora and fauna, past and present on an educational adventure you'll never forget! $3,083 double, $3,888 single. 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Third 2006 Na Mea Hawai`i Hula Kahiko performance, Sat, May 13, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. See traditional hula and chant performed outdoors on the hula platform overlooking Kilauea Crater, featuring Halau Ha`a Kea O Akala of Keaukaha under the direction of kumu hula Paul Neves. Hawaiian crafts demonstrations at Volcano Art Center Gallery 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Let it Be! Volcano Festival Chorus sings music of The BEATLES, Sat, May 13, 7:30 p.m. at the Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, It was just over 42 years ago when America was once again invaded by the British. This time it was started by a group of four musicians who had swept through the British Isles and onto Europe in preparation for their invasion of the New World – an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. They called themselves the Beatles, and the world, new and old, has never been the same. Beatlemania had taken over and, perhaps because of them, the invasion continued with groups like the Rolling Stones, the Animals, the Kinks, the Dave Clark Five, on down to Herman's Hermits and Freddy and the Dreamers. The Volcano Festival Chorus will present "Let It Be," a concert of songs by the Beatles. The Chorus, led by Tom McAlexander and accompanied by David Mattson, will be joined by Dave Seawater's Coconut Wireless for this plunge down memory lane. From "Blackbird" to "Eleanor Rigby;" from "The Fool on the Hill" to "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da;" from "Here Comes the Sun" to "When I'm Sixty-Four;" there should be something for everyone. And, besides playing along with the Chorus, the band will play a set of Beatles favorites on its own. Tickets are $12 for general admission, $9 for students and seniors, and are available in Volcano at the KMC General Store, Kilauea General Store and at the door an hour before concert time. The concert is sponsored by the Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network. For more information call 982-7344.

Mother's Day Buffet, Sun, May 14, 3 - 7 p.m. at the Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Please call 967-8370 for menu and price.

After Dark in the Park: Visiting Korean Grandfather’s House, Tue, May 16, 7 p.m. A century after the first Korean immigrants arrived in Hawai’i, a very special exhibit traveled to Hilo’s Lyman Museum. An entire 1930s rural Korean home called Grandfather's House is now in the museum’s Island Heritage Gallery. Originating at the Newark Museum in New Jersey and making its circuitous route through the Seattle Art Museum and the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Grandfather's House now resides here. The house is furnished with recreated period objects that, unlike most of museum objects, are touchable. Even the gate to the house squeaks like an old gate! An original mural of a typical rural village yard completes the setting. Join Lyman Museum director Dolly Strazar and staff Kaori Akiyama to learn about the Korean Grandfather’s House exhibit and allied programs planned while it is here in Hilo. The program will be held in the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center Auditorium. For information, call 985-6014. $1 Donation helps to support park educational programs. Park entrance fees may apply.

The Encore: Hip-Hop Show with Seanie Paglinawan’s Hip-Hop dancers has been changed to Fri, May 19, 6 p.m. at the Na`alehu Theatre. Local youth dancers will heat up the stage performing to songs like Justin Timberlake’s Dirty Pop, Ciara’s 1, 2, Step, and more. Paglinawan will set up her turntables for a live DJ session during the show. Presented by the Ka`u Concert Society and the Na`alehu Theatre. Free. 928-7174.

Free Reading with fiction author Ian MacMillan, Fri, May 19, 7 p.m. This award-winning novelist and short story writer reads from his latest novel, The Seven Orchids, which was released by Bamboo Ridge Press in April 2006. Great Room of Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village (corner of Kalanikoa & Old Volcano Roads). Free. 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Volcano Garden Tours, Sat, May 20, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Big Island’s many climates support an astonishing botanical diversity. Volcano’s cool temperatures and abundant rains are ideal for many of Hawai`i’s endemic species, as well as a broad range of introduced plants. Volcano’s gardens are as diverse as the individuals who create and sustain them. Volcano Garden Tours offer participants an opportunity to visit 5 Volcano gardens. Hosted by the gardeners themselves and Friends of the Park, visitors will learn about gardening at the 3,500-4,000’ elevation and see a wide diversity of ecosystems within the relatively small Volcano community on the flanks of Kilauea. Each stop on the tour will provide both information about the featured garden and light refreshments, to sustain our visitors’ stamina. Presented by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park in collaboration wit UH Hilo's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). The cost of the tour is $30 for Friends’ or OLLI members and $40 for non-members. Maximum enrollment is 45. Small groups of 10-15 will rotate visits to each garden site. Participants will meet at the gravel parking lot between the Volcano Post Office and The General Store at 9AM and will carpool in small groups, with the direction of a leader, to the various featured gardens. To make a reservation call 985-7373 and leave a message for part-time office staff to return your call. Reservations are confirmed after payment is received. Visit www.fhvnp.org. for more details.

The Ka`u Springfest is Sat, May 20 and already has booths for books, CD/DVD, protea, poke, nature conservation, pies, vegetables, dunking booth, car seat check, health check up, and fish plates. There will be entertainment from local bands and hula folks, music, games, and the pool will be open. And, some dealers are bringing 2006 model cars and trucks for display. Vendors are welcome and there is no fee, strictly donation. Anyone wanting to booth can call the school at 928-2088 and ask for Renwick Bibilone or Bob Makuakane.

Flash Fiction: A 2-Day Short-Short Story Writing Workshop with Ian MacMillan, Sat & Sun, May 20 & 21, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. This award-winning fiction author gives an overview of the flash fiction genre then leads a workshopping session of stories you bring in. On the first day, receive a professional and peer critique of your 1-3 page short-short story, then go home to re-work your piece. On the following day, bring in the revised piece for a second round of critique, with an eye toward completing your story for submission. Limited to only 8 writers. $125 (financial aid available). 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offers hikes at its Kahuku section to celebrate the human history of this area. Sunday, May 21, beginning at 9:30a.m. and ending at 12:30p.m. The Kahuku gate (mountain side of Highway 11 near the 70 mile marker in Ka’u) will open at 9 am. Hikes begin at 9:30 and end at noon. Four wheel drive vehicles are not required. Entitled “People and Land of Kahuku,” the guided hike explores ways people have lived on the vast Kahuku lands from the earliest Hawaiian settlements through the Park’s current and future projects. This moderately difficult hike traverses 2 ½ miles of rugged terrain including lava fields, pastures and historic ranch roads. Boots, long pants and raingear are recommended. A treasured home and rich resource in traditional times, a successful ranch, a 1940s radar station and now national park, Kahuku offers a variety of landscapes that tell stories about its past and give promise for the future. For information, call 985-6014.

Great Music in the Great Room with the Volcano Chamber Players, Sun, May 21, 4 p.m. a benefit concert for the educational programs at the non-profit Volcano Art Center. Enjoy an exquisite Sunday afternoon of classical music at Niaulani’s Great Room––with built-in window seats, a cozy fireplace, and views into the enchanted native rainforest. This intimate concert features music by the great masters, such as Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi, and Haydn, plus a selection of wines, cheeses, and light refreshments. Great Room of Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village (corner of Kalanikoa & Old Volcano Roads). Audience limited to 65. $25. 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Auditions for Bye Bye Birdie will be on Tue, May 23 and Wed May 24 6:30 p.m. at the Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The production will be directed by Suzi Bond and choreography by Rachel Klein with vocal direction by Pedro Ka`awaloa, Jr. Parts are available for all ages. Bring a prepared song and dress comfortably so that you can move onstage. The performance dates will be July 7 - 23 at KMC Theater. For more information, call 982-7344.

Kilauea Military Camp Memorial Day Ceremony, Mon, May 29, 4 p.m. at the KMC Front Lawn. KMC invites everyone to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for America’s freedom. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 967-8370.

After Dark in the Park: Penguins to Polar Bears: NASA’s Expeditions to Both Poles, Tue, May 30, 7 p.m. Even though both the planet’s Poles are white and cold, they are surprisingly different. NASA’s Mike Comberiate has traveled to both the Arctic and the Antarctic regions several times to implement special projects that "they said can't be done." At Goddard Space Flight Center for over 35 years, Comberiate has implemented nearly a hundred weird and wonderful assignments worldwide. With NASA satellite antennas pointed to his team’s remote locations, he has engaged in historic firsts in polar communications, such as live webcasts with Inuits, Antarctic telemedicine, and Pole-to-Pole phone calls. Join Comberiate for a really “COOL” talk on Communications Over Obscure Locations and to see what it's like at the ends of the Earth. Program will be held in the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center Auditorium. For information, call 985-6014. $1 Donation helps to support park educational programs. Park entrance fees may apply.

The Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park presents A Walk into the Past at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. each Friday for people to witness a 1912 reenactment of Thomas Jaggar and his assistant Ms. Maydwell working in his original laboratory, the Whitney Vault, which has been restored and preserved inside the National Park. Call 985-6017 for reservations. Park entrance fees apply. See www.FHVNP.org.

May is Military Appreciation Month, Special activities are being planned at the Kilauea Military Camp in the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Please call 967-8370 for more information.

Ka`u High May Day, Date TBA Ka`u High Gym. Call 928-2088 for more information.

Ka`u High Athletic Awards Banquet, Date TBA For more information call Kimo Weaver at 928-2012.

Na`alehu Elementary May Day, Date TBA. 9am at the Na`alehu School Gym. Be seated byu 8:15am. 939-2014.

Family Fun Night, Date TBA. Na`alehu Elementary Gym. Fun and games for everyone. X-MOD race, free throw contest, Hip-Hop dance performance, games and informational booths about ICE. Free dinner and guest speaker Gary Shimabukuro will speak about Crystal Methamphetamine: the violent reality and give a presentation. Presented by the Ka`u Community Action Team. Call Leina'ala Enos at 929-8641 for more information or to join in on the planning meetings.

Community/Self-Improvement/Recreation