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

May 16-19, 2012
17th ANNUAL LAUHALA CONFERENCE/WORKSHOP - KEAUHOU BEACH RESORT
Aunty Elizabeth Maluihi Lee, founder and president of Ka Ulu Lauhala o Kona, a Living Treasure, plus dozens of master weavers from all over the state will gather to share their knowledge and skills, to perpetuate the beloved and ancient art of lauhala weaving. Students of all levels are welcome to attend, along with those who just love lauhala products. The conference will include a ho'olaulea (crafts fair) of local vendors of lauhala products, fine woodwork, weaving tools and hat blocks, and feather lei from the 17th thru the 19th, a talk story, a lu'au, and "a chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones." For more information, or to request a registration packet, please contact Barbara Kossow at 808-938-0806 or email bkossow@co.hawaii.hi.us

May 18, 2012
"HEALTHY FROM HEAD 2 TOE" EVENT - OLD AIRPORT BEACH PARK, KAILUA-KONA
This free community event will bring together local programs, clubs, business, and agencies to provide helpful information and fun activities that promote whole healthy living for families in our community. Enter to win a new bicycle and other prizes. Free chili & rice dinner catered by "Only Us". Live entertainment and information booths. Time: 3:30-7:00 PM at Old Kona Airport Pavilion. Sponsored by the Dept. of Health. For more information, call 322-1532 or email deanne.aoki@doh.hawaii.gov

May 20, 2012
"KOKUA KAILUA" VILLAGE STROLL AND HULIHE'E PALACE MONTHLY EVENT - KAILUA-KONA
Free Hawaiian music featuring the Merrie Monarchs men's glee club and Kumu Hula Etua Lopes and his Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawai'i on the Palace's South Lawn at 4 p.m., presented by the Daughters of Hawaii. Bring your own beach mat or chair. Before and after the Palace performance, stroll thru historic Kailua Village (the Stroll starts at 1pm & goes till 6pm), enjoy oceanside cafes and restaurants, local musicians & artists. For more info about the Palace event, email hulihee@ilhawaii.net. For info about the Village Stroll, call 808-936-9202, email dorlenechao@yahoo.com or visit historickailuavillage.com

May 22, 2012
FREE SLACK KEY GUITAR PERFORMANCE - KAILUA-KONA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Hawai'i-born Chris Yeaton draws from a lineage of great Hawaiian slack key and has toured nationally with well-known musicians Keola Beamer and John Keawe. His unique style of slack key blends the traditional and contemporary fingerstyle method of playing. Time: 5:30-6:30pm. Sponsored by Friends of the Libraries, Kona, this program is offered free to the public.

May 24-28, 2012
BIG ISLAND FILM FESTIVAL - MAUNA LANI RESORT AND THE FAIRMONT ORCHID
This "Talk Story" film festival celebrates independent, narrative, Hawaiian and international filmmakers and their films. There will be social food & beverage events and entertainment as well as the film presentations, and an award brunch. Kama'aina discounts for tickets every night. There will be some great celebrity guests. The "Best of the Fest" event will present the audience-voted best feature and best short film of this year's festival at 5:30pm, with a concert featuring a popular Hawaiian musician. For more information, call 808/557-5200, 808/883-0394 office or email bigislandff@aol.com. For complete schedule information and tickets, visit BigIslandFilmFestival.com