TODAY, Dec. 29
WAILEA MOCHI POUNDING
Where: Akiko’s Buddhist B&B, Wailea Village
When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 29
Details: All invited to 15th annual mochi-tsuki celebration. Make traditional rice cakes the “old-fashioned” way. Take a turn at pounding the glutinous sticky rice for good luck. Fire-building at 6 a.m. to steam the rice. Hearty chicken and vegetarian hekka plate lunch for $5 by Miyo. New Year’s crafts, calligraphy, kadomatsu arrangements, fortune telling and I Ching readings, Okinawan taiko drumming, Hawaiian entertainment and more.
Contact: Akiko Masuda, 963-6422, msakiko@hawaii.rr.com
TUESDAY, Jan. 1
VOLCANO AWARENESS MONTH
Where: Throughout Hawaii Island
When: Starts Jan. 1
Details: January is Hawaii Island’s fourth annual Volcano Awareness Month. Talks about Hawaiian volcanoes will be offered throughout the month. A detailed schedule is posted on the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website at hvo. wr.usgs.gov.
Contact: Janet Babb, 967-8844, jbabb@usgs.gov
FRIDAY, Jan. 4
AIKIDO DEMONSTRATION
Where: Aikido of Hilo, 29 Shipman St. No. 203 (Koehnen’s Alley, downtown Hilo)
When: 7 p.m. Jan. 4
Details: Aikido sixth-dan black belt instructors and students give a free public demonstration of this Japanese martial art. Aikido is an effective self-defense and a path of development, integrating the whole person — physically, mentally and spiritually. Training improves self-confidence, discipline and awareness. Physical benefits include greater flexibility, endurance, coordination and balance.
Contact: Barbara, 935-2454, AikidoOfHilo@hawaiiantel.net
