Japanese festival held 3 nights a week

A Japanese summer festival, or Natsu Matsuri, is held each Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from 5:30 to 9 p.m. through Aug. 28 on the grounds of the Pacific Beach Hotel. The program features traditional Japanese food, taiko drum performances and a bon dance.

The Summer Festival package includes two nights at the Pacific Beach Hotel for $139 per night and scrip books for the Natsu Matsuri to use on food, drinks and children’s games as well as 50 percent off parking at the hotel.

The Natsu Matsuri is free to everyone. Call 921-6190 or visit www.pacificbeachhotel.com.

Learn about nature during rain forest walk

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park » Free forest tours are set for 9:30 a.m. every Monday in August at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The Niaulani Nature Walk is an easy one-hour guided nature hike through an old-growth Hawaii rain forest. Hikers will see native plants and birds and learn about the biological, ecological and geological features of the area.

The hikes are fee but donations are welcome. Call 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Also happening in the Volcano area:

» Kihei Nahale-a, singer, songwriter and kumu from Hilo, will perform from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the auditorium in the Kilauea Visitor Center. The performance is part of the park’s ‘Ike Hana No‘eau Cultural Program.

» The Volcano Art Center Rain Forest Run, a half-marathon, 10K run and 5K run/walk takes place at 7 a.m. Saturday in Volcano Village. The 4,000-foot-elevation route wends through rain forest and ranch lands. Open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Entry fee of $35-$75 benefits community art programs at Volcano Art Center. Call 967-8240 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.