CONCERT: Dec. 3-4

Slack-key genius Makana, below, returns to his roots for a pair of Honolulu concerts after touring nationally and in Canada, Europe, China and Japan. The evening includes guitar music, contemporary vocals, a full electric band, percussion, rap poets and didgeridoo players. Tickets are $20 advance, $25 at the door.

CONCERT: Dec. 10

The Grammy-award winning Taj Mahal and his Hula Blues band head this way for a four-island tour. The former Kaua'i resident, best known for his '60s album "Giant Step," is currently promoting his latest release, "Hanapepe Dream." Tickets: $30 advance, $35 at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m.

The hips keep swaying at:

• 7 p.m. Dec. 9, Kaua'i Memorial Theater. $25 advance, $30 at the door. (808) 337-9234.
• 7 p.m. Dec. 11, UH-Hilo Theater. $30 advance, $35 at the door. (808) 974-7310, (808) 896-4845.
• 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater, $30, $35 and $40. (808) 242-7469.
  
  
  

FESTIVAL: Dec. 15-19

The 2004 Winter Solstice Fire Tribe Gathering is a spiritual community celebration. Through chanting, dance, poetry, drumming, visual art and sacred ceremony, this multiday festival focuses on all-night fire circles. Admission fees vary depending on choice of accommodation, full or weekend festival attendance and the optional meal plan. Registration ends Nov. 30.

CONCERT: Dec. 19

The Makaha Sons, below, take us for an enchanting ride during "A Magical Christmas." This holiday dinner concert features the harmonious trio, along with Natalie Kamau'u, A'i, Raiatea Helm, Robi Kahakalau, Pili'oha and Chinky Mahoe with Halau Hula 'O Kawaili'ula. Augie T. emcees. Tickets are $55 for adults, $27.50 children ages 5-10 and $100 for Gold Circle seating.

CONCERT: Dec. 21-Jan. 2

Get ready to make some noise this holiday season as the fun-for-all stage show "Stomp" returns. This whirlwind of sounds, sights and smiles features an eight-member troupe using all types of "everyday" instruments for a percussion orchestra unlike any other, including garbage cans, brooms, hubcaps and matchboxes. Tickets are $25, $35 and $45 for the Dec. 21-23, 26-29 and 7 p.m. Jan. 2 shows. Tickets are $30, $40 and $50 for all other performances. Students, seniors and military receive a $5 discount. Groups of 20 or more receive a 10 percent discount on all shows except those on Friday and Saturday nights, 732-7733.

HOLIDAYS: Dec. 11-12

Take a sweet journey down Candy Cane Lane as the family-friendly holiday festival offers inflatable jumpers, 'ono food, a holiday train ride and, of course, Jolly Ol' St. Nick himself. Entertainment is provided by the Punahou Chamber Singers, Punahou Jazz Band, Pacific School of the Performing Arts, John Valentine and Daniel and Na Pu'ukani. Patrons can shop for arts and crafts or make their own, such as gingerbread cookies, beaded bracelets, candle holders and ornaments. Admission is $3 general and free for Bishop Museum Association members, plus a small fee for some activities.

CONCERT: Dec. 11

Rock on and punk out during the 5th annual Punk on a Rock bash. This year's music fest features six Mainland bands ready to bring down the house: Guttermouth, Mad Caddies, Death by Stereo, The Briefs, ASG and Drowning Adam. Tickets are $18.

OPERA: Dec. 18-19

Hawai'i Opera Theatre rings in the holidays with the annual Christmas favorite "Amahl and the Night Visitors." Members of the Mae Z. Orvis Opera Studio perform the opera in English, relaying the story of how a poor crippled shepherd boy and his mother are visited by the three kings. Charles Mukaida plays Amahl and Mary Chesnut Hicks is his mother. Tickets are $10 general and $5 students.

CONCERT: Dec. 18

Surf's up at Kualoa Ranch as the Bud Light Surfest brings in national recording acts New Found Glory, left, The Vandals and Yellowcard. Also riding in on the swell will be Rise Against, Over It and National Product. There's a skate ramp and surf village, too. Tickets are $18 advance and $22 at the door. Gates open at 10 a.m. for this all-ages show.

STAGE: Dec. 27-Jan. 2

"Grease" is the word this holiday season as the smash hit musical takes up residence for 10 performances. Those hopelessly devoted to the folks at Rydell High won't want to miss out as this fabulous '50s play brings back classic ditties such as "We Go Together" and "You're the One That I Want." Real-life '50s icon Frankie Avalon returns as Teen Angel, with Derek Keeling as Danny Zuko and Tiana Checchia as Sandy Dumbrowski. Tickets are $44 and $64 for weeknight and Sunday night shows, and $54 and $74 for all other performances.