Ron Gibson, the Napa-based entrepreneur who is a former Island resident, staged this year's event on April 1, following an unusual spell of 42 days of rain in Honolulu. In spite of the weather, the event attracted an orderly sell-out crowd of 7,500, in what was the first celebration in 30 years inside the crater.

And Gibson will do it again, with support from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, and sponsors including Hawaiian Airlines, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii, Times Supermarkets, Miller Lite and Avis Car Rental.

A line-up of performing talent will be announced and Gibson promises it will be "bigger and better." This year's celebration featured the Steve Miller Band, War, Linda Ronstadt, Yvonne Elliman and the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra.

Food and beverage concessions will be part of the day-and-night event and a Crater Cabaret will enlist local talent. According to Gibson, plans are being developed to further expand the celebration to the Neighbor Islands.

For more information, go to www.craterfestival.com or call the hotline at 735-7000.