Need a challenge? How about making a movie in 48 hours? The 48 Hour Film Project is a contest that takes place during a wild and sleepless weekend in which 24 Hawai'i filmmakers write, shoot, edit and score a movie about Hawai'i — in just 48 hours. In 2007, some 30,000 filmmakers made films in 55 cities around the world. This year, "48 Hour" filmmakers in more than 70 cities will take the challenge.

Hawai'i filmmakers will screen their movies (each around seven minutes long) over two evenings. Each evening will feature a random selection of 12 films. 7 to 11 p.m. Aug. 21-22 at the Cupola Theatre, second floor, Honolulu Design Center in Honolulu. $20 (each night).

— Chris Oliver

KAUA'I

BOOK FILLED WITH VINTAGE PHOTOS CELEBRATES ISLE'S RICH PAST

Kaua'i — the oldest and northernmost of the main Hawaiian Islands — is the focus for local writer Stormy Cozad whose new book "Kauai" celebrates the Garden Island's rich history in a wonderful collection of more than 200 vintage photographs.

"For people who were born on Kaua'i or are a longtime resident, the book will remind them of locations or buildings they have not seen in a while," writes Cozad. Such as photographer John Wehrheim's 1976 photo of Hanapepe Theatre, or the 1928 images of the grinning (and soaked) workers installing the Mount Wai'ale'ale rain gauge that could finally measure 900 inches of rainfall (annual rainfall 450 inches).

"Kauai" (Arcadia Publishing) is part of the Images of America series that celebrates local history. May be ordered from local booksellers from tomorrow, and at www.arcadiapublishing.com.

BIG ISLAND

CHECK OUT THE VOLCANIC ACTIVITY FROM ABOVE, THEN VISIT LAVA FLOW AT NIGHT

Island Hoppers and KapohoKine Adventures have teamed up for the Ultimate Volcano Explorer. Board an Island Hoppers aircraft in Kona for a thrilling flight over the current volcanic activity. Every passenger enjoys a panoramic view from their window seat, plus headsets for two-way communications with the pilot, in air-conditioned comfort. Landing in Hilo, guests are met by KapohoKine Adventures, are served dinner, then are guided to coastal Puna for a stunning visit to the lava flow at night. Afterward, guests are driven back to West Hawai'i. $290 per person. 808-964-1000, www.kapohokine.com.