Uke it up: The Hawaiian Ukulele Co. at Aloha Tower Marketplace welcomes enthusiasts to its free 'ukulele lessons twice weekly. Calvin Nelson conducts lessons 2:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays in the Center Atrium. All skill levels are welcome. The marketplace also will continue its free hula lessons, 12:30 to 1 p.m. Thursdays, in the atrium with Kahea Young. And for those interested in the Aloha Tower area, the center offers a free historical tour for groups of four or more. Reservations required one week in advance. Information: 566-2337, www.alohatower.com.

"Alter Boyz" deal: Embassy Suites is offering a kama'aina room-and-ticket package for "Alter Boyz" when the production is staged April 18-22 at the Hawai'i Theatre on its national tour. The production, which won a best musical off-Broadway award in 2005, is the story of a Christian boy band riding the wave of America's fascination with religion. The Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk "Alter Boyz" package starts at $209 per night for a one-bedroom suite plus two tickets for the show. Reservations: (800) 362-2779 or www.embassysuiteswaikiki.com. The code is TTA.

"Big Island Odyssey": Elderhostel's "Big Island Odyssey: Earth, Sky and Sea" is for those 55 and older and accompanying children ages 9 to 12. The program includes a range of natural history excursions as well as hula, Hawaiian songs and chants, with star-gazing, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, snorkeling and tide-pooling. Participants spend five nights in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, three nights in Waimea and five nights in Kailua, Kona. All land transport is provided. Earth Sky and Sea is July 1-12. Cost is $1,832 for adults and $1,732 for kids (does not include air travel to the Big Island). Call (808) 967-8222 or see www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Reach Chris Oliver at coliver@honoluluadvertiser.com.