MARCH 29

SWALLOWS DAY PARADE

When else to visit San Juan Capistrano but during the annual return of the swallows to the graciously restored cloisters of the mission? The awaited reunion has given rise to a cluster of events, including the annual Swallows Day Parade on March 29, the nation's largest nonmotorized parade (and also a lively market focused on local crafts, art and the antiques for which the charming town is famous). The Fiesta of the Golondrinas on March 19 is focused on the legend behind the birds' return. One way to get ready for the birds' arrival is to attend the La Presendinta costumed western ball or the less-casual Ten Gallon Gala at El Adobe restaurant, a hundreds-of-years-old true adobe on the main drag of town. 949-493-1976; www.swallowsparade.com.

MARCH 29

KONA CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

If you'd travel a mile for chocolate, why not travel a bit farther to the 7th annual Kona Chocolate Festival March 29 at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa? Twenty-five of the island's top chefs will participate, and there will be wine, live music and tastes from Island chocolate makers. The event honors the island's little-known cacao. The odd-looking bean that produces the ambrosial (and possibly aphrodisiac) food has actually been grown there since the 1800s, and the Big Island remains the only place in the country where chocolate is made from bean to bar. Educational events on chocolate-making and cacao-growing will be held on March 27 and 28. The event benefits the Na'alehu Theatre. Tickets, at $40 in advance, at 808-987-8722; www.konachocolatefestival.com.

APRIL 3-5

MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL

For many Islanders, as well as dozens of visitors from Japan and the Mainland, the annual Merrie Monarch Festival is the heartbeat of hula. Though the festival has a notorious sameness enjoyed by its regulars, there is a new addition this year. The two-year-old 'Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai'i is partnering with the festival to offer four days of free hula-related workshops and demonstrations, including presentations in the Japanese language. These are not hula classes but presentations by the likes of Merrie Monarch-winning Halau I Ka Wekiu designed to offer context to Hawai'i's dance-and-storytelling form and its related arts and crafts, covering hula history, traditional significance and terminology. Sessions are free and from noon to 12:30 p.m. daily at the center, including special presentations at other times. 808-969-9700; www.imiloahawaii.org.