The √ indicates admission is $5 or less, or free. Full-price admission is listed; the * denotes discounts (or free) for students, seniors, military, members, children and/or advance purchase. Call venue for details.

BIG ISLAND

"SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK," rated R, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 2-3; 2:30 p.m. Jan. 4, and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5-6, Palace Theater, Hilo; $7*; 808-934-7010.

√ THE UNIVERSE TONIGHT, monthly presentation and telescope opportunity, this month with Olivier Lai, resident astronomer of Canada-France-Hawai'i Telescope, speaking on Hawai'i's origins, and tsunamis/mega-tsunamis, 6 p.m. Jan. 3; Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, Mauna Kea Visitor's Information Station; free; 808-961-2180, www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/vis.

"MARK TWAIN TALKS STORY," a one-man benefit performance for Aloha Performing Arts Co., 2:30 p.m. Jan. 4, at the theater, Kealakekua; $12; 808-322-1648; www.apachawaii.org.

NINTH ANNUAL INVITATIONAL WREATH EXHIBIT by Island artists, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Jan. 4, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park; $10 park admission applies; 808-967-7565.

√ NIAULANI NATURE WALK, guided tour through an old-growth forest; 9:30 a.m. Mondays; meet at Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village; donations accepted; 808-967-8222, www.volcanoartcenter.org.

"KAMAHA'O: The Wondrous Myths of Hawai'i," outdoor dinner show and lu'au; 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort; $79.95*; reservations, 808-930-4900.

√ DAVID GOMES, slack-key guitar; 6-9 p.m. Thursdays; Merriman's Restaurant, Waimea; no cover charge; 808-885-6622.;

MAUI

MAUI FILM FESTIVAL "FIRSTLIGHT FILM FESTIVAL, various screening times, through Jan. 4, Castle Theater, Maui Arts & Cultural Center; $12*; tickets on sale an hour before screening; FirstLight Fast Pass available; 808-242-7469, www.mauiarts.org, www.mauifilmfestival.com.

√ WOW! (Wailea on Wednesdays), an evening of art and refreshments, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays The Shops at Wailea; free; 808-891-6770.

"KUPANAHA: Maui Magic for All Ages," dinner show with illusions performed by Jody and Kathleen Baran and daughters, seating begins 4:30 p.m. Fridays, dinner seating 4:30-5:15 p.m., Kanahele Room Theater, Ka'anapali Beach Hotel; repeats Saturdays and Tuesdays-Thursdays; kama'aina rate $55, general seating $79* and premium seating $89; reservations, 808-667-0128.

√ ISRAELI FOLK DANCING, sponsored by the Jewish Congregation of Maui; 5-8 p.m. Tuesdays; Beit Shalom Synagogue, Kihei; $5; 808-874-5397, 808-280-1051.

KAUA'I

√ LYDGATE PARK SWIMMING PONDS beach grooming day, sponsored by Friends of Kamalani and Lydgate Park, 8:30 a.m. Jan. 3; bring gloves, rakes and drinking water; 808-652-0552.

MOKIHANA CLUB WINTER CONCERT, 4 p.m. Jan. 4, Lihu'e Parish Hall, 4340 Nawiliwili Road; $10*; 808-332-9870.

"RELEASE," with DJs and performers; 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays; Sheraton Kauai hotel; $10 before 10 p.m.; 808-742-1661.