Author: Photos: Kelli Bullock

Pet owners brought their pets to the Hawaii Pet Expo & Puppy Match at the Neal Blaisdell Center and Exhibition Hall on May 10.

Spam Jam is an annual block party in Waikiki celebrating the Island favorite, SPAM. The event on May 3 featured 12 restaurants serving up a variety of dishes made with SPAM.

On May 1, ring master Thomas Sorensen presented the Hawaii launch of Kartell and Cobra Art Company at INspiration in the Honolulu Design Center. Kartell is Italy's design manufacturer of contemporary plastic furniture.

On April 27, the Honolulu 5K for Kids started at South Beretania Street and finished at South King Street. The event helps to provide additional funding for Hawaii public and private school fitness programs.

Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle's held the 22nd annual "I Love Kailua" party at the center of Kailua on April 13. The party featured food from Kailua's best restaurants, live entertainment, arts, crafts, plants, and more.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association of Hawaii's annual fundraiser, MDA Spring Soiree was held at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on April 12. The event featured a silent auction and culinary delights to help raise money for the nonprofit organization.

On April 5 and 6, the Hawaiian Scottish Association held its annual Hawaiian Scottish Festival and Highland Games at Ala Moana Beach Park to celebrate the history and tradition of the Scots.

On March 23, Hawaii Spartan Race participants gathered at Aloha Stadium to compete in a tough 3-mile obstacle course.

On March 23, Hawaii Spartan Race participants gathered at Aloha Stadium to compete in a tough 3-mile obstacle course.

The 20th Honolulu Festival concluded with the grand parade on March 9. The parade started on Saratoga Road and ended along Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki.

On March 8, runners participated in the traditional Japanese relay race, Honolulu Rainbow Ekiden in Waikiki.

The Life Foundation hosted its annual benefit, Red Dress Ball on March 1, 2014 at the Neal Blaisdell. The fashion event included designs by celebrity designers Ari South and Couture Creations by Calvi.

On Feb. 17 (Presidents' Day), thousands of walkers and runners participated in the Great Aloha Run from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium.

On Feb. 8, Marine Corps Base Hawaii Kaneohe Bay's 2014 Swamp Romp participants raced through mud and dirt. Individuals and teams competed in the 3.5-mile run through the Nuupia ponds, Fort Hase Beach and challenging obstacles.

On Feb. 8, Marine Corps Base Hawaii Kaneohe Bay's 2014 Swamp Romp participants raced through mud and dirt. Individuals and teams competed in the 3.5-mile run through the Nuupia ponds, Fort Hase Beach and challenging obstacles.

On Jan. 28, attendees to the Bombay Sapphire World Bazaar tasted cocktails from around the world.

On Jan. 24, the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii NFL Youth Education Town Center - Nanakuli Clubhouse hosted a luncheon fundraiser for at-risk youth. NFL Pro Bowl cheerleaders, mascots and Chicago Bears football player Matt Forte attended the event at the Paradise Cove Ocean Garden in Ko Olina.

On Jan. 23, the monthly art and flea market, Art & Flea relaunched at a new location on 449 Cooke St.

On Jan. 15, the Hawaii State Legislature convened for the 2014 legislative session opening day ceremony. I am Haloa members and other Native Hawaiian organizations gathered outside the chamber for poi pounding demonstrations.

On Jan. 4, The Ugly Sweater Run featured participants wearing ugly sweaters to the 5K run. Participants also donated new toys to the local Toys For Tots chapter.

More than 60 vendors sold art, vintage goods and other items at the Art and Flea's Rogue Christmas event in Honolulu, Hawaii. The event featured an Ugly Holiday Sweater contest.

On Dec. 15, Pinch of Salt for the Holidays featured pop-up shops, food vendors and DIY workshops.

On Dec. 14, Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii hosted its 27th annual Brunch with Santa at the Japanese Cultural Center.