Chefs will sign cookbooks Saturday

Sample treats from chef-authors of "A Sweet Dash of Aloha," a cookbook filled with healthful desserts, 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Whole Foods at Kahala Mall.

Chat about low-fat and sugar- and gluten-free baking with contributing chefs as they sign the cookbooks, a publication assembled by Kapiolani Community College Culinary Arts Department.

If you purchase a copy during the signing, plus five different Hawaii-grown fruits and vegetables, you’ll receive a free reusable shopping bag. Call 738-0820.

Festival set to celebrate the avocado

The sixth annual Hawaii Avocado Festival celebrates the native American fruit with a free community event Feb. 18 at the Keauhou Beach Resort in Kona on Hawaii island.

Get tips on growing and grafting avocado trees, or purchase a tree for the home orchard.

Enjoy free avocado sushi roll-ups by West Hawaii Community College culinary students or follow an avocado recipe contest in the categories of best guacamole, best entree, best dessert and people’s choice.

Other events include a benefit for both the festival and the Kona Pacific Public Charter School at the resort’s Kalanikai Bar & Grill from 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 16 ($15 donation at the door), and a Farm-to-Fork five-course, avocado-inspired meal at the Kealakekua Bay Bed and Breakfast ($85, reservations 328-8150) on Feb. 17.

Call 334-3340.