Spotlight: Oahu
March 1-3: Honolulu Festival. Fireworks light up the skies over Waikiki Beach during this celebration of harmony between people of the Pacific. The three-day event features breathtaking performances and cultural demonstrations, a vibrant parade through Waikiki and, for the first time, a relay race in which runners wear ribbon leis as sashes. Hawaii Convention Center and Waikiki: www.honolulufestival.com
Hawaii Island
March 4: Niaulani Nature Walk. Each Monday, this free one-hour walk travels through a lush portion of an old-growth Hawaiian rainforest on an easy trail. Guides focus on the biological, ecological and geological features of the area as well as the uses of flora and fauna by native Hawaiians. Meet at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, Volcano Village: www.volcanoartcenter.org.
March 9: Kona Brewers Festival. From the lightest lagers to the darkest stouts, beer flows freely from the taps of more than 40 breweries while restaurants dish up culinary creations. The largest beer fest in the Pacific doubles as a benefit for various organizations. Live music, a golf tournament and a footrace add to the festivities. Kailua-Kona: www.konabrewersfestival.com
Kauai
March 16: Garden Isle Artisan Fair. Some 40 creative craftspeople from Kauai showcase and sell their handmade wares, from photography, paintings and carvings to jewelry, clothing and woven baskets. Island musicians serenade the free day-long festivities, and clients can buy plate lunches, Hawaiian shave ice and fruit smoothies. Poipu Beach: www.kauaifestivals.com
March 17-29: Prince Kuhio Celebration of the Arts. One of Hawaii’s most beloved monarchs was born on Kauai. Islanders and visitors commemorate his birth with cultural demonstrations, talk-story sessions, canoe races, a rodeo, a luau and live entertainment reflecting Hawaii’s unique customs. Many events take place at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. www.princekuhio.net
Maui
March 2-3: Lahaina Whale and Ocean Arts Festival. Maui’s historic whaling town celebrates the annual migration of Pacific humpback whales with festivities such as free educational presentations and videos, marine-themed art for sale, live Hawaiian music and hula performances. There’s also a kids’ ocean art contest and whale photo displays. Lahaina: www.visitlahaina.com
March 6: Masters of Hawaiian Music. Every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., entertainer George Kahumoku Jr. hosts a show featuring different Hawaii performers who are legends in the world of island music. This month’s guests include Bobby Ingano, Da Ukulele Boyz, Martin Pahinui, Waipuna and Ledward Kaapana. Aloha Pavilion, Napili Kai Beach Resort: www.slackkey.com
Oahu
March 30-31: Waikiki Artfest. Hawaii has a way of inspiring the creative spirit, as this free event demonstrates. Up to 100 of the state’s most talented artists display and sell their work, including jewelry, clothing, ceramics and wood products, with live music and food on hand. Kapiolani Park, across from the entrance to the Honolulu Zoo. www.gohawaii.com
