SPOTLIGHT: Kauai
Oct. 17: Matsuri Kauai. A full day of music and dance performances celebrates the Japanese culture’s influence in Hawaii. Activities including mochi pounding, oshibana (making pictures with pressed plants), a tea ceremony and kimono dressing. Games, crafts and food round out the festivities. Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall, Lihue. (808-822-5353; www.kauaifestivals.com) >>
HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND
Oct. 9-10: East Hawaii Dance Festival. Get a fresh perspective on Hawaii’s heritage through Hawaiian dance, showcasing traditional, modern and experimental styles. East Hawaii Cultural Center, Hilo.(808-961-5711; www.ehcc.org)
Oct. 25-31: Eco-Hawaii Festival. Eco-Hawaii promotes the conservation of nature and cultural traditions with hands-on classes, presentations and visits to communities, farms, markets and cultural sites. Kalani Oceanside Retreat Village, Pahoa. (808-965-0468; www.kalani.com)
Oct. 29-30: Obake Night. In celebration of Halloween, storyteller Tita Kathy Collins tells obake (Japanese for ghost) stories from Hawaii. Akiko’s Buddhist Bed and Breakfast, Wailea. (808-963-6422; www.alternative-hawaii.com/akiko)
KAUAI
Oct. 2: Ohana Day at the Kauai Museum. This free, family-friendly event is offered on the first Saturday of every month, allowing museum visitors to explore displays and take part in cultural activities having to do with the island’s unique heritage and culture. Lihue. (808-245-6931; www.kauaimuseum.org)
Oct. 9: Eo E Emalani I Alakai Festival. Also known as the Queen Emma Festival, this event features live music and historical displays honoring one of Hawaii’s most beloved monarchs. Hula halau (hula troupes) from Hawaii, Europe and Japan will also perform.Kokee State Park. (808-335-9975; www.kokee.org)
MAUI COUNTY
Oct. 10: Molokai Hoe Canoe Race. This 41-mile race from Molokai to Oahu across the Kaiwi Channel is considered the world championship of men’s long-distance canoe contests. The action begins at 7 a.m. at Hale O Lono Harbor in West Molokai and finishes in Waikiki. (808-259-7112; www.molokaihoe.org)
Oct. 16-17: Princess Kaiulani Festival. This day of cultural entertainment, hula, chanting, bagpipe music, historic displays, arts and crafts, ethnic foods and children’s activities celebrates the legacy of Princess Kaiulani and her joint Scot Japanese culture is celebrated at the Matsuri Kauai festival. // © 2010 Matsuri Kauaitish and Hawaiian heritage. Paia. (808-573-1130; www.hanaculturalcenter.org)
Oct. 22-23: Lahaina Plantation Days. A celebration of the historic Hawaiian plantation era takes place with food, music, entertainment and children’s games from the 19th century. Old Pioneer Mill, Lahaina. (808-661-3262; www.lahainarestoration.org)
OAHU
Oct. 1: First Friday Honolulu Art Walk. Held on the first Friday of every month, this event opens up local art galleries and stores for special events such as exhibit openings, art demonstrations, gallery receptions and live musical performances. Chinatown, Honolulu. (808-521-2903; www.artsdistricthonolulu.com)
Oct. 14-24: Hawaii International Film Festival. The 30th annual celluloid celebration screens movies from the Asia-Pacific region and features discussions with film producers, award presentations and special events. Iwilei, Honolulu. (808-697-2463; www.hiff.org)
Oct. 15-17: Annual Food and New Products Show. Clients can experience the best of Hawaiian cuisine and crafts, sample free food and enjoy entertainment and fashion shows. It runs on Friday from 5-10 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, Honolulu. (808-945-3594; www.pacificexpos.com)
