Spotlight: Hawaii Island
Oct. 4: Mealani’s Taste of the Hawaiian Range. This 18th annual food and agricultural festival provides clients with an appetizing and entertaining way to learn about local products. More than 30 chefs prepare dishes using grass-fed beef, pork, lamb, goat, mutton and wild boar along with country-fresh vegetables and fresh island fruit. Hilton Waikoloa Village. www.tasteofthehawaiianrange.com
Hawaii Island
Oct. 12: Ironman Triathlon World Championship. Some 1,800 hale and hardy athletes converge on the Big Island for one of the world’s most demanding sporting events, comprised of a 2.4-mile ocean swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run. Competitors have 17 hours to finish the race, which begins and ends in Kailua-Kona. www.ironman.com/worldchampionship
Oct. 20: Taste of Hilo. Featuring the culinary art of local chefs, bakers, beverage distributors and other food purveyors, this 15th annual festival showcases specialty items such as Kobe beef and blue fin tuna. Last year’s special guest was “Food Network Star” finalist and local boy Ippy Aiona of Waimea. Proceeds support Hawaii Community College. Sangha Hall, Hilo. www.jccih.org
Kauai
Oct. 5-6: Coconut Festival. This is a great a way to rub elbows with locals while learning about one of Hawaii’s favorite products. Visitors can sign up for the coconut pie-eating contest, enjoy live entertainment and local foods, learn how to make coconut crafts and taste the results of the coconut recipe contest. Kapaa Beach Park. www.kbakauai.org
Oct. 17-19: Na Lima Hana Festival. Translated as “many hands working,” Na Lima Hana presents talks by cultural and health practitioners, activities, demonstrations and entertainment. Clients learn about crafts, medicinal plants, salt-making and other island traditions while enjoying food and live music. Grand Hyatt Kauai. www.nalimahana.net
Maui
Oct. 3-6: Maui County Fair. Ninety-one years old, the granddaddy of Hawaii fairs features rides, games and entertainment, horticulture and homemakers exhibits, a livestock tent, arts and crafts and a food court with island specialties prepared by 50 nonprofit groups. War Memorial Complex, Wailuku. www.mauifair.com
Oct. 19-26: Festivals of Aloha in Hana. The culmination of Maui’s annual fall celebration of culture takes place in the rural eastern town of Hana. Highlights include a parade, hoolaulea (outdoor party), volleyball tournament, beach day, and more. www.festivalsofaloha.com
Oahu
Oct. 4: First Fridays. From 5-9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, clients can browse downtown Honolulu art galleries that stay open late and feature works by talented Hawaii artists. Hip eateries cater to the evening crowds, and after-dark free entertainment ranges from belly dancers to string quartets. Chinatown. www.firstfridayhawaii.com
Oct. 10-20: Hawaii International Film Festival. This annual celebration of the cinema regales audiences with a full slate of feature films from Asia, the Pacific Rim and North America. Seminars, workshops, awards presentations and receptions with movie stars, filmmakers and industry professionals are open to visitors. Various locations. www.hiff.org
