BIG ISLAND
July 4: Parker Ranch Independence Day Rodeo.
What’s the difference between a regular ranch-hand and a real-live
paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy)? The answer awaits at this yearly roping,
riding and racing jamboree where island buckaroos demonstrate
traditional rodeo events. Spectators can enjoy local food and shop
for leatherwear. Waimea. 808-885-2303
July 14-31: Hawaii Performing Arts Festival.
Aspiring musicians and established professionals share their
talents during a series of concerts, including a night of music by
Leonard Bernstein, with singer/actress Angeline Reaux, and a
staging of Kurt Weill’s “Threepenny Opera”. Some events are free.
Waimea. 303-221-2469
July 15: Kilauea Cultural Festival. At this
day-long celebration of Hawaiiana, clients can learn how to make a
flower lei, ti leaf cape and lauhala bracelet, throw fishing nets,
decorate gourds and get to sample island foods. It’s a great chance
for visitors to mingle with locals. Hawaii Volcanoes National
Park’s Kahuku Unit near mile 70 on Hwy. 11, about 40 miles south of
the park’s main entrance. 808-985-6011
KAUAI
July 4: Concert in the Sky. This
family-oriented Fourth of July celebration benefits Kauai Hospice.
Kids love the inflatables, games and youthful activities; parents
make bids at the silent auction; and all ages indulge in food and
entertainment. Festivities culminate in the island’s largest aerial
fireworks show, set to music. Vidinha Stadium, Lihue.
808-245-7277
July 14: Wild Hawaiian Concert. Through
alternative pop-rock arrangements and Hawaiian lyrics, legendary
island performer Henry Kapono shares how he sees, hears, feels and
lives his culture today. Hawaii slam poet Kealoha joins the show,
and hip-hop artists add excitement through dance. Advance ticket
purchase is strongly recommended. Grand Ballroom, Grand Hyatt
Kauai, Poipu. 808-240-6369
LANAI
July 1: Pineapple Festival. There aren’t many
rows of pineapples left on Hawaii’s smallest island destination,
but the community still likes celebrating the history of the spiny
fruit and its impact on island culture. Check out the
pineapple-eating and cooking contests, Hawaiian crafts
demonstrations and live entertainment. Dole Park, Lanai City.
808-565-3240
July 5: Lanai Under the Stars. Families and
friends load up their picnic baskets and snuggle up on blankets and
beach chairs for this monthly outdoor movie program: the screening
of a classic feature film and a cartoon. Dole Park, Lanai City.
808-565-7503
MAUI
July 4: Old-Fashioned Fourth of July.
Patriotism is alive and well in northwest Maui. At Kaanapali
Resort’s Whalers Village, families enjoy an afternoon of free
activities, including magic shows, hula performances, face painting
and games for kids. Come evening, Lahaina Town sets off fireworks
over the ocean. Kaanapali: 800-245-9229; Lahaina: 888-310-1117
July 6-9: 25th Annual Kapalua Wine and Food
Festival. Gourmets and grazers alike flock to this heady event, the
longest-running food and wine festival in Hawaii. Celebrated
winemakers and chefs rub elbows with thousands of attendees during
tasting seminars, cooking demonstrations and evening culinary
galas. Kapalua Resort. 800-527-2582
MOLOKAI
July 30: Quiksilver Edition Molokai-to-Oahu
Paddleboard Race. Hailed by many as the world championship of
long-distance paddleboarding, this 32-mile endurance race draws
muscle-bound competitors from around the globe. The course begins
in the waters off Kaluakoi Beach, on the shores of West Molokai,
and ends at Oahu’s Maunalua Bay in Hawaii Kai. 808-638-8208
OAHU
July 8: Prince Lot Hula Festival. Named after a
monarch who did his part to perpetuate Hawaiian culture, the
state’s oldest and largest non-competitive exhibition of hula takes
place under decades-old monkeypod trees. In between acts, clients
can watch and learn a variety of island crafts, play traditional
Hawaiian games and sample local food. Moanalua Gardens, Honolulu.
808-839-5334
July 14-15: Te Mahana Hiroa O Tahiti Festival.
The drums and dances of the South Pacific are featured in this
sixth annual Tahiti-fest. Keiki (children) from around the islands
compete in a dance and drumming competition that draws both locals
and visitors to the North Shore attraction. Polynesian Cultural
Center, Laie. 800-367-7060
July 22-23: Haleiwa Artfest. Designed to share
a taste of laid-back life on Oahu’s North Shore, the weekend’s free
festivities include showings by visual artists, musicians, dancers,
cultural trolley tours, storytellers, children’s games,
demonstrations and art activities. Haleiwa Beach Park.
808-637-2277
July 30: Ukulele Festival. For decades,
residents and visitors have enjoyed this two-hour concert,
showcasing some of the finest ukulele players in the world, along
with Hawaii entertainers, national celebrities and a ukulele
orchestra of more than 800 children. Food booths and ukulele
displays round out the plucky event. Kapiolani Park Bandstand,
Waikiki. 808-732-3739
