Hawaii Calendar August 2009

Jul 04, 2009

Big Island

Aug. 1: Mango Festival. Celebrating all things mango, this all-day event features Hawaii-grown and Hawaii-made food, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, mango-growing education, mango art and a mango-inspired dinner. The festival, running from 8 a.m. until the evening, is held at the Keauhou Beach Resort and the Farmer’s Market at Keauhou Shopping Center. 808-769-0672

Aug. 15: World Heritage Festival. Here’s a fun way to learn about the many cultures that have made the islands their home for generations. Festivities begin with a traditional welcome chant followed by a fashion show and performances from around the world. Artists, crafters and food vendors sell international products and cuisine, while cultural organizations share free demonstrations and information. Mooheau Bandstand, Hilo. 808-933-9772

Aug. 21-23: Big Island Marlin Tournament. Serious anglers from around the world head to the Big Island for this prestigious annual deep-sea fishing contest, now in its 23rd year. Each afternoon they return to the docks with their hefty catch in hopes of winning cash prizes, and the public gathers around during the exciting daily weigh-ins. Kona. 808-327-1440

Kauai

Aug. 1-2: Heiva I Kauai. The annual international Tahitian dance competition features groups from Hawaii, Tahiti, the Marquesas and the mainland, offering up solo and group performances and traditional and contemporary drumming. Clients can marvel at authentic Tahitian footwork, browse through an array of Polynesian arts and crafts, explore demonstrations in the cultural tent and win prizes in the ticket raffle. Kapaa Beach Park. 808-822-9447

Aug. 1-2: Wonderwalks. Each Saturday and Sunday, guided hikes on various upcountry trails lead clients through some of Kauai’s prettiest forests. Outings along the Kaluapuhi and Berry Flats trails work well for families. Moderate hikers can try Halemanu Loop, while the Cliff and Canyon Trail hikes appeal most to clients in good condition. Call ahead to reserve a spot, since space is limited. Kokee State Park. 808-335-9975

Aug. 16: All Girls Admission Day Rodeo. They’re ropin’, they’re ridin’ and they’re all female. That’s the focus of this free, spirited day in South Kauai, featuring events such as goat tying, team roping, breakaway, barrel racing and more. A lunch wagon serves local favorites and sells logo T-shirts. CJM Country Stables Arena, Poipu. 808-639-3091

Maui

July 31-Aug. 1: Lahaina Plantation Days. This community celebration recalls the plantation era with food, music, entertainment and children’s games from days gone by. A recreation of Front Street features favorite old-time stores such as Liberty Restaurant — known for its “fry soup” — plus the Banyan Inn with its special pies, a movie house called the Pioneer Theater and the Yamamoto Store, home of shave ice. Old Pioneer Mill. 808-661-3262

Aug. 15: Bark in the Park. Raising money for Maui’s orphaned animals, this family-oriented event begins with the Walk for the Animals and continues throughout the day with games, contests, demonstrations and food and service vendors. Live music serenades all who attend. Donations go to the Maui Humane Society. Keopuolani Park, Wailuku. 808-877-3680

Oahu
July 30-Aug. 2: Honolulu Family Festival. Now in its third year, the Honolulu Family Festival returns with fun for all ages, including fairway rides and tasty local foods. Live entertainment runs the gamut, from acrobatics by the Amazing Augustino and a backyard circus to a puppet parade and demonstrations by local artists. Entrance to the festival is free, with scrip for food and rides available for purchase. Proceeds go to the refurbishment of the park. Magic Island, Ala Moana Beach Park. 808-924-1907

Aug. 21-23: Made in Hawaii Festival. Are your clients looking for a place to buy the ultimate island souvenir? If so, tell them about this vast showcase of Hawaii products, from treasures to trinkets, food to flowers, apparel to art and pottery to produce, spread out across 400 booths. During the 14th annual event, they can listen to live Hawaiian music by award-winning performers and watch cooking demonstrations by top local chefs — when they’re not shopping, of course. Neal Blaisdell Center, Honolulu. 808-533-1292

Aug. 29-30: Greek Festival. Hawaii celebrates its multicultural heritage with a weekend of all things Greek. Clients dig into authentic Mediterranean foods, and adults mingle in the Greek taverna over imported Greek beer, ouzo and retsina. Now in its 29th year, the celebration also features plenty of live music and line dancing. McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Park, Honolulu. 808-521-7220