SPOTLIGHT: KAUAI
Aug. 2-3: Heiva I Kauai. Celebrating all things Tahitian, this annual festival gathers performers from Hawaii, the U.S. mainland and Japan for a showcase of authentic dancing and drumming at Kapaa Beach Park. Guests also can peruse Polynesian arts and crafts, check out cultural demonstrations and sample local foods.
www.heivaikauai.com
HAWAII ISLAND
Aug. 1-3: Hilo Orchid Show and Sale. Flower lovers flock to this colorful three-day extravaganza, the state’s largest orchid show. Experts offer demonstrations and growing tips, and thousands of plants are on display and for sale, along with orchid-related merchandise. The event takes place at Edith Kanakaole Stadium in Hilo.
www.hiloorchidsociety.org
Aug. 16: Hawaii Volcano Runs. A national park 4,000 feet in elevation sets the stage for a unique running event. Clients can take part in a half marathon, a 10K run or a 5K walk, all winding through lava landscapes and rainforests. Routes start and end in Volcano Village.
www.rainforestruns.com
KAUAI
Aug. 31: Kauai Marathon. With hula dancers and Taiko drummers performing along the route, this race rewards runners with views of the island’s picturesque beaches, mountains and forests. A sport and fitness expo takes place Aug. 29-30 at Grand Hyatt Kauai. Race action begins and ends in Poipu.
www.thekauaimarathon.com
MAUI
Aug. 1: Wailuku First Friday. This is a safe, fun, community-minded way for visitors to mingle with residents. On the first Friday of each month, Wailuku town hosts a street party with sidewalk artists, live music and crafts as well as food specials at various restaurants. Free entertainment rounds out the fun.
www.mauifridays.com/wailuku
Aug. 8: Maui Calls. Under coconut palms in the outdoor Maui Arts and Cultural Center in Kahului, this benefit gala serves tasty dishes crafted by island chefs and wines from around the U.S. Highlights include a concert with a surprise musical guest, dancing and live and silent auctions.
www.mauiarts.org
OAHU
Aug. 15-17: Made in Hawaii Festival. This is a great place to buy the ultimate island souvenir. Hawaii products — from apparel and art to food and flowers — are spread out across 400 booths. Live Hawaiian music and cooking demonstrations enliven the festivities at Blaisdell Exhibition Hall in Honolulu.
www.madeinhawaiifestival.com
Aug. 16-24: Duke’s Ocean Fest. This summer spree in Waikiki honors Duke Kahanamoku, a Hawaiian waterman, surfer, Olympic gold medal swimmer, canoer and Hollywood actor. Daytime events include swimming, surfing, beach volleyball and paddleboarding contests. Evenings bring stories, music, movies and a luau.
www.dukesoceanfest.com
