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The New Shanghai Circus takes the stage at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. // (c) 2009 Maui Arts & Cultural Center |
Big Island
Jan. 4: Niaulani Nature Walk. Every Monday, visitors can enjoy a free, one-hour stroll through a lush portion of the Big Island’s rain forest in Volcano Village. The easy trek introduces clients to the native plants and birds of the region. The walk starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus. 808-967-8222
Jan. 23: Na Mea Hawaii Hula Kahiko Performance. This free traditional hula and chant performance is held outdoors on a stone platform overlooking Kilauea Crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. There are also Hawaiian cultural and craft demonstrations at the Volcano Art Center Gallery until 2 p.m. 808-967-8222
Jan. 29-31: Iolani Luahine Hula Festival. The legacy of famed hula dancer Iolani Luahine lives on at this event, originally established in 2003 in her honor. Highlights include hula dancing workshops, a sunset poi dinner and a film on Luahine’s life. Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort. 808-322-3441
Kauai
Jan. 1: Hanapepe Art Night. Art enthusiasts should head to Hanapepe town, where participating galleries take turns hosting demonstrations and musical performances every Friday night along Hanapepe Road. The tradition offers an intimate experience, as local artists showcase their work in galleries lit up and bedecked for a festive ambiance. 808-335-5944
Jan. 4: Monday Market. Thinking locally is one of the easiest ways to help preserve the environment, and this market gives visitors plenty of chances to do so. Held every Monday afternoon at 3 p.m., it invites clients to shop by picking up native produce, flowers and products. Kukui Grove Center. 808-245-7784
Jan 16: Starwatch. When they’re not enjoying the beauty of Kauai’s beaches, visitors will have a chance to observe its nighttime wonders. Hosted each month by the Kauai Educational Association for Science and Astronomy, the public star watch begins at sunset in Kaumakani’s softball field. 808-332-7827
Jan. 24: Alpin Hong. As part of a series put on by the Kauai Concert Association, classical pianist Alpin Hong, winner of several prestigious awards and competitions, will showcase the unique technique and moving works he is best known for. Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center. 808-245-7464
Maui
Jan. 2-3: Firstlight: Academy Screenings. As part of the Maui Film Festival, clients will have the chance to screen several films considered to be Academy Award worthy. If this isn’t reason enough to go, there’s live music, dinner and complimentary massages. Castle Theater, Maui Arts and Cultural Center. 808-242-7469
Jan. 4-10: SBS Championship. Formerly known as the Mercedes-Benz Championship, this season-opening event kicks off the world-renowned PGA Tour. And with $5.6 million on the line, this competition will not disappoint. Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort. 800-527-2582
Jan. 18-19: New Shanghai Circus. The colorful event exhibits breathtaking acrobats, choreography, music and other performances encompassing more than 2,000 years of Chinese circus art traditions. Castle Theater, Maui Arts & Cultural Center. 808-242-7469
Jan. 24: Maui Oceanfront Marathon. Taking part in a marathon may not be the easiest task, but doing so alongside 26.2 miles of beautiful oceans and mountains will surely make the feat more enjoyable. There’s also a full marathon walk, half marathon, 15K and 5K course, all starting in Wailea. www.mauioceanfrontmarathon.com
Oahu
Jan. 10: New Year’s Ohana Festival. Striving to promote the history and culture of Japanese Americans in Hawaii, this free, annual and all-day fair rings in the New Year with food booths, arts and crafts activities and cultural displays such as taiko (Japanese drum) performances. Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii. 808-945-7633
Jan. 23-24: Pacific Island Arts Festival. Clients searching for a unique shopping experience should look no further than this local festival, which showcases 75 to 100 artists and handcraft artisans whose work will be on sale. The free celebration also includes hula dancing, food and a Chinese lion dance performance. Kapiolani Park. 808-696-6717
Jan. 24: Ala Wai Challenge. Celebrating its 25th year, this annual sporting event promises a good time for participants and onlookers alike. Competitions include ancient Hawaiian games, an outrigger canoe race and tug-of-war. There is a free water taxi from Waikiki to the event site and back. Ala Wai Neighborhood Park. 808-923-1802
