Spotlight: Hawaii’s Big Island
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Parker Ranch, on the Big Island, is the setting for a popular annual rodeo. // © 2010 Parker Ranch |
July 4: Parker Ranch Horse Races and 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, now in its 48th year. Island buckaroos demonstrate traditional rodeo events, and spectators can enjoy local food and shop for leatherwear and logo items. Waimea. 808-885-7311;
www.parkerranch.com
Hawaii’s Big Island
July 10: Kilauea Cultural Festival. At this free, day-long celebration of Hawaiiana, visitors can learn how to make a flower lei, ti leaf cape and lauhala bracelet; throw fishing nets; decorate gourds; and sample island foods. Kilauea Military Camp Front Lawn, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. 808-985-6011; www.visitlanai.net
July 10-27: Hawaii Performing Arts Festival. Aspiring musicians and established professionals share their talents as highlights include an opening night concert, an adaptation of the opera “Carmen” and a pop-infused musical based on the television show “Glee.” Most events are free. Various venues. 808-776-1771; www.hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org
Kauai
July 4: Concert in the Sky. This family-oriented Fourth of July celebration benefits Kauai Hospice. Festivities culminate in the island’s largest aerial fireworks show, set to music. Vidinha Soccer Field, Lihue. 808-245-7277; www.kauaifestivals.com
July 17-25: Koloa Plantation Days. You don’t need to have a sweet tooth to appreciate this annual tribute to sugar, a crop with deep roots on Kauai. Activities include sports contests, craft fairs, block parties, guided hikes, historical tours and a rodeo. A parade in Koloa town, followed by a festival, end the event. Various venues. 808-652-3217; www.koloaplantationdays.com
July 28-31: Kauai Music Festival. This annual four-day songwriters’ event assembles musicians from across the globe for workshops, contests, discussions and jam sessions centered around the craft of songwriting. Hilton Kauai Beach Resort, Lihue. 808-634-6237; www.kauaimusicfestival.com
Maui County
July 3: Pineapple Festival. There aren’t many rows of pineapple left on Hawaii’s smallest island destination, but the community still enjoys celebrating the history of the spiny fruit and its impact on island culture. Check out the pineapple-eating, cutting and cooking contests, game booths, Hawaiian crafts demonstrations and live local entertainment. Dole Park, Lanai City. 808-565-6043; www.visitlanai.net
July 26: Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race. As the world championship of paddleboarding, this 32-mile race draws a field of more than 100 paddlers. This year, the stakes are higher than ever with a record prize purse of $16,000. The race begins at 7 a.m. on the shores of West Molokai. 808-638-8208; www.hawaiipaddleboardassociation.com
Oahu
July 10: Korean Festival. Now in its ninth year, this festival offers residents and visitors an inside look at Korean culture. Clients can enjoy demonstrations of taekwondo (Korean martial arts) along with food, art and entertainment. Kapiolani Park Bandstand. 808-792-9321; www.hkccweb.org
July 18: Ukulele Festival. For decades, residents and visitors have enjoyed this concert showcasing some of the finest ukulele players in the world, plus Hawaii entertainers and a ukulele orchestra of more than 800 children. Kapiolani Park Bandstand. 808-732-3739; www.ukulelefestivalhawaii.org
July 25: Tinman Triathlon. Inspired by the Ironman Triathlon on Hawaii’s Big Island, the Tinman Triathlon along Oahu’s scenic south shore includes a 750-meter swim, 40K bike ride and 10K run around Diamond Head, with the finish line in Kapiolani Park. 808-595-5317; www.tinmanhawaii.com
