SPOTLIGHT: MAUI
6.3-7: Maui Film Festival. Movie buffs flock to Maui for premieres at Celestial Cinema, an outdoor theater on Wailea Resort’s golf course. Emphasizing the local culture, the festival features gourmet food and wine events, filmmaker panels, live music, parties, stargazing and celebrity sightings.
www.mauifilmfestival.com
Hawaii Island
6.11: Kamehameha Festival. Honoring Hawaii’s first king, this Hilo event attracts thousands of residents and visitors with traditional chants, songs and dances; food; and arts and crafts by top island talents. Festivities take place on Mokuola, a small island in Hilo Bay with views of Mauna Kea and Hamakua Coast.
www.kamehamehafestival.org
Kauai
6.7: Taste of Hawaii. Billed as the “ultimate Sunday brunch,” this annual food fest showcases the talents of Hawaii chefs, beverage vendors and live entertainers. A silent auction adds to the action, and proceeds raise funds for local charities. Setting an appetizing backdrop is Smith’s Tropical Paradise, a 30-acre private park with lush gardens in Kapaa.
www.tasteofhawaii.com
Maui
6.11-14: Kapalua Wine and Food Festival. Now in its 34th year, this culinary extravaganza draws celebrity winemakers, sommeliers, chefs and connoisseurs from around the world. Guests hobnob over tastings, parties and cooking demonstrations in the tony northwest Maui resort of Kapalua. Tickets are available online.
www.kapaluawineandfoodfestival.com
Oahu
6.5: First Fridays. Here’s where the locals go to start their weekend. From 5 to 9 p.m., hip crowds gather in downtown Honolulu’s Chinatown district, where galleries, shops and cafes present exhibits and free entertainment. A gallery walking map is available online.
www.firstfridayhawaii.com
