SPOTLIGHT: HAWAII ISLAND
March 12-14: Kona Brewers Festival. From the lightest lagers to the darkest stouts, beer flows freely from the taps of 40 breweries from Hawaii and the mainland U.S. while chefs from some 30 restaurants dish up culinary creations. The beer fest, which takes place in Kailua-Kona, doubles as a fundraiser for various organizations. Live music, an auction, a footrace and a whale watch/snorkel cruise add to the festivities.
www.konabrewersfestival.com
March 21: Keauhou Farmers Market. Billing itself as all local, all the time, this Saturday morning Hawaii Island tradition takes place at the Keauhou Shopping Center and assembles buyers and sellers of quality fruits, vegetables, flowers, coffee, macadamia nuts and other local products. Live music accompanies the festivities. Clients should check out the farmer-chef presentations on the last Saturday of each month.
www.keauhoufarmersmarket.com
KAUAI
March 2: Waimea Historic Walking Tour. This free two-hour stroll takes place in one of Hawaii’s most storied towns. Guides discuss how the agricultural landscape changed from taro to rice to corn and share details about Kauai’s last king, the missionaries and other famous citizens of Waimea. Tours depart Mondays at 9:30 a.m. from West Kauai Visitor Center.
www.westkauaivisitorcenter.org
March 14-28: Prince Kuhio Celebration. Islanders and visitors commemorate the Kauai birth of one of Hawaii’s most beloved monarchs. Activities include cultural demonstrations, talk-story sessions, canoe races, a rodeo, a luau and live entertainment reflecting Hawaii’s unique customs. The festival’s artisan fair on March 21 is a great place to pick up island-made souvenirs. Events take place in Poipu, Lihue and Wailua.
www.kauaifestivals.com
MAUI
March 4: Masters of Hawaiian Music Slack Key Show. Every Wednesday and Thursday evening in the Aloha Pavilion at Napili Kai Beach Resort, entertainer George Kahumoku Jr. hosts a show starring different Hawaii performers who are legends in the world of island music. This month’s guests include Danny Carvalho, Ledward Kaapana, Ken Emerson, Sean Naauao and Da Ukulele Boyz.
www.slackkey.com
March 7-8: Lahaina Whale and Ocean Arts Festival. Maui’s historic whaling town celebrates the annual migration of Pacific humpback whales in Banyan Tree Park, Lahaina, with festivities such as free educational presentations and videos, marine-themed art for sale and performances by Hawaiian musicians and hula troupes. There’s also an art contest for kids, lei making and face painting.
www.visitlahaina.com
OAHU
March 6: First Friday Hawaii. What do Oahu locals do to kick off their weekends? They head to First Friday Hawaii, where downtown Honolulu galleries, museums and studios open their doors to the public from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Additionally, boutiques, restaurants, antique stores and even a tattoo parlor feature art exhibits and free entertainment. A free gallery walking map is available at participating sites.
www.firstfridayhawaii.com
March 6-8: Honolulu Festival. Fireworks light up the skies over Waikiki Beach during this annual celebration of harmony among people of the Pacific. Now in its 21st year, the event features free performances and cultural demonstrations, as well as a lively parade through Waikiki. This year’s theme is Creating Cultural Friendships with Aloha.
www.honolulufestival.com
