Spotlight: Kauai
Nov. 18: Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festival, Kauai-Style. Fifteen of Hawaii’s finest artists in the slack-key guitar genre come together for six hours of melodic celebration. The festival also serves as a fun showcase for food booths, island crafters, exhibits, festival merchandise and information from various community groups. Kauai Beach Resort, Lihue: www.slackkeyfestival.com
Hawaii Island
Nov. 2-11: Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. Here’s a perky way to honor Hawaii Island’s prized agricultural product. Now in its 42nd year, the festival brings together locals and visitors for such energizing open-to-the-public events as coffee cupping, bean picking, farm tours, a lantern parade and the Miss Kona Coffee pageant. A festival button allows guests to attend most activities. Kona: www.konacoffeefest.com
Kauai
Nov. 2: Friday Art Night. In the quaint hamlet of Hanapepe, dubbed Kauai’s Biggest Little Town, galleries and retail stores stay open into the cooler evening hours as the town lights up with a party atmosphere. Each Friday from 6-9 p.m., clients can meet the local artists and shop owners, listen to live music, savor a snack, purchase local crafts and enjoy good company as they stroll down Hanapepe Road. www.hanapepe.org
Nov. 5: Waimea Historic Walking Tour. This free, two-hour journey back in time takes place in one of the most historic towns in Hawaii. Guides discuss how the agricultural landscape changed from taro to rice to sugar and share fascinating details about the last king of Kauai, the missionaries and other famous citizens of Waimea. Join them on Mondays at 9:30 a.m. West Kauai Visitor Center: www.wkbpa.org
Maui
Nov. 9-11: Hula O Na Keiki. During this children’s solo hula competition, young dancers showcase contemporary and ancient hula and chant. The objective is to learn the traditions of their ancestors so Hawaiian culture can be carried forward. The event’s arts and crafts, food and performances appeal to lovers of all things Hawaiian. Kaanapali Beach Hotel: www.kbhmaui.com
Nov. 19-21: EA Sports Maui Invitational. College basketball’s best players dunk and dribble during a high-profile, early-season tournament. The championship round of this year’s 29th annual line-up includes teams from Butler, Illinois, Marquette, Mississippi State, North Carolina, Texas, USC and host Chaminade. Lahaina Civic Center: www.mauinivitational.com
Oahu
Nov. 12-25: Reef Hawaiian Pro. The first stop of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, this event attracts top surfers from around the globe. The competition is held on the three days during the time when conditions are best. Spectators watch top wave-riders tackle the mammoth winter surf of Oahu’s North Shore. Alii Beach Park, Haleiwa: www.triplecrownofsurfing.com
Nov. 17-18: Waikiki Artfest. The creativity of Hawaii is in full evidence at this colorful outdoor jamboree featuring the art and handcrafted products of 80 Hawaii artists. Clients can peruse and buy all types of jewelry, clothing, stained glass and more, all personally displayed by the people who made them. Live entertainment and delicious food enliven the event. Kapiolani Park, Waikiki: www.gohawaii.com
