Hawaii’s Big Island
Sept. 5: Keauhou Farmers’ Market. This Saturday morning tradition assembles buyers and sellers of quality fruits, vegetables, flowers, coffee, macadamia nuts and other island products. Live music serenades the festivities. Clients should check out the farmer-chef presentations on the last Saturday of each month. Keauhou Shopping Center. 808-864-6360
Sept. 5-6: Parker Ranch Round-Up Rodeo and Horse Races. Hooves are flying at this annual event in paniolo (cowboy) country. Now in its 35th year, this rip-roaring jamboree features two afternoons of rodeo fare such as team roping, double mugging, bull riding, bronco busting and steer undecorating. This fund-raiser for school-age children of Parker Ranch employees also features food and refreshments. Parker Ranch, Waimea. 808-885-5669
Sept. 18: Taste of the Hawaiian Range. This 14th annual food and agricultural festival provides clients with an appetizing and entertaining way to learn about local products. More than 30 celebrity, resort and restaurant chefs prepare dishes using unusual cuts of forage-grown beef in combination with country-fresh vegetables and a bounty of fresh, island-grown fruit. During a demonstration, attendees get recipes and cooking tips. Hilton Waikoloa Village. 808-987-3432
Kauai
Sept. 4 and 6: Slack-Key Guitar Concerts. Loosely tuned strings create a uniquely Hawaiian sound in this island style of guitar playing. Every Friday and Sunday afternoon, visitors can hear it firsthand at casual concerts in North Kauai, with proceeds supporting outreach programs for local families. Hanalei Community Center. 808-826-1469
Sept. 6 and 13: Wonderwalks. Guided hikes on upcountry trails lead clients through some of Kauai’s prettiest forests. The first walk takes guests along the Waininua Trail, while the second outing follows the Kaluapuhi Trail. Both are easy family-friendly routes featuring a mix of native and introduced plants. Call ahead to reserve a spot, since space is limited. Kokee State Park. 808-335-9975
Maui County
Sept. 12-19: Lanai Festivals of Aloha. The island’s premier cultural showcase celebrates Hawaii’s music, dance and history. In past years, festivities have included a parade through little Lanai City followed by an afternoon hoolaulea (outdoor party) in Dole Park. 808-559-0173
Sept. 16-20: Maui Photo Festival and Workshops. World-class photographers celebrate digital camerawork in one of the most photogenic places in the world. From novice shutterbugs to professional lensmen, attendees learn from classroom sessions, location shoots, real-world assignments and photo safaris led by acclaimed photographers. Space is limited. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Kaanapali. 808-875-8964
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Pau riders at the Aloha Festivals Floral Parade on Oahu // © 2009 Aloha Festivals |
Oahu
Sept. 4: First Fridays. Locals love to usher in the weekend by heading downtown. From 5-9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, clients can browse art galleries that stay open late and feature works by talented Hawaii artists. Hip eateries cater to the evening crowds, and after-dark free entertainment ranges from belly dancers to string quartets. Chinatown, downtown Honolulu. 808-739-9797
Sept. 12: Taste at Kapolei. Creative Hawaiian chefs showcase their culinary prowess at this 10th annual event, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kapolei. Set in a picturesque west Oahu resort by the sea, it features food samples, beer and wine stations from more than 20 vendors, a silent auction, country market, kids play area, fireworks and live music for dancing under the stars. Ko Olina Resort and Marina. 808-275-3010
Sept. 26: Aloha Festivals Floral Parade. Thousands of participants share their aloha as they march through Honolulu in Hawaii’s most famous parade. The procession includes pau riders (women on flower-studded horses), floats, hula troupes and marching bands. This free, two-hour parade begins at Ala Moana Park and ends in Waikiki. 808-391-8714
