Spotlight: Oahu
Sept. 4-5: Okinawan Festival. The 28th annual event celebrates Okinawan culture with an exciting lineup of live entertainment from Hawaii and Okinawa, Japan, a special cultural exhibition and delicious local and Okinawan foods. Kapiolani Park, Waikiki. 808-676-5400; www.okinawanfestival.com
Hawaii's Big Island
Sept. 3-5: Weekend of Hawaiian Culture. Waikoloa Beach Resort hosts a weekend of cultural events that includes Hawaiian falsetto singing, poke-eating contests, the Ms. Aloha Nui Pageant, a Royal Court appearance and a brunch. 808-886-8822; www.hawaiiislandfestival.org
Sept. 4-5: Parker Ranch Round-Up
Rodeo. Held annually in paniolo (cowboy) country, this event includes two afternoons of team roping, double mugging, bull riding and bronco busting, while raising funds for Parker Ranch employees’ children. Waimea. 808-885-8669; www.parkerranch.com
Sept. 19: Kokua Kailua Village Stroll and Concert. Alii Drive transforms into a festive pedestrian-only walkway and marketplace with dining, shopping and a free Hawaiian music concert. Historic Kailua Village. 808-326-7820; www.kvbid.org
Kauai
Sept. 3-26: Spirit of Aloha Concerts. The unique sounds of the slack-key guitar and ukulele are celebrated with performances by award-winning recording artists on Friday and Sunday afternoons. Hanalei Family Community Center. 808-826-1469; www.hawaiianslackkeyguitar.com
Sept. 5: Kauai Marathon. Beginning and ending in Poipu Beach, the course runs along the coastline, featuring views of pristine beaches, volcanic peaks, tropical rainforests and natural landmarks. www.thekauaimarathon.com
Sept. 19-25: Kauai Mokihana Festival. This week-long festival promotes Hawaiian culture through music and dance, including an instrumental contest, a composers’ contest and ancient and modern hula. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. 808-822-2166; www.maliefoundation.org
Maui County
Sept. 4: Maui Channel Swim. Teams of six experienced swimmers can participate in this timed relay race. Kaanapali Beach Hotel serves as the headquarters of the increasingly popular event. Spectators can witness the end of the race as well as attend the awards banquet. www.mauichannelswim.com
Sept. 17-19: Maui Marathon and Half Marathon. Recognized as one of the 10 most scenic marathons in the U.S., the Maui Marathon is a point-to-point race, beginning in Kahului and ending in Kaanapali, straying only 50 feet away from the Pacific throughout the entire race. www.mauimarathon.com
Sept. 24-25: MauiFest. MauiFest offers visitors the opportunity to view award-winning Hawaiian films, enjoy live music and explore Hawaiian arts and crafts for free. Hana Bay. 808-573-5530; www.mauifest.net
Sept. 30-Oct. 3: Maui County Fair. This 88th annual event boasts a multitude of attractions, ranging from amusement park rides and horticulture exhibits to live music. Wailuku. 808-242-2721; www.mauicountyfair.com
Oahu
Sept. 18: Waikiki Hoolaulea. The annual event turns 58 this year with a free block party that features an island music theme, multiple stages of entertainment, various food items, lei vendors and hula crafters. Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu. 808-391-8714; www.alohafestivals.com
Sept. 25: Floral Parade. This parade features a colorful procession of marching bands, horseback riders decked out in costumes and extravagant floral floats. Ala Moana Park, Honolulu. 808-391-8714; www.alohafestivals.com
Sept. 25-26: Waikiki Artfest. Visitors can buy souvenirs for themselves and their loved ones during this creative gathering. Between 75 and 100 artists sell jewelry, clothing, wood products, stained glass, ceramics, soaps, candles, bags and more. Kapiolani Park Waikiki, Honolulu. 808-696-6717
