SPOTLIGHT: MAUI
Sept. 6-Oct. 26: Festivals of Aloha, Maui Nui Style. This annual cultural celebration presents pageantry, parades, parties, concerts and family activities across the islands of Maui County. Among the highlights are a falsetto contest on Maui, a parade and a hoolaulea (Hawaiian-style party) on Lanai and a bed race on Molokai. A $5 festival ribbon provides discounted admission to many events.
www.festivalsofaloha.com
HAWAII ISLAND
Sept. 21: Festival of Aloha. Music and hula fill the courtyard and ballroom at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel during this day-long celebration of Hawaiiana. Now in its third year, the event also features craft vendors and food booths. Entry is free, but guests are encouraged to bring a donation of canned food to benefit the Hawaii Island Food Basket.
www.princeresortshawaii.com
Sept. 26: Mealani’s Taste of the Hawaiian Range. This annual food and agricultural festival provides clients with an appetizing and entertaining way to learn about local products. Thirty chefs prepare dishes using forage-grown beef, country-fresh vegetables and fresh island fruit. A cooking demonstration will provide attendees with recipes and culinary tips. Hilton Waikoloa Village.
www.tasteofthehawaiianrange.com
KAUAI
Sept. 21-27: Kauai Mokihana Festival. Kauai’s heritage is celebrated throughout the week at this festival. Visitors can enjoy local and ethnic demonstrations, concerts, exhibitions, food, storytelling and arts and crafts displays at Kauai Beach Resort. Highlights include a children’s music competition, a Kauai composers contest and hula performances by men and women.
www.maliefoundation.org
Sept. 26-28: Kauai Powwow. Taking its cue from the Native American powwow, this event promises to lift spirits and rejuvenate souls. A drum gathering sets the tone for the weekend, which continues with a Color Guard ceremony, dancing, storytelling, traditional foods, a silent auction, arts and crafts and a booth with games and activities for kids. Look for it at Kapaa Beach Park.
www.kauaipowwow.com
MAUI
Sept. 21: Maui Marathon. One of the most scenic marathons in the U.S., this Sunday race begins in Kahului and ends in Kaanapali. Along the way, participants enjoy ocean views from seaside highways, sometimes just 50 feet from the shore. Clients can also register for a half-marathon, a 10K, a 5K or a one-mile run. A health and fitness expo takes place on Friday and Saturday.
www.mauimarathonhawaii.com
OAHU
Sept. 1: Waikiki Roughwater Swim. Held annually, this event brings swimmers of all strokes to Sans Souci Beach for the 8:30 a.m. start. The 2.4-mile ocean course ends at the beach in front of Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Rainbow Tower. Alaska Airlines is offering participants a five percent discount on airfares for flights between Aug. 21 and Sept. 3.
www.waikikiroughwaterswim.com
Sept. 27: Aloha Festivals Floral Parade. Thousands of people share their spirit of aloha as they march through Honolulu in Hawaii’s most famous parade, celebrating its 68th anniversary. The procession includes pau riders (women on flower-strewn horses), floats, hula troupes and marching bands. The free spectacle begins at Ala Moana Park and ends in Waikiki.
www.alohafestivals.com
