SPOTLIGHT: KAUAI
05.28: Banana Poka Round-Up. Through games, lei-making and other family fun, this Upcountry fair at Kokee State Park raises awareness about environmental protection. Attendees weave baskets out of invasive banana poka vines and strut their stuff in the rooster-crowing contest.
www.kokee.org
HAWAII ISLAND
05.19-28: Kau Coffee Festival. Kona coffee is famous, but the brew of Kau — Hawaii Island’s southernmost region — is equally eye-opening. Festival highlights include an all-day hoolaulea (outdoor party) at Pahala Community Center on May 27 with food, crafts, music, tastings and farm tours.
www.kaucoffeefestival.com
05.21: Kokua Kailua. Every month, oceanfront Alii Drive in Kailua Village is the site of a pedestrian party. Artists sell their creations, musicians serenade passersby, food booths serve local goodies, and a free show honors Hawaiian royalty.
www.historickailuavillage.com
MAUI
05.5: Wailuku First Friday. Each week, Maui throws a free street party in a different town, starting with historic Wailuku. Food sales, art displays, a beer garden and live music inject this community affair with loads of aloha spirit.
www.mauifridays.com
05.13: Maui Brewers Festival. A ticket to this annual fundraiser at Maui Arts and Cultural Center leads to tasty dishes from Maui restaurants, beers from local and national breweries, entertainment, door prizes and a home-brew competition.
www.mauiarts.org
OAHU
05.1: Lei Day Celebration. This colorful Waikiki festival takes place at Kapiolani Park Bandstand and demonstrates Hawaii’s flower power, with dozens of master lei-stringers showing and selling their garlands. There’s plenty of music, hula and food to keep spirits blooming.
www.honolulu.gov
05.7: Duke Kahanamoku Beach Challenge. Named for Hawaii’s famed waterman, this free event lures spectators and participants with outrigger canoe, stand-up paddleboard and kayak contests, plus live entertainment and a craft marketplace at Hilton Hawaiian Village lagoon and beach.
www.waikikicommunitycenter.org
