SPOTLIGHT: MAUI
05.18: Maui Brewers Festival. Local and national beers quench thirsts at Maui Arts and Cultural Center’s yearly fundraiser, which also serves hard cider, kombucha, root beer and food. Attendees compete in the home brew contest, vie for door prizes and dance to live bands.
www.mauiarts.org
HAWAII ISLAND
05.18-27: Honokaa Western Week. Hawaii’s paniolo (cowboy) heritage trots into the spotlight during this week of old-fashioned fun. A parade kicks things off, followed by a farm festival, a rodeo, a Portuguese bean soup contest, line dancing and more.
www.honokaa.org
05.19: Kokua Kailua. Kona’s historic Kailua Village invites pedestrians to stroll along Alii Drive at this monthly, car-free party by the sea. Vendors sell homemade products, street performers charm passersby and Hulihee Palace presents a free outdoor music concert.
www.historickailua village.com
KAUAI
05.11: May Day by the Bay. Hanalei town sets an idyllic stage for this community showcase of Hawaiian culture. Visitors and residents get together to enjoy island tunes, hula, food, handmade souvenirs and a silent auction.
www.moikeha.org
05.26: Banana Poka Roundup. Nobody likes the invasive banana poka plant found in Kauai’s forests, but everyone loves this celebration of environmental awareness featuring games, hands-on crafts, food and music in Kokee State Park.
www.kokee.org
OAHU
05.1: Lei Day Celebration. Hawaii’s lei-making tradition dates back to ancient times but remains relevant today. Here, Waikiki’s Kapiolani Park blossoms with lei-makers who display their garlands, while musicians, hula dancers and the Lei Court add to the beauty.
www.honolulu.gov
05.27: Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii. At Ala Moana Beach, candlelit lanterns are released to the sea during this annual observance honoring deceased loved ones. Guests are further mesmerized by cultural and spiritual rituals such as hula, music, chants, prayers and taiko drumming.
www.lanternfloatinghawaii.com
