SPOTLIGHT: KAUAI
09.3: Kauai Marathon/Half Marathon. Drawing entrants from ages 9 to 85, these two footraces provide runners with inspiring views of Kauai’s natural beauty. Hula dancers and taiko drummers buoy spirits alongside the route. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa serves as the event headquarters.
www.thekauaimarathon.com
HAWAII ISLAND
09.9-17: Hawaii International Billfish Tournament. This whopper of a contest enlivens Kailua-Kona each year. The daylong opening ceremony features food, arts, crafts, music and hula. Visitors are welcome at the daily weigh-ins at the pier.
www.hibtfishing.com
09.15-18: HawaiiIsland Festival of Birds. Back for its second year, this event salutes Hawaii’s unique population of feathered friends. Based at Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa, the festival showcases speakers, films, workshops and guided field trips by land and sea.
www.birdfesthawaii.org
MAUI
09.1-10.14: Festivals of Aloha, Maui Nui Style. Maui goes all out during its annual celebration of island heritage. Highlights include entertainment and crafts in Lahaina, falsetto singing in Kaanapali and a luau in Hana starring top musicians and dancers.
www.festivalsofaloha.com
09.30: Chinese Moon Festival. Lahaina hails the fall harvest in enchanting fashion. Wo Hing Museum hosts a day of free, cultural activities such as calligraphy, paper-lantern-making, cooking demonstrations and performances using time-honored instruments.
www.lahainarestoration.org
OAHU
09.2-3: Okinawan Festival. Waikiki’s Kapiolani Park presents a pretty backdrop for this tribute to the Okinawan lifestyle. Clients learn age-old dance moves, try on traditional attire, check out flower displays and savor culinary favorites, including andagi, an Okinawan doughnut.
www.okinawanfestival.com
09.30: Aloha Festivals Floral Parade. The culmination of Oahu’s Aloha Festivals, this cavalcade of color fills Honolulu’s streets from Ala Moana to Kapiolani Park. Crowds cheer for marching bands, hula troupes and elegant women riding horses decked out in tropical blossoms.
www.alohafestivals.com
