Art and Museums

This event recognizes and celebrates the Japanese influences that play such an important role in Hawaii's cultural makeup. Program highlights include a Lantern Parade, a wonderful food festival, crafts demonstrations, contests, live entertainment, and an authentic Japanese tea ceremony at the Tea House at Liliuokalani Park. The latter is a very special occasion; the tea house is only open once in a while.

A rodeo in Hawai'i? Anyone unfamiliar with island history might be surprised at the idea, but Hawaii actually has had its own cowboy subculture for nearly as long as the cowboy culture has existed on the mainland. These ranchers, known as 'paniolos', started their own annual rodeo on the Big Island more than 35 years ago. The rodeo takes place on two days in March, and features several events, including a few unusual ones such as 'double muggling' and 'poo wai u'. Admission is free.

Gourmet food, top-notch live music and wine tasting are just part of the agenda at this award-winning festival. It begins on a Thursday evening with a cocktail reception. Two of the weekend's highlights are a charity golf tournament and an auction. Each event in the festival requires a separate reservation; prices vary. Most dinner events average USD70 per person; tickets to the golf tournament are usually USD135 per person. Proceeds go to Shriner's Hospital for Children and the Pacific Marine Life Foundation. Visit the Web site for details.

Be sure to mark the first Saturday in March on the calendar if you want to take advantage of this opportunity to sample the best of local beer. Also part of the festival: live music, fire dancing, a totally different kind of fashion show, plenty of food, and an awards ceremony for the best of home brews. A part of all proceeds go to local ecological centers and to the Brewers Guild. Admission: USD40.

The annual Magic Spectacular showcases magicians from around the country in a colorful, comedic, breathtaking extravaganza. There's no excuse to miss it if you're on the island - an afternoon show is offered in addition to the evening one. This fund raiser offers an opportunity to make a difference and have a good time simultaneously: All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society West Hawaii Unit. Reserve in advance to ensure your seats. Admission: USD10.

This extended celebration recognizes the richness of all things Hawaiian through spotlighting local music, cuisine and dance. Boasting what some consider to be Hawaii's premier hula competition (quite a distinction, but not unchallenged), the Festival features both ancient and modern forms of hula. Awards are given to the best group and solo performances. A celebratory parade is held in Hilo Town on the final day of the event. Tickets go on sale in January. Ticket prices start at USD5 (for general admission to a single event).

Anyone familiar with the paniolo (cowboy) subculture of Hawaii will not be surprised by this Independence Day rodeo. The event is held at the Parker Ranch, the largest working ranch in Hawaii. Located in and around the upcountry town of Waimea (Kamuela), the ranch offers gorgeous setting and a relaxed good time. Paniolos compete in various roping and riding events. Horse races add a bit of mainland sports-book excitement. Plenty of food is available; live entertainment will be featured. This event costs USD5 per person.