Concerts

For two days in June, people from all over the world are welcome to visit the Waiki'i Ranch and enjoy some truly fantastic world music. Hawai'i's best performers come out in droves, as do Hawaii's most fervent music fans. Past performers include the Ka'au Crater Boys and Makaha Sons. Island artists and crafters set up booths, and local food is plentiful at the concession stands. Price of admission is USD15 in advance; USD20 at the gate. This event benefits Punana Leo O Waimea, North Hawaii Community Hospital and North Hawaii Hospice.

The Big Island Hawaiian Music Festival does a lot to preserve Hawaii's traditional musical styles. The performances are dominated by the ukulele, slack key and the steel guitar. The acoustically rich University of Hawaii Performing Arts Center is the perfect place for the showcase. Over the weekend, musicians of all skill levels perform solo as well as in ensembles. If you haven't been exposed to the Nahenahe, or any other Hawaiian musical styles, this Musical Festival is the best place to soak up the serene rhythms and soaring melodies.

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.

This weekend-long celebration of Polynesian dance, song, crafts and cuisine is sponsored by a variety of local and national businesses. Musicians, dancers and artists from Tahiti, the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico and the Mainland United States will all be featured in the dance competition. In addition, drumming and dance workshops will be open to spectators.