Festivals

Hawaii's biggest and best festival comes to the Big Island of Hawaii in September. It actually begins in late August, but then goes to neighbor islands before returning on September 20 for 10 days of festivities. Activities include a parade, a hula exhibition and several parties. Hundreds of volunteers staff the event, and all parts of it are free to attend. The overall effect is like that of a giant street party, which appears at various points throughout the island, bringing crowds of people and loads of free entertainment. Check the Web site for venues, times and events. This festival is conducted at multiple locations.

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.

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.

Although Hawai'i has not been a monarchy for many years, its people continue to celebrate that part of their cultural heritage. King Kamehameha was responsible for unifying the islands just after the time of the first European contact. This celebration of his birthday, which is sponsored by Malia Puka O Kalani Church, features Hawaiian arts and crafts, live music, food and a theater performance commemorating events of Kamehameha's life. Entrance to the celebration is free.

This country fair lets you have a good look into the real Hawaiian culture, with local music, food and crafts on offer. The prime highlights of this October festival remain the 'silent auctions' and the 'Spam carving contest'. Also, various other entertainment programs and contests give you an entire day of fun and activity with your whole family!

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).

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.