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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.

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.

The climate on the Hawaiian Islands allows many exotic fruits and vegetables to flourish. This annual festival celebrates the various foods made from them. Renowned chefs from all over the island create a delicious menu, including flavorful free-range beef dishes and salads of locally grown greens. The event lasts for one evening only. Tickets can be bought at the door; ticket prices are to be announced.

The quaint town of Holualoa is known as a bit of an artist's retreat, a throwback to other decades. However, once a year practically everyone in town, plus a good many out-of-towners, take to the streets for a parade. Dozens of local businesses enter floats in the parade; spectators get to vote on their favorite. Afterward, everyone adjourns to the Holualoa Inn for live entertainment and a small crafts fair. The parade is admittedly small-kind - that's part of its charm.

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!

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.

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.