Savoring Summer

It's June. School is almost out, the days are longer, the weather is warmer. Summer is officially here in Hawaii, and for those who live here and for visitors who have experienced it, we all know that summer in Hawaii is basically as good as it gets.

While I love going to the beach, BBQ’s, outdoor evening concerts, and the like, one of my favorite things about summer are the Obon dance festivals that start in June and last until the end of August. Brought to Hawaii by the Japanese immigrants, Bon Dances have evolved into social and cultural gatherings for an evening of traditional Japanese taiko drumming and dancing, as well as games and, last but certainly not least, the most delicious local food! As long as I can remember I have been attending the Bon dances on Kauai and now, on Oahu. Being part Japanese, it has always been part cultural event (we used to dress up in Kimono when we were little), and part just plain fun. Everyone in our community would go and it is still a great place to run into old friends. If you are around for one of them, I encourage you to go!

For the complete schedule of Obon festivals for the summer of 2009, click here (PDF).

Kauai

Obon Dance & Festival Schedule for June 2009:

• June 5-6 at 7:30 p.m.: Koloa Jodo Mission
• June 12-15 at 7:30 p.m.: West Kauai Hongwanji in Hanapepe
• June 19-20 at 7:00 p.m.: Lihue Hongwanji Mission
• June 26-27 at 8:00 p.m.: Waimea Singon Mission

Also:

• Almost at the end of the road on Kauai’s north shore, you will find the exquisite Limahuli Garden (one of the national tropical botanical gardens in Hawaii). For the first time ever, on June 6th from 7-9:30 p.m. you are invited to attend their very first Mo’olelo Under the Moon featuring Carlos Andrade, a master storyteller. Don’t wait to reserve your spot as there are a limited number of them and they are sure to go fast! Tickets purchased in advance are $35, $40 the day of the event, and all NTBG members receive $5 off. Call 808-826-1053 for more tickets and more information.
• June 7th work up an appetite and head down to Smith’s Tropical Paradise in Wailua for the 21st Annual Taste of Hawaii hosted by the Rotary Club of Kapaa and honorary Chef Chairs Jean-Marie Josselin and Alan Wong. Enjoy the 10+ live music and entertainment groups as you sample some of the best food and drink Hawaii has to offer. With tastings prepared by 50 of Hawaii’s top chefs and 15 beverage vendors, the day is sure to be nothing less than perfect! Event is from 11:30 until 4:00 p.m., Sunday, June 7th 2009. Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 at the gate but don’t wait – the event sells out every year! For tickets and more information go to: http://www.tasteofhawaii.com/index.php.
• Calling all Jazz aficionados, the Kauai Concert Association is hosting its 2nd Annual Red Clay Jazz Festival June 27th through 28th, outside on the luau grounds of the Kauai Marriott. Enjoy the sounds of renowned jazz artists from Hawaii and the mainland at this unique event, held in honor of the late Pete Robinson, a veteran Kauai Jazz DJ. For more information call 808-245-7464.

Oahu

King Kamehameha was the first and only Hawaiian monarch to unite the Hawaiian Islands under one ruler. Each year we celebrate him, his life, and his legacy through a variety of celebrations throughout the state. Here are the events happening in honor of him on Oahu:

• June 7th at 8:15 Kawaiaha’o church will be celebrating Alii Sunday in honor of King Kamehameha. The processional will begin at 8:30 a.m., so please be there by 8:15 to participate.
• Later, at 5 p.m., Kawaiaha’o Church invites you back to enjoy the choral celebration which will include a performance by the Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club, Kawaiaha’o Church Choir, Kawaiolaonapukanileo Vocal Ensemble, San Tan Chorus and the Fountain Hill Community Chorus, all in honor of King Kamehameha’s birthday.
• June 12th-27th there will be various events being held in honor of King Kamehameha throughout Oahu. For a complete list of events and activities go here.

One of the best parts of summer is how long the days are. To take advantage of this there are several events happening throughout Oahu:

• Twilight Summer Concerts at the Foster Botanical Gardens every Thursday beginning June 18th until August 13th. Take a stroll through the gardens in the late afternoon and then enjoy a free concert from 5:45 until 7:15 p.m. every Thursday. For more information and the performance schedule, call 808-522-7064 or go here.
• Star gazing at the Honolulu Zoo from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on June 19th with astronomers from the UH Institute of Astronomy. The evening will include a short animal tour, starlab presentation, activities and snacks, finished off by stargazing with telescopes. For more information contact the Honolulu Zoo Society at 808-971-7195.
• June 25th until August 27th come to the Bishop Museum and enjoy Moonlight Mele on the Lawn, a summer concert series put on by the Bank of Hawaii. Bring your beach chairs, blankets etc. and listen to beautiful Hawaiian music under the stars. Line-up includes Sean Na‘auao on June 25, 2009, Darren Benitez and Hōkū Zuttermeister on July 30, 2009, and Raiatea Helm on August 27, 2009. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of for the general public, and $10 for Bishop Museum members, military, and BOH employees or customers. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for Museum members and 6 p.m. for the general public. No outside food or drinks are allowed as vendors will be selling eats inside. Call 808-847-3511 for more information.

Oahu Obon Dance Festival Schedule for June:

• June 20th: Ewa Hongwanji Mission – 91-1133 Renton Rd. Begins at 7 p.m.
• June 26th – 27th: Wahiawa Hongwanji Mission. Special services begin at 6:30 and festivals begin at 7:30. Located at 1067-A California Ave.
• June 26th – 27th: Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin located at 1727 Pali Highway. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m.

Also:

• Like so many other things, the music of Hawaii is very unique and special, and for the past 32 years The Na Hoku Hanohano Awards has been honoring this and the people who create it. June 9th join Hawaii’s most musically talented for a night of awards and entertainment. Tickets are $125 to $200 and include dinner. For more information call 808-593-9424 or go here.

Maui

• June 11th to the 14th immerse yourself and your taste buds in the 28th Annual Kapalua Wine and Food Festival. The events unbeatable line-up includes host and master sommelier Fred Dame, popular winemakers, celebrity chefs, sommeliers, and food and wine aficionados from around the world. The opening event will be The Grand Tasting, and will end with the Kapalua Seafood Festival. For tickets and more information call 1-888-665-9160 or go to www.kapalua.com.
• Put on your best farm attire and head to the Oskie Rice Field and Arena in Makawao for the 29th Annual Upcountry AG Farm Fair June 13th and 14th. Peruse the 4-H livestock show and auction, food booths, Haleakala Ranch Paniolo Tent, the Maui Land and Pineapple Agriculture tent, the Maui Cattle Company cook off, equestrian activities and much, much more! Parking is $5 and admission is free. Event from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information call 808-870-9031.
• Wailea Resort is holding their 10th Annual Maui Film Festival – “Cirque du Cinema” - June 17th to 21st. Showcasing 50 of the best major, mini-major studio, independent, and world cinema feature release films as well as 25 of the summer’s best short films. Of course, leave it to the Wailea Resort to go one step above and pair world class culinary events with the film festivities. Attendees can participate in several evenings of some of the Big Island’s very best chefs from the Fairmont, Four Seasons, and more. For tickets and more information go to www.mauifilmfestival.com

Maui Obon Dance Festival Schedule for June:

• June 26th -27th at 7:30 p.m.: Lahaina Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. For more information call 808-661-0640.

Big Island

King Kamehameha was the first and only Hawaiian monarch to unite the Hawaiian Islands under one ruler. Each year we celebrate him, his life, and his legacy through a variety of celebrations throughout the state. Here are the events happening in honor of him on the Big Island:

• Hilo: June 11th from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. come and enjoy live Hawaiian music and chanting, crafts, food and more! Call 808-989-4844 or go to www.kamehamehafestival.org for more information.
• North Kohala: June 11th the festivities will begin at 8 a.m. with a lei draping of the King Kamehameha statue in Kapa’au followed by a parade at 9 a.m. starting in Downtown Hawi and ending at the statue. From there on out until 4 p.m. festival-goers will enjoy a craft fair, local art exhibits, ono food, live entertainment including Hoku Zuttermeister and Cyril Pahinui and much, much more. For more information contact Cicely Ho’opai at 808-884-5840 or Maile Carvalho at 808-895-3168.

Big Island Obon Dance Festival Schedule for June:

• June 20th at 6:00 p.m.: Papaikou Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. For more information call 808-964-1640.
• June 27th at 6:00 p.m.: Honomu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. For more information call 808-963-6032.

Also:

• Take a special trip to the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park for its Annual Cultural Festival and 48th anniversary on June 27th and 28th. Experience Hawaiian culture and the uniqueness of the Honaunau area through hula shows, storytellers, canoe rides, traditional crafts people, and a hukilau repleat with traditional Hawaiian food on Sunday. Celebrations will last from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. both days, and park fees will be waived for attendees. Weather will likely be hot, so you are encouraged to bring water, hat, sunscreen and good walking shoes. Call 808-328-2288 for more information.
• How does your garden grow? For all plant enthusiasts on the Big Island, the place to be on June 13th is the 7th Annual Hawaii Island Seed Exchange. Taking place at the Bishop Museum’s Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook, the event is a chance to trade seeds, cuttings and keiki plants which have successfully been grown on Hawaii Island. Whether you are a serious farmer or gardener, or just enjoy it as a leisure activity, this will no doubt be a day of fun, learning, and a great chance to expand your plant collection! The theme of this years exchange is “Food Self-Sufficiency,” and is a great chance to promote sustainability through farming on Hawaii Island. The day will also include workshops held by Kumu Keala Ching and Na Wai Iwi Ola. For more information contact Nancy Redfeather at 808-322-2801 or by email at nancyredfeather@yahool.com.