The End of Summer

Erin's Events for August 2009

The summer days are fading fast (is it really August already?), but living in the tropics has its perks, and no matter what time of year, there always seems to be nothing but perfect beach days ahead. And mostly that’s true. Without very distinct seasons, it’s the subtle changes such as the bountiful arrival of juicy and colorful mangos dripping off their trees, sticky, humid days, surfers flocking to the south shore to ride the swells, and back to school shopping that gently usher us all into the beginnings of fall.

Spring is always touted as the season of new growth and rebirth, but fall has its fair share of new beginnings. It is a time of refocus after the summer’s languorous days, spotted with festivities of all shapes and sizes. A chance to reach towards goals set at the outset of the year, and a time to reflect on what has been so far, and what remains before December is upon us yet again, all too soon.

So enjoy the last, lingering days of summer and all they have to offer here in the islands, and don’t forget to indulge yourself in a mango or two.

Kauai

  • Not your run-of-the-mill fundraising event, the annual Paradise Ride Kauai, which benefits Malama Pono – the Kauai AIDS Project, is a two day bike marathon covering approximately 110 miles of this beautiful island. Held on August 8th and 9th, ride for your own health, that of others, and for an experience you likely won’t forget anytime soon. For more information call 808-246-9577 or go to http://www.paradiseridekauai.com
  • Artistically inclined or not, taking part in the Botanical Drawing workshop being held at the National Tropical Botanical Garden from August 10th to the 24th is sure to be an experience not to be missed. The exquisite gardens are unlike anything you’ve ever experienced; a truly perfect place to engage your creative side, and no doubt create some wonderful works of art. For more information go to http://www.whartdesign.com/hawaii2009.html
  • August 15th be sure not to miss the Kauai Garden Island Artisan Fair. Spend the day at Poipu Beach perusing the wares of over 40 local artists made on Kauai and throughout Polynesia. With live Hawaiian music throughout the day and ono food and shave ice, it’s sure to be a perfect end of summer activity for the whole family. For more information call 808-245-9021.
  • Hawaii’s flora and fauna have been used for thousands of years for the purposes of health and wellness, a practice that continues to thrive even today. Come to the Kauai Hawaii Healing Garden Festival August 22nd to learn more about the nutritional and medicinal uses and benefits of Hawaii’s plants. Tours, lectures, workshops, and classes for adults and children will be taught by ethno-botanists and cultural practitioners from a variety of different asian and Polynesian backgrounds. Being held at Kilohana Plantation, call 808-638-0888 for more information or go to http://hawaiihealthguide.com/healinggarden/.

Oahu

  • Now a staple end-of-summer tradition here on Oahu, the 20th Annual Kaneohe BayFest is the place to be August 14th to the 16th. This music festival incorporates performances by local and national groups as well as carnival rides, yummy food, exhibits and more. Many of the performances get sold out in advance, so make sure to grab your tickets early! For more information go to http://www.bayfesthawaii.com.
  • Who would have thought that part of Hawaii’s 50th Statehood Celebration would include a World Championship Jan Ken Po (rock, paper, scissors) Tournament? If you are 18 or older, you are welcome to enter both the team (Aug 15th) and individual (August 16th) competitions to be the top Jan Ken Po competitor! Also, be a part of history as the event strives to land on the pages of the Guiness Book of World Records with “Largets Participation in a Rock-Paper-Scissors Event.” For more information go to www.jankenpo.org.
  • For a bit of fun in the sun, put on your bathing suit and head down to Duke’s Waikiki for their 8th annual Duke’s Oceanfest being held August 23rd to the 29th. With competitions in surfing, swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, beach volleyball and more, there is literally something for everyone. Not into participating? Enjoy the spectacle from the safety of the restaurant! For a list of events and more information go to http://www.dukefoundation.org/.
  • Change it up and bit and head down to the 29th Annual Greek Festival the weekend of August 29th and 30th for a celebration of all things Greek. Enjoy authentic and delicious food, and lively entertainment. Festivities begin at noon both days and admission is $3 for adults and free for children under the age of 11. For more information call 808-521-7220 or go to http://www.greekfestivalhawaii.com

Maui

  • August 1st pack up the family and spend the day at the Hui No’eau free summer festival, kicking of the opening of their annual Youth Arts Exhibition. Enjoy the historic Kaluanui estate and participate in a whole slew of art workshops and activities, enjoy the live music, games, face painting, a scavenger hunt, and so much more. Bring a picnic lunch, something to sit on and make it a day full of art and fun! Event lasts from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. For more information call 808-572-6560.
  • Take a day and head to Hana for the Ho’olaule’a being held at the Hana Cultural Center for a day of family-oriented fishing events, cultural activities, food and entertainment from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 8th. For more information call 808-248-8622 or go to www.hanaculturalcenter.org.
  • August 15th, support your four legged friends at Maui’s Humane Society’s Bark In The Park fundraiser benefiting orphaned animals at Kalama Park in Kihei. This pet-friendly community event includes a Walk for the Animals in the morning, games for the kids, ono food, entertainment and much more. Admission is free, however donations are encouraged. For more information go to www.mauihumanesociety.org or call 808-877-3680 ext. 32.
  • Brrrrrrr…Maui is expecting heavy snowfall in August, just in time for Slava’s Snowshow! The Russian Clown use water, cobwebs, bubbles and dry ice to create a spectacle like none other you have ever seen before! Performances will take place in the Castle Theater Friday August 28th and the 29th. For tickets and more information go to http://www.mauimapp.com/.

Big island

  • Start off August right on the Big Island at the Mango Celebration being held August 1st at the Keauhou Farmers’ Market at Keauhou Shopping Center from 8 a.m. until noon, and then continues on at The Kona Mango Experience from 2-6 p.m. Learn how to grow, cook and eat this delicious fruit all the while enjoying live entertainment, craft booths and more. For more information go to www.keauhoufarmersmarket.com or www.konafarmbureau.org.
  • With absolutely perfect growing conditions, Hawaii Island has long been the place to go for the most beautiful orchids. The 57th Annual Hilo Orchid Society show and sale celebrates this with literally thousands of orchids on display, with breathtakingly beautiful blooms that you wouldn’t believe. Being held at the Edith Kanaka’ole Stadium August 7th through the 9th, festivities will also include instructional classes on proper orchid cultivation, flower arranging and more. Admission is $4 at the door and $2 in advance. For more information call 808-934-0552 or email sherylhilo@yahoo.com.
  • August 15th celebrate Hawaii’s melting pot of cultures at the 5th annual Hawaii World Heritage Festival. Being held at Downtown Hilo’s historic Mooheau Bandstand from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., the community is invited to partake in the free entertainment and cultural exhibitions that will showcase the cultures of the people who make up Hawaii’s diverse population. Of course what would a festival be in Hawaii without lots of delicious food, arts and crafts booths and more. For more information go to www.poshfestivals.com or call 808-933-9772.
  • August 22nd you won’t want to miss the very first annual Don The Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival being held at the Royal Kona Resort. In the main event, bartenders from around the world will compete to create the absolutely perfect Mai Tai, with high hopes of wining the $10,000 cash prize! The day of fun won’t stop at that though, stay on for the Battle of the BBQ, food tasting booths, live entertainment, and so, so much more. The event starts at 10 a.m. and ends with a concert by Hapa! Tickets vary in price depending on which events you choose to attend. For more information call 808-214-8133, email liz@hawaiianhotels.com or visit www.hawaiianhotels.com
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