Hawaii Festivals - July and August

A month-by-month look at the major festivals and holidays in Hawaii

Korean Festival
See live Korean dance performances, taekwondo (Korean martial arts) demonstrations, and cultural exhibits of Korean artifacts and memorabilia. Taste a savory, mouth-watering sampling of Korean cuisine, including favorites such as kalbi (BBQ shortribs), bibim gooksoo (spicy mixed noodles), and kim chi fried rice. Listen to the sound of sogochum (Korean drum dance) and live singers performing traditional and popular Korean songs.

Haleʻiwa Arts Festival
The Haleʻiwa Arts Festival non-profit organization will present its Eleventh Annual Fine Arts and Crafts celebration July 19 & 20, 2008, at Haleʻiwa Beach Park in Historic Haleʻiwa Town, on Oʻahu's beautiful North Shore.

This celebration of the arts features over 130 Juried Visual Artists from Oʻahu, the Neighbor Islands, plus several mainland and international locations. The performance stage showcases two full days of Musicians, Singers, Dancers, and Storytellers. Cultural History Trolley Tours, Student Art Displays, Art Demonstrations and Children's Art Activities are all additional favorites on this special weekend - Saturday, July 19, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, July 20, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., 2008, in Historic Haleʻiwa Town on the North Shore of Oahu. Admission, parking and all activities are free of charge.

Kapalua Wine and Food Festival
On June 26, 2008 Kapalua Wine and Food Festival, the longest-running and most prestigious festival of its kind in Hawaii, celebrates 27 years of fine food and wine with a four-day culinary extravaganza!

Inspired by innovation and excellence, the 27th annual Kapalua Wine and Food Festival explores some the most exciting trends in the gastronomic world.

Festival host Fred Dame, Master Sommelier brings together world-renowned winemakers, top master sommeliers, celebrated chefs and industry insiders in fun, themed tastings, seminars, and gala evening events. Cooking demonstrations, wine tasting seminars and winemaker dinners are but a few of the highlights of this trend setting event.

Makawao Rodeo
The largest rodeo of the year in Hawaii takes place each year on the 4th of July. With more than 350 cowboys from all over the world, the rodeo livens up Oskie Rice Rodeo Arena, a mile above Makawao town, on Olinda Road at Kaanaolo Ranch on Maui. This Hawaiian style rodeo, with rough stock and roping events, features rodeo clowns. Before and after the rodeo, enjoy live entertainment and country western dancing.

Prince Lot Hula Festival
The Prince Lot Hula Festival is held annually on the third Saturday of July at the Moanalua Gardens in Honolulu, Oʻahu. The festival is named after Prince Lot, who reigned as King Kamehameha V from 1863 to 1872 in Hawaii. Noted for his energy, perseverance, and strength of will, he promoted the resurgence and preservation of Hawaiian culture in the face of Western criticism.

In keeping with Prince Lot's resolve to perpetuate his culture, MGF started, and continues to produce the annual Prince Lot Hula Festival, considered to be the largest and oldest non-competitive hula event in the islands.

Ukulele Festival Hawaii
Held annually July at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand in Waikiki, the Ukulele Festival attracts thousands of residents and visitors to a free two-hour concert that showcases many of the finest ukulele players in the world, along with Hawaii's top entertainers, national celebrities, and an ukulele orchestra of more than 800 children.

August

Aloha Festivals
Aloha Festivals is Hawaii's premier cultural showcase, a celebration of Hawaii's music, dance and history intended to preserve the unique island traditions. They are not only Hawaii's largest festival, but also America's only statewide multicultural celebration. The festivals run from August through October.

Made in Hawaii Festival
Scheduled for August 15-17, 2008 at the Neal Blaisdell Center in Honolulu, the "Made in Hawaii Festival" features a dazzling array of hot, new finds and old favorites of made-in-Hawaii merchandise from some 400 exhibitors representing Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, and the Big Island. Products include apparel, arts & crafts, bath and body products, books, flowers, gourmet food and wine, hats, home accessories, handcrafted jewelry, lau hala (woven Pandanus leaves) wares, porcelain and pottery, stationery, tabletop fountains, tropical plants and produce, woodwork, and works of art.

Maui Onion Festival
The annual Maui Onion Festival will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Special promotions and pre-event festivities begin Friday, August 15.

Activities include chef demonstrations with samples for the audience by D. K. Kodama of Sansei Restaurants – Cane and Taro, James McDonald of Pacific ʻO and IʻO, Russell Siu of 3660 on the Rise, Fred DeAngelo of Ola’s at Turtle Bay Resort and David Paul; popular keiki and adult 'raw' Maui Onion eating contests and Hula and Tahitian dance performances.

Beach Lawn Stage schedule of activities start at 10 am with a Magic Show by Kenn Serrano, followed by a 'talk story' session with Maui Onion Growers about the history and cultivation of the famous Maui onion and the secret behind the Maui onion’s sweetness, fresh Hawaiian smoothie demonstration for keiki with TV celebrity Chef Cutty Cutler, Taiko Drum performance, Air Force Band of the Pacific performance and sunset jazz session.

Parker Ranch Rodeo
This exciting annual two-day event will take place Saturday, August30 and Sunday, August 31, 2008 at the Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena in Waimea. The rodeo is a fundraiser to provide scholarships for school-age children of Parker Ranch employees.

As all of Hawaii celebrates the "Year of the Paniolo," this rodeo tradition at Parker Ranch is highly anticipated with loads of family-style fun. Ticket purchases in advance at the Parker Ranch Store (808-885-5669) or at the gate. Children 10 & under free. Noon start time each day.

January/February Festivals - March/April Festivals - May/June Festivals
July/August Festivals - September/October Festivals - November/December Festivals

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