Oahu in Depth - Honolulu, Waikiki and Oahu - page 69

the Pro Surf Longboard Contest, the International Tandem Surfing Championship, the Corona Ex-
tra Duke Volleyball Classic, a Surf Polo Tournament, and a Hawaiian luau (the luau is $60 at the
door). Call & 808/545-4880 or go to www.dukefoundation.org . Mid-August.
Admissions Day. Hawaii became the 50th state on August 21, 1959. On the third Friday in
August, the state takes a holiday (all state-related facilities are closed).
Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festival Gabby Style, Queen Kapiolani Park Bandstand, Waikiki. The
best of Hawaii's folk music—slack-key guitar—performed by the best musicians in Hawaii. It takes
place from noon to 6pm and is absolutely free. Call & 808/226-2697 or go to
www.slackkeyfestival.com . Third Sunday in August.
SEPTEMBER
Aloha Festivals, various locations. Parades and other events celebrate Hawaiian culture and
friendliness throughout the state. Call & 808/589-1771 or go to www.alohafestivals.com .
OCTOBER
Hana Hoohiwahiwa O Kaiulani, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Waikiki. This hotel commemorates
the birthday of its namesake, Princess Victoria Kaiulani, with a week of special activities: compli-
mentary hula lessons, lei-making, ukulele lessons, and more. The crowning touch is the Princess
Kaiulani Keiki Hula Festival, which showcases performances by more than 200 keiki from halau
on the island of Oahu. Admission is free. Call & 808/922-5811. Late October.
Hawaii International Film Festival, various locations throughout the state. This cinema festival with
a cross-cultural spin features filmmakers from Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the United States.
Call & 808/550-8457 or go to www.hif.org . First 2 weeks in November.
NOVEMBER
Triple Crown of Surfing, North Shore. The world's top professional surfers compete in events for
more than $1 million in prize money. Go to www.triplecrownofsuring.com . Held between mid-
November and mid-December, whenever conditions are best.
DECEMBER
Festival of Lights, Honolulu Hale, Honolulu. The mayor throws the switch to light up the 40-foot-
tall Norfolk pine and other trees in front of Honolulu Hale. Call & 808/768-4385 or go to
www.hawaiiforvisitors.com . Early December.
Honolulu Marathon, Honolulu. This is one of the largest marathons in the world, with more than
30,000 competitors. Call & 808/734-7200 or go to www.honolulumarathon.org . Second
Sunday in December.
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, Aloha Stadium, Honolulu. A Pac 10 team plays a Big 12 team in this na-
tionally televised collegiate football classic. Call & 808/483-2500. Christmas Eve day.