Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hawaii Challenge International
Sportkite Championship,
Kapi-
olani Park, Oahu. The longest-run-
ning sportkite competition in the
world attracts top kite pilots from
around the globe. Call
&
808/735-
9059.
First weekend in March.
Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade,
Waikiki (Fort DeRussy to Kapi-
olani Park), Oahu. Bagpipers,
bands, clowns, and marching
groups parade through the heart of
Waikiki, with lots of Irish celebrat-
ing all day. Call
&
808/524-0722.
March 17.
Prince Kuhio Celebrations,
all
islands. Various festivals through-
out the state celebrate the birth of
Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, who
was born on March 26, 1871, and
elected to Congress in 1902. Kauai,
his birthplace, stages a huge cele-
bration in Lihue; call
&
808/826-
9272
for details. Molokai also hosts
a daylong celebration; call
&
808/
553-5215
to learn more.
April
Buddha Day,
Lahaina Jodo Mis-
sion, Lahaina, Maui. Each year, this
historic mission holds a flower festi-
val pageant honoring the birth of
Buddha. Call
&
808/661-4303.
First Saturday in April.
Annual Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
Celebration of the Arts,
Ritz-Carl-
ton Kapalua, Maui. Contemporary
and traditional artists give free
hands-on lessons. Call
&
808/669-
6200.
The 4-day festival begins the
Thursday before Easter.
Annual Easter Sunrise Service,
National Cemetery of the Pacific,
Punchbowl Crater, Honolulu,
Oahu. For a century, people have
gathered at this famous cemetery
for Easter sunrise services. Call
&
808/566-1430.
Merrie Monarch Hula Festival,
Hilo, Big Island. Hawaii's biggest
hula festival features 3 nights of
modern
(auana)
and ancient
(kahiko)
dance competition in
honor of King David Kalakaua, the
“Merrie Monarch” who revived the
dance. Tickets sell out by January
30, so reserve early. Call
&
808/
935-9168.
The week after Easter.
David Malo Day,
Lahainaluna
High School, Lahaina, Maui. This
daylong event with hula and other
Hawaiian cultural celebrations
commemorates Hawaii's famous
scholar and ends with a luau. Call
&
808/662-4000.
Mid-April.
Honolulu International Bed Race
Festival,
Honolulu, Oahu. This
popular fund-raiser event allows
visitors a small taste of Honolulu,
with food booths sponsored by local
restaurants, live entertainment, a
keiki
(children's) carnival with
games and rides, and a race through
the streets of Honolulu with run-
ners pushing beds to raise money for
local charities. Call
&
808/696-
2424.
Mid-April.
Ulupalakua Thing! Maui County
Agricultural Trade Show and
Sampling,
Ulupalakua Ranch and
Tedeschi Winery, Ulupalakua,
Maui. The name may be long and
cumbersome, but this event is hot,
hot, hot. It features local product
exhibits, food booths, and live
entertainment. Call
&
808/875-
0457.
Last Saturday in April.
May
Outrigger Canoe Season,
all
islands. From May to September,
nearly every weekend, canoe pad-
dlers across the state participate in
outrigger canoe races. Call
&
808/
261-6615,
or go to www.y2kanu.
com, for this year's schedule of
events.
Annual Lei Day Celebrations,
var-
ious locations on all islands. May
Day is Lei Day in Hawaii, celebrated
