August 2009 Arts & Cultural Events Across Hawaii

If you’re headed to Hawaii this August, consider attending some of these events to learn more about Hawaiian and Polynesian culture and arts.

HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND

Hawaii’s World Heritage Festival (August 15 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.) – Hawaii’s World Heritage Festival showcases the tapestry of people and cultures who have come to Hawai‘i.  Featuring dancing, music, demonstrations, fashion, arts, crafts, food and products from around the world.  A colorful, international event celebrating Hawai‘i’s 50^th anniversary of Statehood.  Mo‘oheau Park and Bandstand on the bayfront in Hilo.  Free!  Call (808) 933-9772 or visit www.poshfestivals.com.

Establishment Day Hawaiian Festival (August 15 – 16) –

The annual cultural festival held at the Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historical Site, this event features a royal court procession and hula early Saturday morning as well as arts, crafts and cultural exhibits throughout the weekend.  PNHP is located about a mile south of Kawaihae on the Kohala Coast.  Call (808) 882-7218 or visit www.nps.gov.puhe.

Hawaii Island Festival (August 29 – September 27) – A month-long celebration of Hawaiian culture and tradition at various venues around Hawai‘i Island.  From music and dance to unique events including the investiture of the Royal Court to the Miss Aloha Nui Pagaent, come explore what makes Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i Island, in particular, such a special place.  For more information , visit www.hawaiiislandfestival.com.

KAUAI

‘Ohana Saturday at Kaua‘i Museum (August 1) – Admission is free for the whole family with special presentations.  Call (808) 245-6931 for more information.

Heiva I Kaua‘i Orana Tahiti (August 1 -2) – The 8^th annual Heiva I Kaua‘i Iaorana Tahiti is an international Tahitian dance competition, taking place with solo and group performances plus traditional and contemporary drumming categories.  Multi-cultural exhibitions with Master Drummer, Heimanu Tehahe and Dance Troup from Tahiti.  Tahitian dance and drumming workshops, Polynesian arts & crafts and island foods for sale, silent auction, and more.  Gates open at 10 a.m.  Kapa‘a Beach Park.  Daily admission $5, children 6 and under free.  Call (808) 822-9447 for more information.

MAUI

Maui Polynesian Tahiti Fete “Heiva I Maui” (August 8 – 10) –11^th annual Tahitian solo and group dance competition, group drumming competition, arts & crafts, food and beverages.  War Memorial Gym, Wailuku.  Call (808) 250-0737.

O‘AHU

“Moonlight Mele” concert series (August 27) – One of the sweetest Hawaiian voices of today, Raiatea Helm will grace the Great Lawn with her incredible talent, and you won’t want to miss it!  In 2006, Raiatea made history as Hawai‘i’s first solo female vocalist ever to receive a Grammy Nomination for her sophomore CD “Sweet and Lovely.”  She will wrap up the Moonlight Mele Summer Series.  Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for Museum Members and 6:00 p.m. for General Admission.  Advance tickets are $15 General; $10 for Bank of Hawai‘i Customers/Employees, Bishop Museum Members, and Military; keiki

3 and under are free.  General tickets purchased the day of the event are $20.  For more information, call (808) 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org.