Maui Special Events

April 2-4, 2010 - CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS
This three-day festival held at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua celebrates the rich heritage and culture of native Hawaiians from the past, through present and into the future. It's a unique opportunity to experience the authenticity of "Hawaiian heart and soul" through seminars, art, music and special shows.
April 24, 2010 - 18TH ANNUAL EAST MAUI TARO FESTIVAL
This Hawaiian cultural event focuses on Kalo, Taro, the staple food of Hawai'i. All-day festival features local musicians, hula halau, 20 food booths, each featuring a kalo dish, Arts & Crafts, Info Tent and the Ag Tent with a popular Farmers Market; hands-on poi-pounding is a highlight for visitors and locals alike. Free Admission.

May 1, 2010 - WHALERS VILLAGE MAUI ONION FESTIVAL
Whalers Village, 2435 Ka'anapali Pkwy, Lahaina. Whalers Village Fine Shops & Restaurants will host its signature event, the Maui Onion Festival, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. The event is free.

June 16 - 20, 2010 - MAUI FILM FESTIVAL AT WAILEA
Wailea Resort. World-class culinary arts events, filmmakers panels, A-List tributes and private parties are heading Wailea's way as the 11th annual Maui Film Festival at Wailea brings its five-day-long under-the-stars 'Cirque du Cinema' to the Wailea Resort from June 16th thru June 20th to entertain, enlighten and empower both residents and island visitors. 

Sept. 17 - 19, 2010 - MAUI MARATHON & MAUI HALF MARATHON

Kauai Special Events

April 17, 2010 - 8TH ANNUAL KAUAI UKULELE FESTIVAL
The Kukui Grove Center is home to the annual Kauai Ukulele Festival and is truly the gathering place for the Garden Isle.
Set amongst the Ha`upu mountain range, which some say is the most beautiful on Kauai. Its tropical and central location on 35 acres allows both local residents, and visiting guests to enjoy a unique and comfortable shopping experience and cultural traditions through music, dance and events.

May 1, 2010 - KAUAI MUSEUM 30TH ANNUAL MAY DAY LEI FESTIVAL
Celebrating innovative interpretations by today’s lei makers, the Museum will open its doors for viewing of lei entered in the annual at 11am until 3pm. The Museum, in addition to the lei contest, has activities on the lawn beginning at 10:30am. There are lei demonstrations and lei for sale

June 6, 2010 – TASTE OF HAWAII
Smith’s Tropical Paradise.  Dubbed the “Ultimate Sunday Brunch,” Taste of Hawaii is an extraordinary, upscale culinary garden party held at Smith’s Tropical Paradise in Wailua. Enjoy food prepared by Hawaii’s chefs, imbibe at numerous beverage stations (beer, fine wines, water, soft drinks, coffee, and specialty coffee drinks and smoothies), and enjoy live entertainment all day. Voted “Best Community Event” on Kauai for four years running, the event is also a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Kapa‘a. For more information, visit TasteOfHawaii.com.

July 4, 2010 – CONCERT IN THE SKY
Vidinha Soccer Field. 20th Annual Concert in the Sky! This annual Independence Day fundraiser for Kaua`i Hospice offers the largest aerial fireworks show on Kaua`i, family fun and games, and great food from top hotels and restaurants. Gates open at 4:00 pm with continuous live entertainment. Vidinha Soccer Field in Lihue.

July 17, - July 25, 2010 - 26TH ANNUAL KOLOA PLANTATION DAYS FESTIVAL
Various locations. Held in the area where Hawaii’s first sugar plantation was founded in 1835, Koloa Plantation Days comprises a lively, family-oriented slate of events that showcase the area’s social history, its natural history, and its diverse cultural traditions. In addition, numerous events allow attendees to enjoy the sports activities and entertainment available at the gracious resorts in the Poipu and Koloa area. Most events are outdoors and free of charge. Koloa Plantation Days also celebrates the present-day vitality of Koloa and Poipu, a major visitor destination on Kauai. Resorts and businesses welcome people to play golf, miniature golf, and tennis. Everyone can also watch the softball teams from the resorts play a two-day tournament or watch top rodeo competitors from the state and mainland

July 31, and Aug. 1, 2010 - HEIVA I KAUAI IA ORANA TAHITI 2010
Announcing the 9th annual Heiva I Kauai Iaorana Tahiti, July 31 and August 1, 2010 at Kapaa Beach Park, 4-1464 Kuhio Highway, Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii. This event is an international Tahitian dance and drumming competition with solo and group performances. The event will also feature multi-cultural exhibition dancing, singing and crafts. Vendors will have an array of items from south and western Pacific islands for sale.. Tahitian dance and drumming workshops, Polynesian arts & crafts and island foods for sale, silent auction, and more. Gates open 10am, daily admission $5, children 6 and under free

Oct. 2 – Oct. 3, 2010 - 14TH ANNUAL COCONUT FESTIVAL
Kapaa Beach Park. This annual event highlights the cultural, social, and historical importance of the coconut. There is something for everyone at the festival with entertainment, cultural displays, cooking demonstrations, and unique coconut foods. Kapaa Beach Park (next to the Library), Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Oct. 9, 2010 - EO E EMALANI I ALAKA'I FESTIVAL
Kokee State Park. Commemorative gathering to honor Queen Emma, who traveled to Kokee in 1871. Live Hawaiian music and craft demonstrations and sales. Queen arrives at noon, halau to dance hula throughout the afternoon. Free! Starting at 10 a.m. Kokee State Park. Each year, kumu hula (Hula masters) and their dancers honor Hawai‘i’s beloved Queen Emma with inspiring performances that make for a truly authentic and powerful Hawaiian cultural experience. Queen Emma made many contributions to her people and the land, and this event pays tribute to her humanitarian spirit. For more information, visit Kokee.org

Nov. 14, 2010 - ANNUAL GARDEN ISLAND RANGE & FOOD FESTIVAL