18th KA HULA PIKO HULA FESTIVAL -
"A celebration of the birth of the hula". There will be a variety of entertainment, Hawaiian Food and hand made crafts by the people of Moloka'i.
At sunset on Memorial Day, over 1000 candle-lit lanterns will be cast afloat from the shores of Ala Moana Beach Park by members and friends of Shinnyo-en Hawaii.
The ceremony is called Toro Nagashi, or Lantern Floating, and it is a time honored Buddhist tradition that is practiced throughout Japan to express respect for ancestors and comfort the spirits of the deceased.
All are invited to take part in this spiritual event, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Pre-activities at 4 p.m.
For further information, please contact Shinnyo-en Hawaii at 947-2814.
Matsuri in Hawai‘i began in 1980 as a cultural exchange between Japan and Hawai‘i. Matsuri creators realized that the number of people traveling from Japan to Hawai‘i was increasing dramatically, and they wanted to ensure that the increased interaction between these two cultures would be both enjoyable and educational. Thus, Pan-Pacific Festival/Matsuri in Hawai‘i was born. In Hawai‘i this special event is called The Pan-Pacific Festival, and in Japan they call the event Matsuri in Hawai‘i. They envisioned Matsuri as a means to enrich the lives of both participating artists and guest audiences, while providing Hawai‘i residents with a rewarding and participatory exposure to traditional Japanese culture. In 1996, the festival expanded to include groups representing many cultures of the Pacific Rim. To
recognize this wider focus, the event name was changed to Pan-Pacific Festival Matsuri in Hawai‘i. Events held during the festival include: Performing Arts Showcase, Pan-Pacific Ho‘olaule‘a, Art & Craft Fair, Annual Pan-Pacific Hula Festival, Kaze (Wind) Festival, Performing Arts Showcase, and Pan-Pacific Matsuri Parade.
WHAT: 21st Annual Taste of Hawaii “The Ultimate Sunday Brunch”
WHERE: Smith’s Tropical Paradise, Wailua, Kauai
WHEN: June 7, 2009
DETAILS: $75 a ticket (available for purchase online and at venue’s throughout Kauai)
50 chefs from restaurants around Hawaii
15+ beverage vendors
10+ musical and entertainment groups
Boutique Auction
Smith’s Tropical Paradise, a stunning 30 acre private park
Hosted by Master Sommelier Fred Dame, this renowned event convenes all-star winemakers and sommeliers, celebrity chefs and connoisseurs from around the world in a series of exceptional wine tastings, festive evening functions and gourmet cooking demonstrations at the spectacular Kapalua Resort. Paid admission.
The Kamehameha Festival takes place in Hilo, Hawaii on June 11, 2009 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Free and open to the public, the Festival features Hawaiian music, chant, dance, crafts, and food. Website at KamehamehaFestival.org.
Dole Park, Lana'i City, 3-10 p.m.
This annual event is sponsored by Destination Lana'i, a day for residents and visitors to enjoy the celebration of the island's pineapple plantation and ranch history. Local food, craft and game booths, local entertainment and live music. Pineapple eating & cooking contests, pineapple cutting & Hawaiian crafting demonstrations. Everyone is invited.
