Summer Festivals in Hawaii

If you happen to be in Hawaii this summer (and who wouldn't like to be?) or you are lucky enough to call the Aloha State home, some of the most unique festivals in the United States are held in the island chain. With offerings of all of the things that we land-bound Americans believe make Hawaii so special and seem so exotic, these amazingly unique festivals are worth making plans for this year.

The World Fireknife Dance Competition is held this year from May 16 - 19 on the North Shore of Oahu, Laie, Hawaii. The Polynesian Cultural Centers hosts the event, which brings fireknife dancers from all over the world to the islands for four days of competition and performance. The Fireknife Dance Competitions takes place as part of the Samoa Festial, which also includes such events as a High School Arts festival day, with high school students from around the island competing in performing and visual art challenges.

Besides a unique dancing contest, Hawaii also brings its distinctive culture to the forefront with Dolphin Days. Benefitting the Hawaii Shriner's Hospital for Children, as well as the Pacific Marine Life Foundation, Dolphin Days features a charity gold tournament, silent auctions, a luau, dolphin-watching, and the Great Waikoloa Food, Wine and Music Festival, considered Hawaii's top food and wine fest. Many of Hawaii's most respected chefs prepare top notch specialties, and the wine flows plentiful, while musicians perform jazz for the fest's visitors all outside beneath the stars. The event is held this year from July 14 - 16, 2007 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. To get more information on this event, see http://www.dolphindays.com/dolphin-days/index_flash.asp

It's all about the crafts at The Original Creative Festival in Honolulu, taking place on August 3^rd - 5^th. Held at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, The Original Creative Festival brings workshops galore to the state, with sessions on embroidery, quilting, needlework, appliqué, fabric, and more. With hundreds of displays and exhibits, with merchandise and information for all crafty people, from amateur to professional crafters, this fest brings well-known designers and teachers to demonstrate their techniques to an eager audience. Once inside, most events are free to attendees. Find out more about this outstanding crafting event at http://www.pcmexpo.com/dyn_events.asp?area=Events

Kicking off the series of Aloha Festivals across the island chain, the Aloha Festival in Hilo, going on from August 25^th through September 30^th, highlights the culture and heritage of the Hawaiian islands. Talent, beauty, and falsetto contests honor the gifts and beauty of the natives, and parades, games, arts and crafts, merchandise, and entertainment are offered for all visitors. When the festival leaves Hilo, it continues on to Molokai. If you plan correctly, you could end up celebrating in Hawaii all autumn long. For more information on this incredible state-wide event, check out the website at http://alohafestivals.com/v3/index.jsp

If you are spending some of your summer vacation in Hawaii, make a great time even better by checking out one of these fun festivals.