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Datebook entries Some holidays you may want to log on your summer calendar:
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By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
In Hawai'i, it's not easy to tell when spring ends and summer begins because the sun bakes us most of the year. OK, we had some temperamental rain recently, but everything considered, summer thrives year-round here.
But we do have a summer, and the clues are on the horizon. The concert calendar becomes a little more cluttered (choices are nice). Fairs start sprouting from asphalt parking lots (there are two annual biggies). The days become longer (more time for water sports and hiking or just lazing in the sun). The nights become warmer (full moon concerts start dotting the agenda). And with school out, clubs start buzzing for the nocturnal scene-sters (be there or be square).
If you're planning a summer trip ... bon voyage. If you're staying home ... help is on the way.
This compilation of 10 fun summer things to do — for daytime diehards and nighttime navigators — may ease your way into the season. We've arbitrarily deemed "summer" as those lazy, hazy, crazy days from Memorial Day until Labor Day in September.
10 hot things to do during the day ...
Fair-weather weekends....
1. Summer means the 50th State Fair and the Hawai'i State Farm Fair. Here's the skinny on both, to be held at the Aloha Stadium parking lot:
50th State Fair — May 24-27, 31, June 1-2, 7-9, 13-16. Hours: 6 p.m.-midnight Fridays; noon-midnight Saturdays, Sundays and May 27 and June 7. A midway of E.K. Fernandez rides and games, food booths, and attractions. New this year: Moto-X Spectacular, with shows at 1, 3, 7 and 11 p.m. daily. Tickets: $3 general; $2 keiki 4-11; free for children under 3; numerous special admission days, too. 682-5767.
Hawai'i State Farm Fair — July 19-21, 26-28, Aug. 2-4. Hours: 6 p.m.-midnight Fridays, Saturdays; noon-midnight Sundays. An exhibit of animals always is a highlight; entertainment daily. Tickets: $3 general; $1.50 children 5-12; free for keiki under 5. 848-2074.
 A parade fit for a king
2. Only in Hawai'i — and because of our monarchic roots — do we parade for a king. The King Kamehameha Floral Parade, with pa'u riders and marching bands, begins at 9:30 a.m. June 8 at the King/Punchbowl streets corner, proceeds past the Kamehameha statue, winds down Punchbowl Street to Ala Moana, and heads for Kalakaua Avenue to wind up at Kapi'olani Park. The day before (June 7), the statue is decorated with long lei. Free. 586-0333. |
Tiny bubbles
3. Ever wonder how and why bubbles are formed?
Now you can find out at Bubblemania, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. June 16 at the Hawai'i Nature Center, 2131 Makiki Heights Drive.
Also learn why bubbles have a role in nature. Bring questions. Sing "Tiny Bubbles" if you wish.
Admission for a parent/child team: $14. 955-0100.
| Take a hike or two...
4. Put on your walking shoes and explore some of Mother Nature's wonders: The Turtle Bay Resort, 57-091 Kamehameha Highway in Kahuku, has devised a handy-dandy trail and ocean guide that entails historic sites from Kawela Bay to Kahuku Point, with shoreline routes, an inland marsh trail, an inland dirt and grass trail, and a roadside route. The paths criss-cross the golf course, horse trails, and vehicular roads, so caution is advised. A newly published color guide details the resort's prime location amid the hiking splendors. 293-8811. Manoa Falls Trails has reopened after a landslide made public access unsafe; and a new viewing area about 40 feet from the falls provides breathtaking vistas. The refurbishing was fueled by the makers of Bruce Willis' "Hostile Rescue" film crew, which will give the site its 15 minutes of fame when Revolution Studios releases the movie later this year or early next. |
A 'Taste' you'll savor
5. "Taste of Honolulu," a benefit for Easter Seals, is your best one-stop dining experience set for June 28-30 on the Honolulu Civic Center grounds. Come armed with an appetite (and some bucks) and go grazing, with restaurants offering snack portions of entrees, salads and desserts, which you purchase with scrip.
There'll be cooking demos, entertainment and — best of all — scents galore. (Sniff out the fare before you indulge).
Hours: 5-10 p.m. June 28, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. June 29, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. June 30. Tickets: $3 general, free for children and seniors 55 or older; scrips are available on site. 536-1015.
 Life in the fest lane
6. In Hawai'i, cultural festivals reflect cultural diversity. Check these out: Mabuhay Festival, June 11-15, various venues. Highlights: grand opening, 10 a.m. June 11, Filipino Community Center, 94-428 Mokuola St., Waipahu; import-export trade expo, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. June 12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 13-14, Filipino Community Center; Filipino Fiesta parade, timetable to be announced, June 15, Ala Moana to Kapi'olani Park; most events free. 680-0451. 23rd Annual Pan-Pacific Festival/Matsuri in Hawai'i, July 7-9, various venues. Highlights: ballroom dances 6:30-7:30 p.m. July 7 at the Pacific Beach Hotel and 6:30-9:30 p.m. June 8 at the Palladium Ballroom, Ala Wai Golf Course; a ho'olaule'a, 6-10 p.m. July 7 on Kalakaua Avenue; Korean and Japanese entertainment, 1:30-4:30 p.m. July 8, Hawai'i Theatre ($12). 926-8711. |
A gathering of uke players
7. The 32nd annual 'Ukulele Festival, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. July 28 at the Kapi'olani Park Bandstand, is a strummer's paradise. Notables such as Ohta-san, Herb Ohta Jr., Keoki Kahumoku, Kilinahe will perform, with Danny Kaleikini as master of ceremonies; a combined 'ukulele band of 800 to 900 strummers is expected, according to organizer Roy Sakuma. Free. 732-3739.
| An eruption at water park
8. Volcano Express — a red-and-orange Plexiglas behemoth, five stories high with a course as long as a football field — makes its splash Memorial Day weekend, opening May 25 at Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, 400 Farrington Highway in Kapolei. Water daredevils will enter this slide head first, then zoom-surf down the course at blistering speed, with volcanic "explosions" and accompanying sound effects. It's the aquatic equivalent of a drag race and your body is the car. There's a clocking device (speed guns, no offensive van cams) that determines the winners. Way cool. Further, the 30-foot volcano crest can "erupt" with 50-foot jets of water. And you thought your power water gun was the ultimate. If you're queasy, there's the Keiki Cove. Tickets: $32.99 ($29.99 kama'aina) general; $21.99 ($19.99), youths 4-11; $14.99, those older than 60; free for children under 3. Annual passes available. 674-WAVE (9283). |
These boats really rock
9. More watery wonders:
Kayak tours, on transparent double kayaks so you can see the reef and the wonders below (turtles, fish), are a summer offering at Waimea Falls Park. It's a 2 1/2-hour guided excursion, from the park's Waimea Stream to Hale'iwa, by reservation only. Cost: $89 ($79 kama'aina). 638-8511.
The 2nd Annual Boat Show & Ocean Expo, a three-day affair May 25-27 at Ko Olina Resort & Marina, boasts day and night events, so take your pick. Attractions include the kickoff at 10 a.m. May 25; an Around O'ahu Sailing Race May 26 and 27; a mammoth evening concert dubbed Kai Mele from 6 p.m. May 25 (featuring Kapena, Ka'ala Boys, Chant, Imua, Honolulu and Sean Na'auao) is a benefit for the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Care Health Center. Admission: boat show free, with $5 parking charge (proceeds to Ko Olina Boy Scout Troop and West Hawai'i Civil Air Patrol); concert, $20 at 808 Wireless, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, or at the door. 254-3474 (hotline), 680-7680 (Ko Olina).
| Keep your eyes on hands
10. Remember that the hands tell the story in hula, at two annual events: The 29th Annual King Kamehameha Hula Competition, June 21-22 at Blaisdell Arena, features competition in male and female groups, combined group, kupuna wahine 'auana and chant divisions. Curtain: 6 p.m. June 21, 1 p.m. June 22. Tickets: $8.50-$20 per day. 536-6540. The 25th Annual Prince Lot Hula Festival, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. July 20 at Moanalua Gardens, features at least 10 halau performing on an earthen mound. The majestic banyans on site seem to do their own hula in the gentle trades, so enjoy them, too. Parking is scarce, so carpool. Free. 839-5334. |
10 cool things to do at night
Shining stars
1. There's nothing like spending a couple of hours with your favorite performer. In person, of course. While blockbusters like the Rolling Stones, Elton John and Celine Dion aren't heading this-a-way, these folks are:
- Wayne Brady, 7:30 p.m. May 24, Hawaii Ballroom, Sheraton Waikiki. Tickets: $35. 526-4400.
- AFI, May 26, 8 p.m., World Cafe. Tickets: $12.50. 526-4400.
- Concrete Blonde, 8 p.m. June 21, World Cafe. Tickets: $30. 526-4400.
- George Winston, 8 p.m. July 14, Hawai'i Theatre. Ticket details to be announced. 528-0506.
- Melissa Etheridge, 7:30 p.m. July 19, Blaisdell Arena. Tickets: $45, $55. 526-4400.
- Hiroshima, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9, Hawai'i Theatre. Ticket details to be announced. 528-0506.
 A midsummer night
2. "Midsummer Night's Gleam," a festival and tranquil stroll through the pathways and flora and fauna of Foster Botanical Garden will be held from 4:30-10 p.m. July 20 at the garden, 180 N. Vineyard Blvd. Candles will glow, crickets may chirp — it's a summery fave. Free, but donations accepted. 522-7064. A related Summer Twilight Concert Series also will be held, 4:30-7 p.m. Thursdays June 13-July 18, with entertainment from 5:45-6:30 p.m. The slate: June 13, Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawai'i; June 20, Royal Hawaiian Band Glee Club; June 27, Lakewood Community Band; July 11, Protea (Hawaiian mixed plate); July 18, Angel Harp Ensemble with butterfly dancer. Free. 522-7064. |
Sizing up the bon fire
3. The traditional reason for a bon dance, or a lantern-floating ritual, is to remember the dead. But while many still carry on the ritual, the younger fans view the summertime festivity as a social event — a chance to don kimono or happi coat, join the circle of dancers, and yes, socialize. One lantern-floating event, from 6 p.m. May 27 at Magic Island, is being staged by Shinnyo-En, and promotes the custom of transporting 1,000 lit lanterns to the sea in memory of the deceased.
Hawai'i's Plantation Village in Waipahu holds an early bon dance, 6-10 p.m. June 8. 677-0110. But the temple circuit, where most visitors and residents flock to, holds one at 7:30 p.m. June 22 at 'Ewa Hongwanji Mission. 681-5222. Dances continue through August.
| Fun for the 4th
4. What's Fourth of July without fireworks? Well, like Christmas without a decorated tree. Happily, there will be aerial dynamics as part of O'ahu's Independence Day celebrations. Two of the biggest: Army's Fourth of July Spectacular — This is an all-day event at Sills Field, Schofield Barracks, but the best stuff happens late in the afternoon and into the night. Like: Tino & the Rhythm Klub, at 4:30 p.m.; Society of Seven Las Vegas, 6 p.m.; "1812 Overture," 7:30 p.m.; flags procession, 7:45 p.m.; fireworks, 8:15 p.m. (half-hour). Daytime activities (run, crafts, food, entertainment) start at 9 a.m. Free. 438-1980, 438-4480. Ala Moana Center's celebration — From 8:30 p.m. July 4, originating from Magic Island, lasting 20 minutes, synchronized to a musical score. Augmented by entertainers to be named. Viewable from heights, Ala Moana Park, Ke'ehi Lagoon, Waikiki and other sectors of the community. 955-9517. |
Local acts will tune up
5. There's a mixed plate of island music and comedy gigs. The ones that matter:
"The Road Runner Tiny Celebration," 6-9 p.m. June 8, Waikiki Shell. Tiny Tadani toasts his "Tiny CD 2" with many of those performing with him: Sistah Robi Kahakalau, The Mana'o Company, Justin, Ernie Cruz Jr., Vaihi, DisGuyz, Tani Lynn Fujimoto, Lehua, Soul Free, Robert & Tiera Kekaula, Sean Na'auao, Ilona Irvine, Dita Holifield, Ellsworth Simeona, Jeff Rasmussen, 808, Believe, Namahana, Jan Brenner and more. Tickets: $20 pool, $18 terrace, $12 lawn. 526-4400.
"Lolo No Ka Oi," 7:30 p.m. June 28, Hawaii Ballroom, Sheraton Waikiki. Da Braddahs, Augie T, Mel Cabang and Booga Booga share the comedy limelight; Lanai Tabura is master of ceremonies. Tickets: $35, $25, $18. 526-4400.
"Ka Himeni Ana," an evening of unamplified Hawaiian singing, 8 p.m. Aug. 10, Hawai'i Theatre. Ticket details to be announced. 528-0506.
Hawaiian Falsetto Contest, with host Frank B. Shaner, 7 p.m. Aug. 17, Hawai'i Theatre. Ticket details to be announced. 528-0506.
| On stage: drama, laughs
6. The play's the thing — and here are some best bets:
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Razzmatazz: all that jazz
7. Jazz in all of its glory and forms takes center stage in the 9th Annual Hawai'i International Jazz Festival at 7 p.m. July 18-19 at Blaisdell Concert Hall. July 18 is Hawaiian Jazz night, with Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Jake Shimabukuro, Keahi Conjugacion, Sam Ahia, Gabe Baltazar, David Choi and others; July 19 is Latin Jazz Night, with Herbie Mann, Alex Han, Eric Marienthal, Gabe Baltazar and the San Diego State University Big Band. (Jam sessions follow concerts, from 10:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. at Brew Moon). Tickets: $40, $35, $20; student tickets, $5 with ID. 591-2211, 526-4400.
| Music under the stars
8. Star light, star bright, which concert will it be tonight? Notable night shows: Aston Full Moon Concerts, a popular concert series, continues at Kapi'iolani Park Bandstand — 6:30 p.m. May 24, Na Kane Nui, Tino & the Rhythm Klub, Baba B, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom; 5:30 p.m. June 9, Kapena. Free. 944-4360. "Wildest Show in Town" isn't really wild, in the true sense of the word, but it is a wildly popular evening pastime for families. It's a hump-day ritual, starting June 5 and continuing every Wednesday through Aug. 28 at Honolulu Zoo. Gates open at 4:35 p.m.; Kapena headlines 6-7 p.m. June 5. Bring your picnic supper, something to sit on, and go wild; visit the inhabitants of the zoo, too, before showtime. Admission: $1 donation. 732-3739, 971-7174. |
A glance at dance
9. Shall we dance? Fill out your cards:
Iona Contemporary Dance Theatre (you used to know it as Iona Pear) unveils a new repertoire at 8 p.m. May 31 at Hawai'i Theatre. Repeats at 8 p.m. June 1 and 4 p.m. June 2. Tickets: $35, $25. 528-0506.
"Ryu No Mai: The Dragon's Dance," featuring classical Okinawan women dancers, 5 p.m. June 22, Hawai'i Theatre. Tickets: $15. 528-0506.
| Night life for clubbers
10. A few night scene options:
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Reach Wayne Harada by e-mail at wharada@honolululadvertiser.com, phone 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.
