MARCH 23-30

FIT FOR A PRINCE

Kaua'i, the birthplace of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole, this year will observe the birthday of its favorite son with a week's worth of festivities March 23-30 (past celebrations have extended only over a weekend). Events include cultural teaching and demonstrations, a guided hike of Makawehi sand dunes (March 23) and a lu'au (March 30) featuring falsetto singer Nicky Castillo. Formal commemorative ceremonies at Kuhio's birthplace, in the park on Lawa'i Road named for him, are 10 a.m. March 29, with events through the day at the Grand Hyatt. Stella Burgess, 808-240-6369; www.poipubeach.org.

APRIL

BLOSSOMS AND BIRTHDAY

Hanamatsuri, the Japanese flower festival held each April, ties together the blooming of cherry blossoms throughout the country and the birthday of Buddha. Special hanamido, "flower rooms" are dressed up in temples, with the infant Enlightened One sitting amid flower arrangements; he is said to have been born in a garden. Offerings are made to assure good fortune. In Tokyo's Asakusa district, there is a children's parade, and processions of children in dress kimono are common. Dances are held in villages throughout the country. Visit www.jnto.go.jp (click on traditional festivals).

JUNE 29-AUG. 24

SEE CANADA BY KAYAK

The Sea Kayak Pageant, from June 29 to Aug. 24, allows kayaking enthusiasts to experience all or part of an eight-week paddling trek along the north shore of Canada's inland sea. The trip begins at the Ontario-Minnesota border along a predominantly undeveloped coastline to Sault Ste. Marie, touching on Thunder Bay, the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area and Pukaskwa National Park. Organized by the Paddling Ontario Alliance and Naturally Superior Adventures, the fully guided and outfitted adventure for intermediate paddlers can be taken in one-week segments from $1,695 per week. 705-761-9861; www.paddlingontario.com.