Add to the List: Things to do in August in Hawaii

Drink sake, go to a Jack Johnson concert, celebrate Duke Kahanamoku’s birthday and sculpt sand castles at the beach this summer.

Summertime in Hawaii is full of outdoor events. This month, here’s where to go to drink sake, attend a Jack Johnson concert, celebrate Duke Kahanamoku’s birthday and sculpt sand castles at the beach. 

Kauai

Heiva I Kauai

August 5–6

In celebration of Tahitian culture, Heiva I Kauai returns for its 16th year. Featuring coconut-husking contests and vendors offering an array of Tahitian gifts, the real draw of this two-day festival is the solo and group Tahitian dance competition, with drum accompaniment by the award-winning Tahitian dance group Te Vai Ura Nui. 6415 Olohena Rd., Kapaa, heivaikauai.com.

Hawaii Sand Festival & Sand Castle Sculpture Contest

August 12

Building a sand castle is a fun way to spend a day at the beach, but this Kauai festival takes sand sculpting to the next level. With the extensive Hanalei Bay shorelines as its venue, everyone is encouraged to participate in this non-for-profit and free event. Hanalei Bay, 4906 Weke Rd., Princeville, hawaiisandcastle.com.

Hawaii Island

 

North Hawaii Hospice Floating Lantern Ceremony

August 27

Take part in a meaningful ceremony which honors and pays respect to loved ones who have passed on. Lanterns will be provided with a suggested donation of $10 and Fairmont Orchid offers complimentary parking. Taiko drumming, chants and prayers precede the lantern floating at sunset. 1 N Kaniku Dr, Puako, northhawaiihospice.org.

Volcano Rain Forest Runs

August 19

Beginning at Cooper Center in the heart of Volcano Village, the Volcano Rain Forest Runs loops through quaint village roads and into a native rain forest. Courses include a half-marathon, 10K, 5K, a keiki (kids) run and a “zero mile run,” which gives every person who steps or rolls across the finish line a medal. 9-4030 Wright Rd, Pahoa, volcanorainforestruns.com.

Oahu

 

Jack Johnson at the Waikiki Shell

August 4–5

Everybody’s favorite surfer slash filmmaker slash environmentalist slash musician will be performing for two nights only at the Waikiki Shell. On tour for the first time in three years, Johnson continues to please audiences with his laid-back acoustic style. All proceeds from the show will go to the Kokua Foundation, which supports environmental education in Hawaii schools and communities. Waikiki Shell, 2805 Monsarrat, Honolulu, ticketmaster.com. 

The Joy of Sake

August 4

Japanese rice wine, or sake, has been a prominent drink in Hawaii since early Japanese immigrants arrived on the Islands. A variety of sake is served all night and will be paired with dishes arranged by participating restaurants such as The Pig & The Lady, Banzai Sushi Bar and Doraku. Hawaii Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, joyofsake.com.

2017 Duke’s Oceanfest

August 19–27

In honor of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, born August 24, 1890 and widely regarded as one of the greatest watermen to ever live, Duke’s Oceanfest hosts sporting events that the Duke personally enjoyed. Beach volleyball, surf polo and longboarding will be just a few competitions held during this eight day ocean-themed festival, however, the most important event will be held on its opening day, the ceremonial lei draping of the Duke Kahanamoku statue in Waikiki. Kuhio Beach, 2453 Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki, dukesoceanfest.com.

Maui

 

Maui Chamber Orchestra & Chorus Presents French Impressions

August 13

Closing its 2016-2017 season, the Maui Chamber Orchestra & Chorus will be performing works composed by French artists Maurice Ravel, Claude Debussy and Gabriel Fauré. A notable performance included on the program is the rarely heard vocal version of Fauré’s work “Pavane”. Castle Theater, One Cameron Way, Kahului, mauiarts.org.

Molokai

Molokai Bowhunters 19th Annual State Tournament

August 19

This competition is hosted and organized by the Molokai Bowhunters Archery Club, whose goal is to promote safety in all aspects of the sport as well as bring families and communities together. The annual shootout will include divisions for all ages, allowing any competitor to take their best shot. Kalae Bow Range, Kualapuu, molokaibowhunters.com.