"Stargazing Cruise" (Maui) | Friends and I were driving around the island ridge from Lahaina to Central Maui at night, simply amazed at the clarity of the night's sky. Brilliant bright starts sprinkled across the vast blanket of darkness, with beatiful pillows of stardust pockets hovering above. We wished an astronomer was with us to show us how to connect the constellation dots with the magic of our fingers. I was excited to learn that there are indeed a couple of educational ocean tours that address just this.
The Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) hosts ocean cruises with astronomer Harriet Witt who talks about the night time stars. The cruise includes appetizers, drinks and refreshments and talks. My neighbors rave about Witt, recalling hikes they've done with her, where she instructs folks to lay head back on the sand as she lectures. The PWF boat departs at 8pm on 7/1, 7/10, 8/4, 8/11, 9/8 and at 7:30 on 10/7, 11/5 and 12/4. Adults: $45 and children $40 (10% off online reservations, 20% off for Kamaaina and PWF members). see pacificwhale.org. 808.249-8811x1.
{I love this non-profit organization, the quality of their events and their focus on ecotourism.}
"Full Moon Maui Cruise" | Boat trip beneath the full moon with astronomer Harriet Witt, complete with appetizers, drinks and refreshments. Also led by the Pacific Whale Foundation . Departs from Lahaina Harbor at 8pm on 6/26, 7/26, 8/25; Departs 7:30pm on 9/23, 10/22, 11/20 and 12/22. Adults $50, Children $40 (20% discount for PWF members and Kamaaina rate). Also save 10-25% by booking online. 808.249.8811 x1. Membership only $45 at http://www.pacificwhale.org/.
July 11, 2010
"Hanapepe Art Night" - Every Friday night from 5-9pm. Participating galleries take turn being the weekly "host gallery", and offer original performances or demonstrations which become the theme for that art night. All the galleries are lit up and decked out to give the town some artsy flare. Enjoy a stroll down the streets of quaint, historic Hanapepe Town and hang out local artists, residents and tourists alike.
"Koloa Plantaion Days" – A family festival with local foods, entertainment, craft faire, sports events, parade, and historic walks. July 17-25, 2010 in Koloa and Po’ipu. For more info see: http://www.koloaplantaiondays.com
"Kokua Kailua Village Stroll and Concert" - Historic Kailua Village becomes a festive pedestrian-only walkway and marketplace. Enjoy free music, artists, and merchants for shopping and dining. At 4pm, there is a free Hawaiian music concert on the lawn at Hulihee Palace honoring Hawaiian royalty. Bring your own mat or chair and stroll down Alii Drive. At the Historic Kailua Village, Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, Kauai on: June 13, July 18, Aug 22, Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 21, Dec. 12 2010 from 1:00pm - 6:00pm.
“The Nature of Things” – 100 pieces of nature-inspired abstract art in multi-media by local artists. July 9-29, 2010. Free Admission. Wailoa Arts & Cultural Center, Hilo (for more information on Big Island events see: http://www.bigislandchronicle.com/)
"Obon Festivals" - June through August. Check local papers for Buddhist Temple locations, times and daets of the obon.
"Ukulele Festival" – Their 40th year Anniversary 2 hour concert featuring 800 ukulele students. Free to the public. July 16, 9:30-1:30pm, at Lapiolani Park Bandstand, Waikiki. For more info see http://www.roysakuma.net/ 808.732.3739
"The Hale'iwa Arts Festival" - Thirteenth Annual Summer ArtFest - features Juried Visual Artists, Musicians, Singers, Dancers, Cultural Trolley Tours, Student Art, Art Demonstrations and Children's Art Activities. Saturday, July 17, 10am-6pm, and Sunday, July 18, 10am-5pm, 2010, in Historic Hale'iwa Town on the North Shore of Oahu. Free Admission. arts@HaleiwaArtsFestival.org, 808-637-2277
"Kaimuki Orchid Society Show and Sale" - Went last year and enjoyed the displays. This year it's hled on July 30th - August 1st, 9 am - 5 pm, 2010, at a new location: the Star of the Sea School Cafeteria, 4469 Malia Street- Honolulu, Hawaii 96821. For info contact: labbott@hawaii.rr.com
"Youth Summer Ocean Discovery Camp" (Maui): (One day, multi day or weekly options). Go ahead, drop off the kids (K-5), and enjoy a day off to yourself. The Pacific Whale Foundation sponsors a summer camp where kids can learn about marine life, learn surf/windsurfing, explore tide pools, the beach and aquarium, do science experiments, make arts/crafts, go on field trips, play sports/games, and partake in educational programs. Each week is different so kids can return week after week.
Having been impressed with the kids program onbaord the boat of my PWF snorkel tour to Lanai/Molokni, I have a hunch that the Youth Summer Camp program will be just as solid, fun, educational, fun and interesting for the kids. Pacific Whale Foundation has a solid reputation for putting on a variety of solid programs/outings/events. Camp Rates: $67/day or $56 for members; 5 days: $335 or $280 for members. (Membership to the PWF is tax deductable and only $45, and gives you 20% off events/store purchases/etc.). check online prices for discounts. 808.249.8811 x1. http://www.mauioceancamp.org/
"Kama’aina Golf Rates"
Ewa Beach Golf Club (Oahu): Kama’aina weekday rate: $45 for a round of golf (689.6565)
Waikele Country Club (Oahu): Kama’aina rate for any age, $30 twilite rate, 7 days/week; Senior rates: $40 on M, T, W if 60+ yrs and a Hawaii resident; military rates: $40 M,T,W (676.9000)
Big Island Country Club (Big Island): Kama’aina $45 Mon-Thurs
To book tee times & find local tournaments: http://www.808golf.com/
{see future postings for golf course reviews}
July 4, 2010
"Fourth of July Firework Locations in Hawaii"
(check local listings for updates)
Oahu:
Magic Island 8 p.m.
Kailua Beach Park 8 p.m.
Schofield Barracks 8:30 p.m.
Kaneohe Bayfest - Fireworks: 10:45 p.m.
Maui
Lahaina Town8 p.m.
Wailea 8 p.m. (fronting Four Seasons, Grand Wailea hotels)
Ideas: Oceanfront dinner at David Paul's Island Grill. Picnic on the sand (pack your own, stake out some sand). Dinner cuise $69 via Pacific Whale Foundation, 808.249.8811). Best bet: buy a hot dog from the stand at David Paul's and sit on the Front street wall at 6pm to wait for the 8pm fireworks. Best views, and hot dog proceeds donated by David Paul to Maui County to support the fireworks show.
Kauai
Vidinha Stadium 8:30 p.m.
Big Island
Coconut Island (Hilo) 8:30 p.m.
Kailua Bay Barge approx. 8:30 p.m.
Four Seasons Hotel 8:30 p.m.
King Shops at Waikoloa 8:30 p.m.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel 8:45 p.m.
