Calendar of Events

As with any schedule of upcoming events, the following information is subject to change; always confirm the details before you plan your schedule around an event. For an updated calendar, go to www.visit-oahu.com.

January

Rockstar Games Pipeline Pro 2008, Banzai Pipeline, North Shore, Oahu. Competition is judged on the best wave selection and maneuvers on the wave. Call tel. 732/528-0621; www.usbatour.org. Early January.

Sony Open, Waialae Country Club, Oahu. A $1.2-million PGA golf event featuring the top men in golf. Call tel. 808/792-9300. January 7-13, 2008.

Pacific Islands Arts Festival at Thomas Square, across from Honolulu Academy of the Arts, Honolulu, Oahu. Over 100 artists and handcraft artists, entertainment, food, and demonstrations fill the day. Admission is free. Call tel. 808/696-6717. Mid-January.

Ala Wai Challenge, Ala Wai Park, Waikiki, Oahu. This all-day event features ancient Hawaiian games, like ulu maika (bowling a round stone through pegs), oo ihe (spear throwing at an upright target), huki kaula (tug of war), and a 1/4-mile outrigger canoe race. It's also a great place to hear Hawaiian music. Call tel. 808/923-1802; www.waikikicommunitycenter.org. Last weekend in January.

Hula Bowl Football All-Star Classic, Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Oahu. An annual all-star football classic featuring America's top college players. Call tel. 800-971-1232; www.hulabowlhawaii.com. Ticket orders are processed beginning April 1 for the next year's game. Mid- to late January.

February

NFL Pro Bowl, Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Oahu. The National Football League's best pro players square off in this annual gridiron all-star game. Call tel. 212/450-2000 or 808/486-9555; www.nfl.com. Early Feb (a week after the Super Bowl).

Chinese New Year, Honolulu, Oahu. Chinatown rolls out the red carpet for this important event with traditional lion dances, food celebrations, and other cultural events. Call tel. 808/533-3181 for details. February 7, 2008, starts the year of the rat and Jan. 26, 2009 ushers in the year of the ox.

Narcissus Festival, Honolulu, Oahu. Taking place around the Chinese New Year, this cultural festival includes a queen's pageant, cooking demonstrations, and a cultural fair. Call tel. 808/533-3181 for details.

Sand Castle Building Contest, Kailua Beach Park, Oahu. Students from the University of Hawaii School of Architecture compete against professional architects to see who can build the best, most unusual, and most outrageous sand sculpture. Call tel. 808/956-3518.

Punahou School Carnival, Punahou School, Honolulu. This event has everything you can imagine in a school carnival, from high-speed rides to homemade jellies. All proceeds go to scholarship funds for Hawaii's most prestigious high school. Call tel. 808/944-5753. Early to mid-February.

The Great Aloha Run, Oahu. Thousands run 8.25 miles from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium. Call tel. 808/528-7388. Presidents' Day (3rd Mon in Feb).

Buffalo's Big Board Classic, Makaha Beach, Oahu. This contest involves traditional Hawaiian surfing, long boarding, and canoe-surfing. Call tel. 808/951-7877. February or March.

March

Hawaii Challenge International Sportkite Championship, Kapiolani Park. The longest-running sportkite competition in the world attracts top kite pilots from around the globe. Call tel. 808/735-9059. First weekend in March.

Daylight saving time begins on the mainland, but not in Hawaii, on the second Sunday in March and reverts to standard time on the first Sunday in November. Hawaii is 3 hours behind Pacific Time and 6 hours behind the East Coast.

Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, Waikiki (Fort DeRussy to Kapiolani Park), Oahu. Bagpipers, bands, clowns, and marching groups parade through the heart of Waikiki, with lots of Irish-style celebrating all day. Call tel. 808/536-4612 (O'Toole's Pub). March 17.

Prince Kuhio Celebration. This event commemorates the birth of Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, born March 26, 1871. He might have been one of Hawaii's kings if the Hawaiian monarchy had not been overthrown. After Hawaii's annexation to the United States, Prince Kuhio was elected to Congress (1902). Ceremonies are held at the Prince Kuhio Federal Building, Kuhio Beach in Waikiki, and other locations throughout Oahu. Check the local newspapers for details. March 26.

Kamehameha Schools Song Contest, Neal Blaisdell Center, Honolulu. For more than three-quarters of a century, Hawaii's top Hawaiian school has conducted this traditional Hawaiian chorale contest in March. For specific dates, call tel. 808/842-8338.

Annual Easter Sunrise Service, National Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl Crater, Honolulu. For a century, people have gathered at this famous cemetery for Easter sunrise services. Call tel. 808/566-1430. March 23, 2008 and April 12, 2009.

April

Buddha Day, at various Buddhist missions throughout the island. Some Buddhist missions have a flower pageant honoring the birth of Buddha. Call tel. 808/595-2144. April 6.

Hawaiian Slack Key Concert, Honolulu Academy of Arts, Honolulu. A great opportunity to listen to this traditional form of music. The date of the concert varies from year to year; call tel. 808/532-8701 for details.

Honolulu International Bed Race Festival, Honolulu. This popular fundraising event allows visitors a small taste of Honolulu, with food booths sponsored by local restaurants, live entertainment, a keiki (children's) carnival with games and rides, and a race through the streets of Honolulu with runners pushing beds to raise money for local charities. Call tel. 808/696-2424. Mid-April.

May

Annual Lei Day Celebration. May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii, celebrated with lei-making contests, pageantry, arts and crafts, and a concert at the Waikiki Shell. Call tel. 808/692-5118; www.honolulu.gov/parks/programs/leiday/index1.htm. May 1.

World Fire-Knife Dance Championships and Samoan Festival, Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie, Oahu. Junior and adult fire-knife dancers from around the world converge on the center for one of the most amazing performances you'll ever see. Authentic Samoan food and cultural festivities round out the fun. Call tel. 808/293-3333; www.polynesianculturalcenter.com. Mid-May.

Outrigger Canoe Season, all islands. From May to September, nearly every weekend, canoe paddlers across the state participate in outrigger canoe races. Contact tel. 808/261-6615 or www.y2kanu.com for this year's schedule of events.

Shinnyo-en Hawaii Temple Floating Lanterns Festival, Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park. A ceremonial floating of some 700 lanterns takes place at sunset, representing an appeal for peace and harmony. Hula and music follow. Call tel. 808/947-2814; www.lanternfloatinghawaii.com. Memorial Day weekend.

Memorial Day, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl, Honolulu. The Armed Forces hold a ceremony recognizing those who died for their country, beginning at 9am. Call tel. 808/532-3720. Memorial Day.

June

King Kamehameha Celebration, a state holiday with a massive floral parade, hoolaulea (party), and much more. Call tel. 808/586-0333; www.Hawaii.gov/dags/kkcc. First weekend in June, closest to June 11.

King Kamehameha Hula Competition, Neal Blaisdell Center, Honolulu. One of the top hula competitions with dancers from as far away as Japan. Call tel. 808/586-0333; www.Hawaii.gov/dags/kkcc. Third weekend in June.

The Flavors of Honolulu, Civic Center Grounds, Honolulu. Formerly known as The Tastes of Honolulu, Hawaii's premier outdoor food festival features small samples from 25 restaurants, entertainment, beer and wine tasting, cooking demos, a gourmet marketplace, and children's activities. Proceeds go to Abilities Unlimited. Call tel. 808/532-2115; www.abilitiesunlimitedhi.org. End of June.

July

Fourth of July Fireworks, Desiderio and Sills Field, Schofield Barracks, Oahu. A free, day-long celebration, with entertainment, food, and games, it ends with a spectacular fireworks show. Call tel. 808/655-0110.

Walter J. McFarlane Regatta and Surf Race, Waikiki. The outrigger canoe regatta features 30 events. Call tel. 808/923-1585 or 808/261-6615; www.y2kanu.com. July 4.

Prince Lot Hula Festival, Moanalua Gardens, Honolulu, Oahu. Authentic ancient and modern hula, as well as demonstrations and arts and crafts, are some of the things you'll encounter at this festival. It's a good alternative to April's better-known (and much more crowded) Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. Call tel. 808/839-5334; www.mgs-hawaii.org. July 19, 2008.

Ukulele Festival, Kapiolani Park Bandstand, Waikiki, Oahu. This free concert features a ukulele orchestra of some 600 students (ages 4-92). Hawaii's top musicians all pitch in. Call tel. 808/732-3739; www.roysakuma.net. Late July.

Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula Competition, Neal Blaisdell Center, Honolulu, Oahu. More than 500 keiki representing 22 halau (hula schools) from the islands compete in this dance fest. The event is broadcast a week later on KITV-TV. Call tel. 808/521-6905. Late July.

Hawaii State Farm Fair, Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Oahu. The annual state fair is a great one: It features displays of Hawaiian agricultural products (including orchids), educational and cultural exhibits, entertainment, and local-style food. Call tel. 808/682-5767; www.ekfernandez.com. Late July or early August.

TransPac Race. This international yacht race is held during July in odd-numbered years only (2007, 2009, and so on). Sailors from the United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Hawaii race from Long Beach to Honolulu, then participate in a series of races around the state. For information, call tel. 808/944-9666; www.transpacificyc.org.

Quiksilver Molokai-to-Oahu Paddleboard Race starts on Molokai and finishes on Oahu. Some 70 international participants journey to Molokai to compete in this 32-mile competition, the world championship of long-distance paddleboard racing. Race begins at Kaluakoi Beach on Molokai at 7:30am and finishes at Maunaloa Bay, Oahu, around 12:30pm. Call tel. 808/638-8208. Mid- to late July.

August

Hawaii International Jazz Festival, The Hawaii Theatre, Honolulu, Oahu. This festival includes evening concerts and daily jam sessions plus scholarship giveaways, the University of Southern California jazz band, and many popular jazz and blues artists. Call tel. 808/941-9974; www.hawaiijazz.com. Early August or late July.

Duke's Ocean Fest Ho'olaule'a, Waikiki. Nine days of water-oriented competitions and festivities celebrating the life of Duke Kahanamoku. Events include the Hawaii Paddleboard Championship, the Pro Surf Longboard Contest, the International Tandem Surfing Championship, the Corona Extra Duke Volleyball Classic, a Surf Polo tournament, and a Hawaiian Luau ($60 at the door). Call tel. 808/545-4880; www.dukefoundation.org. Mid-August.

Admissions Day. Hawaii became the 50th state on August 21, 1959. The state takes a holiday (all state-related facilities are closed) on the third Friday in August.

Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festival Gabby Style, Queen Kapiolani Park Bandstand, Honolulu. The best of Hawaii's folk music -- slack-key guitar -- performed by the best musicians in Hawaii. Noon to 6pm and absolutely free. Contact tel. 808/226-2697; www.slackkeyfestival.com. Third Sunday in August.

September

Waikiki Rough-Water Swim. This popular 2.4-mile, open-ocean swim from Sans Souci Beach to Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki takes place on Labor Day. Early registration is encouraged, but they will accept last-minute entries on race day. For information (no phone), www.waikikiroughwaterswim.com.

Aloha Festivals, various sites across Oahu. Parades and other events celebrate Hawaiian culture. Contact tel. 800/852-7690 or 808/545-1771; or www.alohafestivals.com for a schedule of events.

Na Wahine O Ke Kai. This invitational, 41-mile, open-ocean Hawaii outrigger canoe race from Hale O Lono, Molokai, to Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Waikiki, attracts international teams. For information, contact tel. 808/259-7112; www.nawahineokekai.com. Mid-September.

October

31st Intertribal Powwow, Thomas Square, in downtown Honolulu. Participate in a variety of activities, hosted by the American Indian Pow-Wow Association and highlighting Native American culture. Food booths, arts and crafts, entertainment, and displays. Call tel. 808/235-4670 or 808/953-0383. Early October.

Molokai Hoe, Molokai to Oahu. The course of this men's 40.8-mile outrigger race runs across the channel from Molokai to finish at Fort DeRussy Beach in Waikiki. Call tel. 808/259-7112; www.molokai-hawaii.com. Mid-October.

Hana Ho'ohiwahiwa O Ka'ilulani. The Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel commemorates the birthday of its namesake, Princess Victoria Ka'iulani, with a week of special activities: complimentary hula lessons, lei-making, ukulele lessons, and more. The crowning touch is the Princess Ka'iulani Keiki Hula Festival, showcasing performances by over 200 keiki from halau on the island of Oahu. Admission is free. Call tel. 808/931-4524. Mid-October.

November

Daylight saving time ends on the mainland, but not in Hawaii (which does not go on daylight saving time). Hawaii will be 2 hours behind the Pacific coast and 5 hours behind the Atlantic coast. First Sunday in November.

Hawaii International Film Festival, various locations throughout the state. A cinema festival with a cross-cultural spin featuring filmmakers from Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the United States. Call tel. 808/528-FILM; www.hiff.org. First 2 weeks in November.

World Invitational Hula Festival, Waikiki Shell. Competitors from all over the world dance for the prizes. Contact tel. 808/591-2211 (then 0); www.worldhula.com. Early to mid-November.

Triple Crown of Surfing, North Shore. The world's top professional surfers compete in six events for more than $1 million in prize money. Contact tel. 808/739-3965; www.triplecrownofsurfing.com. Held between mid-November and mid-December, conditions prevailing.

December

Christmas Boat Parade, Ala Wai Canal to the Aloha Tower. Sponsored by the Hawaii Yacht Club, boats are decked out for the holidays and participants toss candy to the crowds. tel. 808/944-9666; www.hawaiiyachtclub.org. First Sunday of December.

Honolulu Marathon, Honolulu. One of the largest marathons in the world, with more than 30,000 competitors. Call tel. 808/734-7200; www.honolulumarathon.org. Second Sunday in December.

Holiday Gift Fair, Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Great place for your Christmas shopping with more than 300 vendors featuring handcrafted clothing, jewelry, Hawaiian products, toys, artwork, plants, and more. Call tel. 808/623-4050. Mid-December.

Festival of Trees, Honolulu, Oahu. This downtown display of one-of-a-kind decorated trees, wreaths, and decorations benefits Queen's Medical Center. Call tel. 808/667-9194; www.visitlahaina.com. The lighting takes place the first or second week of December.

Aloha Bowl, Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Oahu. A Pac-10 team plays a Big-12 team in this nationally televised collegiate football classic. Call tel. 808/483-2500. Christmas Day.

Rainbow Classic, University of Hawaii, Manoa Valley, Oahu. Eight of the best NCAA basketball teams compete at the Special Events Arena. Call tel. 808/956-7523. The week after Christmas.