http://kauaifestivals.com/feed.xmlKauai Festivals2012-05-17T11:15:01ZKauai FestivalsXML::Atom::SimpleFeedhttp://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/hawaii_state_jr_wrangler_rodeo_finals.htmlHawaii State Jr. Wrangler Rodeo FinalsFriday, May 18th 2012Friday, May 18th 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3554.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> Children from Kauai, Maui, Big Island, Molokai Oahu that are in the 6th, 7th and 8th grade be will be competing in Hawaii State Jr. Rodeo finals. Events include Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Goat Typing, Pole Bending, Steer Riding, etc. DETAILS: Hawaii State Jr. Wrangler Rodeo Finals Location: CJM Country Stables Date: Friday, May 18th 2012 Time: 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/zonta_club_of_hanalei_annual__luxury_ladies_spa_day_.htmlZonta Club of Hanalei Annual Luxury Ladies Spa Day Saturday, May 19th 2012Saturday, May 19th 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3430.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> 1 day event of pampering in an exclusive North Shore estate-includes massage, facials, yoga, flower arranging, art classes, water exercise, Pilates, Zumba, silent auction and more-also includes a catered gourmet lunch- limited to 50 day passes. DETAILS: Zonta Club of Hanalei Annual Luxury Ladies Spa Day Location: Kalihiwai Ridge Date: Saturday, May 19th 2012 Time: 09:30 AM - 04:00 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/kanuikapono_presents_prince_humehume_heir_to_the_kingdom_of_kauai__2308.htmlKanuikapono presents Prince Humehume Heir to the Kingdom of Kauai Saturday, May 19th 2012Saturday, May 19th 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3564.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> Learn the true story of Kauai through the eyes of Prince George Humehume Kaumuali'i. DETAILS: Kanuikapono presents Prince Humehume Heir to the Kingdom of Kauai Location: Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center Date: Saturday, May 19th 2012 Time: 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/paint_our_garden.htmlPaint Our GardenSunday, May 20th 2012Sunday, May 20th 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3563.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> Choose from one of three art classes to participate in and/or watch two professional artists plein air paint on site. Watercolor Landscapes with Patrice Pendarvis: All materials are included and beginners are welcome. $50. Limit of eight students. To register, call Patrice at (808) 635-2930. www.patricependarvis.com Painting Exotic Tropical Flowers in Watercolor with Marionette: All materials are included and beginners are welcome. $40. Limit of eight students. To register, call Marionette at (808) 631-9173. www.kauaiartclasses.blogspot.com Plein Air Oil Painting with Dawn Lundquist: All materials are included and beginners are welcome. $57. Limit of seven students. To register, call Dawn at (808) 635-2785. www.lundquiststudios.com Plus, Live Plein Air Painting on site with watercolorist, Emily Miller and pastel artist, Helen Turner! DETAILS: Paint Our Garden Location: National Tropical Botanical Garden Southshore Visitor Center Date: Sunday, May 20th 2012 Time: 10:30 AM - 01:30 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/paint_our_garden_2317.htmlPaint our GardenSunday, May 20th 2012Sunday, May 20th 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3583.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> Patrice Pendarvis and other members of the Women Artists of Kauai, will be conducting painting classes; plein air ; at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens Visitors Center Poipu on Sunday May 20 @ 10:30 -1:30 beginners welcomed, supplies provided, call to reserve limited space DETAILS: Paint our Garden Location: National Tropical Botanical Gardens Visitor Center Date: Sunday, May 20th 2012 Time: 10:30 AM - 01:30 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/kauai_polynesian_festival.htmlKaua‘i Polynesian FestivalThursday, May 24th 2012Thursday, May 24th 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3297.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> The Kamanawa Foundation's Kaua‘i Polynesian Festival presents a colorful variety of cultural offerings, including dance competitions, crafts, food, workshops, and other entertainment. Performers compete for titles in Hawaiian hula; Tahitian Ori, Otes, Aparima and Ahuroa; Samoan fire knife; Maori dance. Males and females ages four years old and up compete in different age brackets and categories. DETAILS: Kaua‘i Polynesian Festival Location: Vidinha Stadium, LÄ«hu‘e Date: Thursday, May 24th 2012 Time: 01:00 AM - 01:00 AM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/2012_banana_poka_roundup_.html2012 Banana Poka Round-Up Sunday, May 27th 2012Sunday, May 27th 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3414.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> Free outdoor family forest fair in Kokee State Park. Hawaiian music, basket making, exhibitors, family hike, Pedal to the Meadow bicycle race, crowing contest and more. DETAILS: Banana Poka Round-Up 2012 Location: Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow fronting the Kokee Museum Date: Sunday, May 27th 2012 Time: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/pedal_to_the_meadow_2012.htmlPedal to the Meadow 2012Sunday, May 27th 2012Sunday, May 27th 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3322.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> Ride from Kekaha to Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow in Kokee Sate Park. Last year almost 100 cyclists participated in this event sponsored by the Tradewind Cycling Team. Online registration coming soon. Pedal to the Meadow is the official bicycle hill climb race on Kauai. It starts on the west side of the island and climbs along the Waimea Canyon rim to the Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow in Kokee State Park. It is a scenic and challenging climb that starts at hot dry sea level and ends deep in the cool wet upland forest of the Garden Island’s interior. DISTANCE & ELEVATION GAIN: 15.75 Miles & 3,835 Feet RACE TYPE: Mass start START & FINISH: Start at Kokee Road at intersection of Cane Haul Road in Kekaha, Kauai, Pole #817 Finish in Kokee State Park near the entrance to Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow, Pole #0702 Course open 8-11 am. Ends at Banana Poka Round-Up festival with P2M hospitality tent, live music, fun for kids, and more. DETAILS: Pedal to the Meadow 2012 Location: Start at Kokee Road at intersection of Cane Haul Road in Kekaha Date: Sunday, May 27th 2012 Time: 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/memorial_day_ceremony.htmlMemorial Day CeremonyMonday, May 28th 2012Monday, May 28th 2012 Hosted by Marine Corps League, Kauai Detachment. DETAILS: Memorial Day Ceremony Location: 4331 Lele Road Date: Monday, May 28th 2012 Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/hawaiian_slack_key_guitar__ukulele_2302.htmlHawaiian Slack Key Guitar & UkuleleFriday, June 1st 2012Friday, June 1st 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3557.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> Award winning traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar & ukulele concert featuring songs & stories of Hawaii and telling the history of Hawaiian slack key music. Concerts of award winning Kauai recording artists Doug & Sandy McMaster. They have 8 CDs and a DVD to their credit and work tirelessly to perpetuate the knowledge of traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar and its history. FREE gift drawing. Proceeds support Na Keiki o Ka 'Aina and this program. For more information, auxiliary aids, or reservations, Call Sandy at (808) 826-1469. Here's a few audience comments: "Awesome music & talent!" - Kathy "Beautiful, relaxing music." -JoAnne "Soothing to the soul and spirit." -David & Dianne "Make this show your first priority."-Donnia "To really feel Hawaii, you must hear slack key music. It embodies Aloha!" -Bill "Experience real Aloha and the real Hawaii -- very unique. Makes you feel like you are part of a family." -Carole & Steve "This is a must when visiting Kauai. Great learning experience from the stories & music. Excellent!! The music & stories will remain in my mind for a long time!" -Lana & Justin "The most aloha experience on Kauai. The 'ono' of entertainment." - Bob & Emily Directions: In Kapaa, in the Kauai Village Center (Safeway/Longs) under the clock tower -Children of the Land Cultural Center. DETAILS: Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar & Ukulele Location: Children of the Land Cultural Center (Kauai Village - Safeway) Date: Friday, June 1st 2012 Time: 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/slack_key_concert__2303.htmlSlack Key Concert Saturday, June 2nd 2012Saturday, June 2nd 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3558.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> Award winning traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar & ukulele concert featuring songs & stories telling its history. Kauai recording artists Doug & Sandy McMaster have 8 CDs and a DVD to their credit and work tirelessly to perpetuate the knowledge of traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar and its history. Experience and learn history of Hawaiian slack key guitar & ukulele as well as stories behind the songs, of Hawaii places and history. FREE gift drawing. Proceeds support Na Keiki o Ka 'Aina and this program. For more information, auxiliary aids, or reservations, Call Sandy at (808) 826-1469. Here's a few audience comments: "Awesome music & talent!" - Kathy "Beautiful, relaxing music." -JoAnne "Soothing to the soul and spirit." -David & Dianne "Make this show your first priority."-Donnia "To really feel Hawaii, you must hear slack key music. It embodies Aloha!" -Bill "Experience real Aloha and the real Hawaii -- very unique. Makes you feel like you are part of a family." -Carole & Steve "This is a must when visiting Kauai. Great learning experience from the stories & music. Excellent!! The music & stories will remain in my mind for a long time!" -Lana & Justin "The most aloha experience on Kauai. The 'ono' of entertainment." - Bob & Emily Directions: In Kapaa at the Kauai Village Shopping Center (Safeway/Longs) under the whale clock tower. Mahalo County of Kauai and Hawaii Tourism Authority for support of traditional slack key guitar & ukulele. DETAILS: Mo'o Legends Location: Children of the Land Cultural Center (Kauai Village - Safeway) Date: Saturday, June 2nd 2012 Time: 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/slack_key_concert__2300.htmlSlack Key Concert Sunday, June 3rd 2012Sunday, June 3rd 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3555.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> Award winning traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar & ukulele concert featuring songs & stories of Hanalei and telling the history of Hawaiian slack key music. Concerts of award winning Kauai recording artists Doug & Sandy McMaster. They have 8 CDs and a DVD to their credit and work tirelessly to perpetuate the knowledge of traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar and its history. FREE gift drawing. Proceeds support Hale Halawai Ohana o Hanalei and this program. Here's a few audience comments: "Awesome music & talent!" - Kathy "Beautiful, relaxing music." -JoAnne "Soothing to the soul and spirit." -David & Dianne "Make this show your first priority."-Donnia "To really feel Hawaii, you must hear slack key music. It embodies Aloha!" -Bill "Experience real Aloha and the real Hawaii -- very unique. Makes you feel like you are part of a family." -Carole & Steve "This is a must when visiting Kauai. Great learning experience from the stories & music. Excellent!! The music & stories will remain in my mind for a long time!" -Lana & Justin "The most aloha experience on Kauai. The 'ono' of entertainment." - Bob & Emily Directions: In Hanalei, just past Ching Young Shopping Village, look for the Slack Key Concert banner on the mountain side of the road next to the soccer fields. Turn left towards the mountains on the little access road, go twenty yards and turn left and around into the graveled parking area. The community center is the double yurt brown building. DETAILS: Hawaii's Endangered Birds Location: Hanalei Community Center Date: Sunday, June 3rd 2012 Time: 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/taste_of_hawaii.htmlTaste of HawaiiSunday, June 3rd 2012Sunday, June 3rd 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3572.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> 50 Chefs from throughout Hawaii 15+ Beverage Vendors, 10+ Musical and Entertainment Groups, Silent Auction at Smiths Tropical Paradise! DETAILS: Taste of Hawaii Location: Smith's Tropical Paradise Date: Sunday, June 3rd 2012 Time: 11:30 AM - 03:30 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/slack_key_concert__2301.htmlSlack Key Concert Friday, June 8th 2012Friday, June 8th 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3556.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> Award winning traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar & ukulele concert featuring songs & stories of Hanalei and telling the history of Hawaiian slack key music. Concerts of award winning Kauai recording artists Doug & Sandy McMaster. They have 8 CDs and a DVD to their credit and work tirelessly to perpetuate the knowledge of traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar and its history. FREE gift drawing. Proceeds support Hale Halawai Ohana o Hanalei and this program. Here's a few audience comments: "Awesome music & talent!" - Kathy "Beautiful, relaxing music." -JoAnne "Soothing to the soul and spirit." -David & Dianne "Make this show your first priority."-Donnia "To really feel Hawaii, you must hear slack key music. It embodies Aloha!" -Bill "Experience real Aloha and the real Hawaii -- very unique. Makes you feel like you are part of a family." -Carole & Steve "This is a must when visiting Kauai. Great learning experience from the stories & music. Excellent!! The music & stories will remain in my mind for a long time!" -Lana & Justin "The most aloha experience on Kauai. The 'ono' of entertainment." - Bob & Emily Directions: In Hanalei, just past Ching Young Shopping Village, look for the Slack Key Concert banner on the mountain side of the road next to the soccer fields. Turn left towards the mountains on the little access road, go twenty yards and turn left and around into the graveled parking area. The community center is the double yurt brown building. DETAILS: Honoring Raymond Kane Location: Hanalei Community Center Date: Friday, June 8th 2012 Time: 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/2012_kauai_bon_dance_.html2012 Kauai Bon Dance Friday, June 8th 2012Friday, June 8th 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3580.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> The Kauai Bon Dance Summer of 2012 begins. A Bon Dance is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of family members that have passed away, and has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years. On Kauai in the summer there are many chances for you to experience in person. The festivals serve as both a ceremony of spiritual remembrance and a celebration of cultural heritage and community. According to tradition, it is believed the summer months are when ancestral spirits return to visit family and friends. The dance is held at night and differs slightly depending on the Mission but generally involves people circling around a high wooden yagura. The appropriate way to welcome the ancestors souls is to play happy music and create a feeling of happiness. The festivals are also known for their array of Japanese foods for sale- andagi (sweet fried dough), grilled teri-beef and chicken skewers, musubi (rice balls wrapped in dried seaweed), and stir-fry noodles. Everyone is welcome regardless of religious background, ethnicity, or even dancing abilities. DETAILS: 2012 Kauai Bon Dance Location: Kapaa Hongwanji Date: Friday, June 8th 2012 Time: 07:30 PM - 09:00 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/happiness_planting_festival.htmlHappiness Planting FestivalSaturday, June 16th 2012Saturday, June 16th 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3503.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> The El Cantare Foundation's Happiness Planting Festival presents, to reach members of our entire community, from keiki to kupuna, and nurture the wellspring of happiness we each carry in our hearts, including Japanese traditional dance, ikebana, crafts, food, workshops, and other entertainment. The Festival itself is a celebration of practices of planting of peace, joy, beauty, strength, and love. The sponsors seek to serve healthy growth of love, enlightenment, and spiritual education of our community... and that means you. DETAILS: Happiness Planting Festival Location: 3343 Kanakolu Street, Lihue, Old Immaculate Conception School Date: Saturday, June 16th 2012 Time: 10:00 AM - 07:15 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/the_2nd_annual_kauai_plein_air_invitational_.htmlThe 2nd Annual Kauai Plein Air Invitational Saturday, June 16th 2012Saturday, June 16th 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3574.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> 16 Plein Air (painting outdoors, on site) artists have been invited to paint various sites on Kauai for the week of June 9-16. On June 16th the culminating event will be from 1-5pm on the Grove Farm museum grounds, 1850 home of sugar plantation owner, G.N. Wilcox. There will be refreshments, live music and an opportunity for the public to meet the artists and purchase original works of art. DETAILS: The 2nd Annual Kauai Plein Air Invitational Location: Grove Farm museum, 4050 Nawiliwili Rd. Date: Saturday, June 16th 2012 Time: 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/king_kamehameha_celebration_hoolaulea_island_of_kauai_2012_.htmlKing Kamehameha Celebration Ho`olaulea Island of Kauai 2012 Saturday, June 16th 2012Saturday, June 16th 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3571.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> 2012 Theme: "HOLOMUA KAMEHAMEHA"- Honoring The 125 Years of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop's Educational Legacy DETAILS: King Kamehameha Celebration Ho`olaulea Island of Kauai 2012 Location: Date: Saturday, June 16th 2012 Time: 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/2012_tiny_little_preteen_and_miss_teen_garden_isle_pageant.html2012 Tiny, Little, Pre-Teen, and Miss Teen Garden Isle PageantSaturday, June 23rd 2012Saturday, June 23rd 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3458.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> The vision of our Pageant Committee is to give our young ladies of Kauai the opportunity to share their talents, intelligence, beauty, and grace with the community and their peers. DETAILS: 2012 Tiny, Little, Pre-Teen, and Miss Teen Garden Isle Pageant Location: Kukui Grove Shopping Center, Center Stage Date: Saturday, June 23rd 2012 Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/fourth_annual_mayorathon.htmlFourth Annual Mayor-a-thonSaturday, June 23rd 2012Saturday, June 23rd 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3566.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> Walk, bike, run 1 - 8 miles along the Kapa`a Path. Breakfast, prizes and entertainment. DETAILS: Fourth Annual Mayor-a-thon Location: Kapa`a Beach Park Date: Saturday, June 23rd 2012 Time: 06:00 AM - 09:00 AM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/5th_annual_red_clay_jazz_festival_.html5th Annual Red Clay Jazz Festival Wednesday, June 27th 2012Wednesday, June 27th 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3119.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> Four days of Jazz and Blues on Kauai! Headliner, Miss E.C. Scott, winner of numerous blues awards, tops off the festival on June 30th, preceded by the Vanessa Santi Sextet – Afro Cuban Holiday, playing vibrant jazz with a Latin flair. The Berklee College of Music All Stars and Kauai’s own Kirk Smart Quartet are also featured. Food booths will offer locally grown and prepared items from several of Kauai’s restaurants. Seating for the festival concert is on the ocean-view lawn area at Kauai Lagoons Resort. On Friday, June 29, a special "Meet the Artists" wine and pupu party will be held at a beautiful north shore setting. Invited guests will enjoy great food and wine, be able to talk to featured musicians and listen to jam sessions by local artists. On June 27 and 28, local jazz and blues musicians will play at several venues from Poipu to Princeville. The 4-day event promises beautiful surroundings, good food and outstanding music! Buy 2nd ticket for half price prior to May 1. DETAILS: Evening Jazz Sessions Location: TBD Date: Wednesday, June 27th 2012 Time: 05:30 PM - 09:00 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/4th_annual_kauai_kau_wela_summer_festival.html4th Annual Kauai Kau Wela Summer FestivalFriday, July 6th 2012Friday, July 6th 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3579.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> Fans of Polynesian dance will love this festival, as wahine (women) and kane (men) compete in solo, ancient hula, modern hula and solo Tahitian dance. DETAILS: 4th Annual Kauai Kau Wela Summer Festival Location: Kukui Grove Center Date: Friday, July 6th 2012 Time: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/kauai_music_festival_songwriter_conference.htmlKauai Music Festival Songwriter ConferenceWednesday, July 11th 2012Wednesday, July 11th 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3281.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> The Kaua'i Music Festival (KMF) Songwriter Conference is a 4-day celebration of the art & craft of songwriting held on the island of Kaua'i, Hawaii. At the KMF Songwriter Conference, you will learn songwriting and/or refine your skills through interaction with some of the best professional songwriters in America. In addition, throughout the conference, your music will be heard by people in the music industry who really can make a difference to your career. Through our one-on-one meetings, small group sessions, workshops, panel discussions, open mic activities, and more, you will be able to consult and get feedback directly from the award-winning songwriters, Grammy and Emmy-winning producers, TV & Film Music Supervisors, top A&amp;R Executives, and other music industry people in attendance - all in the creative, low-pressure atmosphere of an island paradise! DETAILS: Kauai Music Festival Songwriter Conference Location: Kauai Beach Resort Date: Wednesday, July 11th 2012 Time: 09:00 AM - 10:00 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/2012_kauai_bon_dance.html2012 Kauai Bon DanceFriday, July 13th 2012Friday, July 13th 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3581.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> The Kauai Bon Dance Summer of 2012 begins. A Bon Dance is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of family members that have passed away, and has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years. On Kauai in the summer there are many chances for you to experience in person. The festivals serve as both a ceremony of spiritual remembrance and a celebration of cultural heritage and community. According to tradition, it is believed the summer months are when ancestral spirits return to visit family and friends. The dance is held at night and differs slightly depending on the Mission but generally involves people circling around a high wooden yagura. The appropriate way to welcome the ancestors souls is to play happy music and create a feeling of happiness. The festivals are also known for their array of Japanese foods for sale- andagi (sweet fried dough), grilled teri-beef and chicken skewers, musubi (rice balls wrapped in dried seaweed), and stir-fry noodles. Everyone is welcome regardless of religious background, ethnicity, or even dancing abilities. DETAILS: 2012 Kauai Bon Dance Location: WKH Hanapepe Temple Date: Friday, July 13th 2012 Time: 07:30 PM - 09:00 PM http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/13th_annual_kloa_plantation_days_rodeo.html13th Annual Kōloa Plantation Days RodeoFriday, July 20th 2012Friday, July 20th 2012<img src="http://kauaifestivals.com/assets/images/festival_photos/medium/_3302.jpg" width="214" height="143" align="left" vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" /> 13th annual Kōloa Plantation Days Rodeo is a highlight event within the 10 day festival, dedicating to paniolo culture and a local style rodeo with a skill level from keiki to professional. Preliminary Roping and America West Barrel Roping events, as well as a Paniolo Cookout & Music Celebration, leading up to the Sunday Rodeo with opening Ceremony & Grand Entry featuring the colorful Kauai All Girls Rodeo Drill team. DETAILS: 13th Annual Kōloa Plantation Days Rodeo Location: CJM Stables Rodeo Arena Date: Friday, July 20th 2012 Time: 01:00 AM - 01:00 AM