Friday & Saturday, June 17 & 18
Obon Dance & Festival. The Obon tradition was brought to Hawaii by Japanese immigrants and evolved into a social and cultural event, as well as a religious custom designed to honor ancestors through an evening of dance, music and merry-making. Koloa Jodo Mission, 3480 Waikomo Rd., Koloa. Festival begins at 7:30 p.m. For information call (808)742-6735.

Saturday, June 11
The First Annual Kauai Plein Air Invitational. Plein Air- Paintings created outdoors, on site. 13 artists have been invited to paint various scenes throughout Kauai for the week of June 5 – June 11. The culminating event will be from 3:00 June 11, at the Grove Farm museum (4050 Nawiliwili Rd., Lihue) Patrons will get a chance to stroll the grounds and plantation era home of G.N. Wilcox, enjoy refreshments and music and purchase paintings created during the week. For a schedule of painting locations and times, call Barbara  Kennedy at (808) 826-1528.

Saturday & Sunday, June 11 & 12
“Holy Ghost Feast,” Holy Ghost Church, Kula. In celebration of Pentecost, The Holy Ghost Feast has been held at Holy Ghost Mission annually at Pentecost since 1891, before the church was even completed. The event celebrates the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on the apostles, preparing them for their mission to spread the Good News and build the church after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Games, Live Entertainment, Live Auction, delicious local food, malasadas, baked goods, farmers market. For information call (808)878-1261 or visit www.kulacatholiccommunity.org.

Friday, June 10
Meet fine art photographer, Stephen Levine, at the gala opening of his exhibit, “Mauka Surf” from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at Maui Crafts Guild, 69 Hana Highway in Paia. Enjoy live music by Upcountry Celtic and free refreshments courtesy of Maui’s only artist-owned and artistoperated gallery. Maui Crafts Guild is open daily from 10 to 6. Call 579-9697 during hours of operations for more information or visit www.mauicraftsguild.com.

Thursday – Sunday, June 9 – 12
Kapalua Wine and Food Festival. Hawaii’s longestrunning and most prestigious food and wine event, held at the Kapalua Resort on Maui, will host world-class winemakers, master sommeliers and chefs for thousands of wine and food lovers. Kapalua Resort, 1 Ritz- Carlton Drive, Kapalua. For information call (866) 669-2440 or visit www.kapalua.com.

Sunday, June 5
23rd Annual Taste of Hawaii – The Ultimate Sunday Brunch. A food and drink festival of the highest order. Enjoy food prepared by 50 of Hawaii’s best chefs, imbibe at any or all of 15 beverage stations (beer, fine wines, water, soft drinks, coffee and specialty coffee drinks and smoothies), listen to 14 musical groups perform throughout the afternoon and shop a large silent auction. All set within the beautiful park-like grounds of Smith’s Tropical Paradise. For information call (808) 783-1407 or visit www.tasteofhawaii.com.

Saturday, June 4
Ford Ironman Hawaii 70.3 Triathlon. This event is half the Ironman distance – 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run – and is held at the beautiful Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii Resort on the Kohala Coast. It is part of the official qualifier series for the 2010 Ironman Triathlon World Championship held in Kona later in the year. Fairmont Orchid Hawaii Resort, 1 North Kaniku Dr., Kamuela. For information call (808) 329-0063 or visit www.ironman.com.

Saturday, June 4
Kris Kristofferson Fundraiser for Lokelani ‘Ohana. You can Make a Difference, Transform a Life! by supporting this benefit concert with musical superstar Kris Kristofferson. He is helping Lokelani ‘Ohana illuminate the housing crisis for people with developmental disabilities. The Maui-based organization’s work is to create socially therapeutic programs within our community using elements of Native Hawaiian culture and tradition for adults with developmental disabilities. Bid on gifts and memorabilia during the silent auction. Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater, 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.

Friday, June 3
Wailuku Town’s First Friday Celebration. Market Street, Wailuku. Enjoy Wailuku Town’s monthly Street Fest, featuring live entertainment, food, music and shopping in Wailuku’s historic town. Free admission. For information call (808) 871-5500.