Every Friday:
Maui Friday Town Parties. Enjoy food, live entertainment, shopping and art. Free admission. Many retailers, galleries and boutiques operate extended hours and highlight special promotions. Crafters, artisans and culinary wizards add their creativity to the event.  6-9 p.m.  July 5 – Wailuku, on Market Street; July 12 – Lahaina, on Front Street; July 19 – Makawao, on Makawao and Baldwin Avenues; July 26 – Kihei, on South Kihei Road.  For more information visit www.mauifridays.com.

Saturdays, Throughout the Month of July: 
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.  Festivities and Dance schedules and locations are listed below:

• Friday & Saturday, July 5 & 6: Puna Hongwanji Mission, Old Volcano Rd., Kea`au-Mountain View. Service 6 p.m., Dance following Service. For information call (808) 966-9981.

• Saturday, July 6: Kohala Hongwanji, 53-4300 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kapa`au, Service 6:30 p.m., Dance 7 p.m.  For information call (808)775-7532.

• Friday & Saturday, July 12 & 13: Hilo Meisho-in Mission, 97 Olona St., Hilo Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 8 p.m.  For information call (808) 935-6996.

• Saturday, July 13: Kohala Jodo Mission, Kapa`au. Service 6 p.m., Dance 7 p.m. For information call (808) 889-5456.

• Saturday, July 13: Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission, 79-7241 Mamalahoa Hwy., Kealakekua, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. For information call (808) 322-3524.

• Saturday July 13:  Pa`auilo Hongwanji, Pa`auilo.  Service 6 p.m., Dance 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 775-7232.

• Saturday & Sunday, July 19 & 20:  Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, 398 Kilauea Ave., Hilo.  Service 7 p.m., Dance 8 p.m. For information call (808) 961-6677.

• Saturday, July 20: Ke`ei Hongwanji (Kona Hongwanji), 81-6630 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, Service 6 p.m., Dance 7 p.m. For information call (808) 323-2993.

• Saturday, July 20: Honoka`a Hongwanji, 45-5016 Plumeria St., Honoka`a.  Service 6 p.m., Dance 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 775-7232.

• July 27 (Sat.): Hilo Hongwanji Mission, 457 Manono St., Hilo.  Service 6 p.m., Dance 7:30 p.m. For information call (808) 935-8331.

• July 27 (Sat.): Kona Hongwanji, 81-6630 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua.  Lantern Parade 6:30 p.m., Dance 7 p.m. For information call (808) 323-2993.

• July 27 (Sat.): Papa`aloa Hongwanji, 35-2026 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, Papa`aloa.  Service 5 p.m., Dance 6 p.m. For information call (808) 962-6340.

Every Friday: 
Candlelit Tours at the Baldwin Home Museum.  Step back in time and visit the Baldwin Home Museum with a tour by candle light. Tours include free light refreshments on the lanai. 6:00 -8:30 p.m. Located on the corner of Front and Dickenson Street in the heart of historic Lahaina. Admission: $7 per person/$5 Senior Citizens (65+), Military and Kama`aina/children 12 & under free.  For information visit www.lahainarestoration.org.

Friday, July 5: 
First Friday Honolulu Art Walk.  Every first Friday of the month, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., galleries and other arts venues in downtown Chinatown open their doors for artist receptions, live music, and refreshments. These events are free and open to everyone. Gallery walk maps are available at various locations in the area.  For information visit www.artsdistricthonolulu.com.

Thursday, July 4: 
Parker Ranch July 4^th Races and Rodeo:  Celebrate July 4th at the Parker Ranch Horse Races and Rodeo, an annual event at Hawaii’s oldest and largest ranch. Cowboys (and cowgirls) from Hawaii Island ranches take part in the races and in the rodeo events. See the “traditional” rodeo events, plus those only in Hawaii.  The Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena is between the Waimea-Kohala Airport and Waimea town.  Plenty of parking available. Allow an hour if driving from Kona or Hilo.  9 a.m. until noon. Tickets in advance at the Parker Ranch Store ($5) or at the gate ($6) with children 10 and under free.  For information call (808) 885-7311or visit www.parkerranch.com.

Thursday, July 4: 
Fourth of July Concert in the Park.  The annual celebration outdoors on the Lahaina Library Lawn, Front Street, features fireworks and traditional holiday music performed by the Maui Community Band. Preshow entertainment by UH-Maui Institute of Hawaiian Music under the direction of George Kahumoku, Jr.  4:30 to 10 p.m.  For information call (808) 283-3576.

Thursday, July 4: 
Independence Day at Pacific Aviation Museum.  Melemai Kau`uwaimai Vocal Ensemble performs patriotic songs, songs of peace and inspiration, 12 noon, Hangar 37. Free with Museum admission.  Pacific Aviation Museum, 319 Lexington Blvd., Honolulu.  For information call (808)441-1000 or visit www.pacificaviationmuseum.org.

Thursday  – Sunday, July 4 – 7:  58^th Annual Makawao Rodeo.  Enjoy a weekend full of rodeo fun, including local venders, food and refreshments.  Presented by the Maui Roping Club at the Oski Rice Arena.  Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. – Qualifying runs (free admission); Friday, 7 p.m. – Bull Bash, $15 adults; Saturday & Sunday, 1 p.m. – Rodeo, $15 adults, $10 seniors & students, $5 under 12.  Free shuttle Saturday to and from town to watch the parade.  For information call (808) 357-3524.

Thursday, July 4: 
22^nd Annual Ala Moana Center 4^th of July Spectacular.  Topping the bill are live concerts by Hawaii’s own entertainers. Experience one of the most dazzling 4th of July fireworks display in Hawaii.  Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu.  Centerstage – 12 noon – 4 p.m.; Parking Deck Concert – 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Fireworks Spectacular – 8:30 p.m.  For information call (808) 955-9517 or visit www.alamoanacenter.com.

Thursday, July 4: 
County Band Concert in Hilo.  The 40-member strong Hawaii County Band is an Island musical treasure. The band plays a tapestry of seasonal works, Hawaiian pieces, overtures, movie themes and more. Held at Mo`oheau Park Bandstand in downtown Hilo at 7 p.m., preceding the fireworks over Hilo Bay.  Bring blankets or chairs to sit on. And remember, Hilo town can be rainy! Free.  For information call (808) 961-8699.