Throughout the Month of July: 
Obon Dance & Festival.  The Obon tradition was brought to Hawai`i 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:

• Saturday, July 2:   Lahaina Jodo Mission, 12 Ala Moana St., Lahaina.  Service 6:30 p.m. followed by dancing at 8 p.m.  For information call (808) 661-4304 or visit www.lahainajodomission.org.
• Friday July 8:  Pa`ia Mantokuji Mission, 253 Hana Hwy, Paia.  Service 6 p.m., Dance 8 p.m.  For information call (808) 579-8051 or visit www.mantokujimauitemple.org.
• Friday July 15:  Kahului Hongwanji Mission, 291 S. Pu`unene Ave., Kahului.  Service 7 p.m., Dance 8 p.m.  For information call (808) 871-4732 or visit www.kahuluihongwanji.org.
• Friday, July 22:  Makawao Hongwanji Mission,1074 Makawao Ave., Makawao.  Service 6:30, Dance 7:30.  For information call (808) 572-7229.
• Friday July 29:  Wailuku Hongwanji Mission, 1828 Vineyard St., Wailuku.  Service 7 p.m., Dance 8 p.m.  For information call (808) 244-0406.

Every Friday: 
Aloha Fridays at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.  A free hands-on demonstration lesson is given in a cultural craft that varies each week. Volcano Art Center Gallery porch in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

The “Emily T. Gail Talks Story” show is found on espnhawaii.com on line, all the time and via Facebook/emilytgailtalkstory and a free iTunes podcast. Emily “talks story​”​ with recreational, high school and professional athletes, along with coaches, parents, organizers and members of print and broadcast media. She talks about all sports, at all levels and how high school, college, major league and recreational sports play an important part in communities.  Sponsored by Aloha Big Island Visitor Guide.  Emily provides updates on many local events in July. Also info on golf specials like Family Golf Days at Waikoloa Beach Resort, where, after 3:30 p.m., 9 holes for junior golfers is $25 with complimentary Nike Junior rental clubs and $50 for accompanying adult with $25 rental clubs. Updates on free Queens Marketplace Entertainment at Center Court and Kailua Village multi-sport activities.  Contact Emily at (808) 896-6780 or emilytgail@emilys.org.

Fridays & Saturdays, throughout the month of July: 
Obon Festival.  The Obon tradition was brought to Hawai`i 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.  The following schedule is tentative and subject to change.  Please call each venue to confirm dates and times.

• Friday & Saturday, July 1 & 2: Manoa Koganji Temple, 2869 Oahu Ave., Honolulu, 5 p.m.  For information call (808) 988-7214.
• Friday & Saturday, July 1 & 2: Moili`ili Hongwanji, 902 University Ave., Honolulu, Friday 6 p.m., Saturday 5 p.m. For information call (808) 949-1659.
• Saturday, July 2: Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji, 45-520 Keaahala Rd, Kaneohe, 6:30 p.m.  For information call (808) 247-2661.
• Friday & Saturday, July 8 & 9:  Haleiwa Jodo Mission.  66-279A Haleiwa Rd., Haleiwa, 8 p.m.  For information call (808) 637-4382.
• Friday & Saturday, July 8 & 9: Rissho Kosei-kai Hawai`i Kyokai, 2280 Auhuhu St, Pearl City, 6 p.m. For information call (808) 455-3212.
• Saturday, July 9: Waipahu Hongwanji, 94-821 Kuhaulua St, Waipahu, 7 p.m. For information call (808) 677-4221.
• Friday & Saturday, July 15 & 16: Shinshu Kyokai Mission, 1631 South Beretania St., Honolulu, 7 p.m. For information call (808) 973-0150.
• Friday & Saturday, July 15 & 16: Wahiawa Ryusenji Soto Mission, 164 California Ave., Wahiawa. 7 p.m. For information call (808) 622-1429.
• Saturday, July 16:  Kailua Hongwanji Mission, 268 A Kuulei Rd., Kailua., 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 262-4560
• Saturday, July 16: Waianae Hongwanji, 85-762 Old Government Road, Waianae, 7 p.m. For information call (808) 677-4221.
• Friday & Saturday, July 22 & 23: Haleiwa Shingon Mission, 66-469 Paalaa Rd, Haleiwa, 7:30 p.m.. For information call (808) 637-4423.
• Friday & Saturday, July 22 & 23: Higashi Hongwanji Hawai`i Betsuin, 1685 Alaneo St., Honolulu 7 p.m. For information call (808) 531-9088.
• Friday & Saturday, July 29 & 30: Palolo Higashi Hongwanji, 1641 Palolo Ave., Kaminaka Dr., Honolulu, 7 p.m.