Saturday, September 17: 
Pailolo Challenge 2016 – Maui to Molokai.  The Pailolo Challenge is an incredible 26-mile downwind canoe race from D.T. Fleming Beach on Maui to Kaunakakai Pier on Molokai. Paddling teams from all over the globe come to participate in “The World’s Funnest Canoe Race.” DT Flemmings Beach, Kapalua. Begins with opening ceremony at 8 a.m.   For information call (808) 893-2124 or visit www.pailolo.com.

Saturday, September 17:
Aloha Festivals Waikiki Ho`olaule`a.  The Annual Waikiki Ho`olaulea is Hawai`i’s largest block party. Thousands of people will take to the streets along Kalakaua Avenue for food, fun and entertainment. There will be performances by the various genres of Hawaiian music and hula halau (hula schools). Hawaiian crafts and flower leis and many varieties of island cuisine will be featured throughout the event. Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki, 7 to 10 p.m.  For information call (808) 923-2030 or visit www.alohafestivals.com.

Saturday, September 17:
Waimea Paniolo Parade and Ho`olaulea.  Parade will start at 10 a.m. at “Church Row” and proceed to Waimea Park, featuring princesses on horseback with attendees decorated with the flowers of their respective islands. The Parade is followed by one of the best crafts show of the year, featuring island foods, games, arts & crafts, Hawaiian products and live entertainment in Waimea Ball Park at 11a.m. Free admission. A great family event! Note: 1 hour road closure.

Friday, September 16: 
Hawaiian Islands Land Trust:  Talk Story on the Land, Experience Kahili at Dusk.  Led by Angela Anderson, Kaua`i Island Director. Bring your swimsuit, towel & other beach essentials for a dip in Kilauea River. Light pupu & refreshments provided. $25 suggested donation.  Kahili Beach Preserve, Kilauea (North Shore Kaua`i).  5:30 to 7 p.m. For information visit www.hilt.org.

Friday & Saturday, September 16 & 17: 
Harvest Moon Festival.  Shop the Farmers’ Corner market in the Wo Hing Museum yard. Chinese tea and moon cakes will be served to the accompaniment of an erhu and gu zheng harp performance. Enjoy exhibits, local product displays, cultural activities and children’s crafts. A talk on the history of moon festivals will be presented, as well as Chinese cooking demonstrations. Wo Hing Museum, 858 Front Street, Lahaina.  1 to 7 p.m. Free admission. For information visit www.lahainarestoration.org.

Friday, September 16: 
Sublime with Rome.  Ray Jr. and Tantriq Entertainment present legendary ska punk reggae band for its biggest Hawai`i show to date.  Known for classic alternative hits like “What I Got,” “Santeria,” “Wherever You Go,” and the current hit “Sirens”.  Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater, 1 Cameron Way, Kahului.  5 p.m. For tickets and information call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.

Thursday, September 15:
Moku`ula by Moonlight in Lahaina.  As the full moon rises over Mauna Kahalawai in West Maui, the Mokuula/Mokuhinia restoration site in Lahaina is in the spotlight, featuring a free cultural and educational program that’s open to the public. Kamehameha Iki Park, 525 Front St., Lahaina.  6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  For information visit www.mokuula.com.

September 15 – 18:
Hawaiicon Convention.  HawaiiCon brings together the best of science, sci-fi, fantasy, comic books, anime and cosplay at the Hapuna Beach Price Hotel. Celebrities join the top space scientists, voice actors and cosplayers in the country for four days of panels, workshops and adventures. Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, 62-100 Kauna`Oa Dr., Kohala Coast.  For event schedule, tickets, and information, visit www.hawaiicon/com.

Thursday, September 15:
Sergio Mendes. Producer, composer, keyboardist and vocalist, Sergio Mendes’ influence on the music industry has spanned five decades and continues to evolve through new collaborations and mediums. Pre-show entertainment by Phil and Angela Benoit in the Yokouchi Pavilion Courtyard.  Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater, 1 Cameron Way, Kahului.  7:30 p.m. For tickets and information call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.

Thursday – Sunday, September 15 – 18: 
Hula Girl Festival Hawai`i.  The Hula Girl Festival is produced by Johnny Kai Productions and is an exclusive invitation to hula dancers from Japan in appreciation of their love & support of Hawaiian music and hula. Stages will be provided at the Waikiki Beach Walk, Treetops Restaurant and Dinner Theater and the popular Wet-n-Wild Water Park in Kapolei. All the performances are free and open to the public. For schedule, venues, and information call (808) 271-5853 or visit www.hulagirlfestivalhawaii.com.