Saturday, September 1: 
Obon Dance & Festival – Pahala Hongwanji Mission.  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.  Free.  Pahala Hongwanji Mission, 96-1123 Paauau Pl., Pahala. Service 4 p.m., Dance 5 to 9 p.m.  For information call (808) 928-8254.

The Emily T Gail Show, aka “Emily T Gail Talk Story” is about sports, recreation and community events where Emily is involved: Hawai`i Island and Detroit, her home town.  Sponsored by Aloha Big Island Visitor Guide, upcoming shows will include interesting and informative talk stories with people involved with the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Saturday, October 13<sup>th</sup>. Emily will have updates about events and activities for the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative, PATH-Connecting People and Places, Hawai`i Cycling Club, Hawai`i Wildlife Center, Daniel R Sayre Foundation, Big Island Mountain Biking, Bike Works Beach & Sport community bike rides. She will remind you of the many complimentary activities available in Kailua Village, Queens Marketplace and Kings’ Shops at Waikoloa Beach Resort and The Shops at Mauna Lani. Emily’s past shows include lots of golf talk and interviews with players from the PGA TOUR Champions Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai every January and broadcast on NBC/Golf Channel.  Emily T Gail Talk story is available at www.emilytgailtalkstory.podomatic.com online 24/7, via https://www.facebook.com/emilytgailtalkstory/, a free iTunes podcast, and Emily T Gail Talk Story on You Tube. Contact Emily T Gail at (808) 896-6780 or emilytgail@emilys.org

Sunday, September 2:
Kaua`i Marathon and Half Marathon.  Kaua`i’s tropical paradise is the backdrop for this world-class event. The Kaua`i Marathon and Half Marathon participants pass hula dancers and Taiko drum troupes along the course while viewing striking mountain and ocean views.   The marathon and half-marathon events begin on Poipu Road in front of the Poipu Shopping Village. Participants must attend the Expo, occurring Friday & Saturday (see event information above), to pick up race packet and bib.  The marathon finisher’s party and awards ceremony is located on the oceanfront lawn at Grand Hyatt Kaua`i Resort and Spa, 1571 Poipu Rd., Koloa, beginning at 8 a.m. Marathon time is 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Registration Fee (see website).  For more information and to register visit www.thekauaimarathon.com.

Saturday, September 1:
Old Town Kapa`a Art Walk.  Kapa`a Town goes all out for its First Saturday of every month Art Walk. The main street is lined with vendors selling Kaua`i Arts and crafts, with some of Kaua`i’s best musicians and bands playing up and down the street. There are lots of shops and restaurants to choose from.  It’s great fun for the whole family and a great way to see Kaua`i life, whether you are a visitor or resident.  Kapa`a Town. 5 to 9 p.m.  Free.

Friday & Saturday, August 31 & September 1: 
Wilcox Health Sports & Fitness Expo.  Savvy fitness enthusiasts and families from all over the U.S. and several countries will gather on Kaua`i to see and sample the latest in athletic footwear, apparel, fitness equipment, nutrition, and cross training prior to experiencing The Kaua`i Marathon and Half Marathon.  The Wilcox Health Sports and Fitness Expo is the location for Official Race Merchandise, late registration, packet pickup, complimentary presentations and much more. Grand Hyatt Kaua`i Resort & Spa, 1571 Popu Rd., Koloa.  Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Every Sunday: 
Sunday Market:  Kalalea Anahola Farmer’s Hui.  A farmers market hosted by the members of Kalalea Anahola Farmer’s Hui. Vendors include local fresh produce, baked goods, vegan meals, crafts, jewelry, massage therapists, fresh coconut juice, local honey, Native Hawaiian educational games and puzzles, jams and curds, and much more. Tahitian drumming performances occur throughout the day. The market has a rotating collection of farmers, food vendors, crafters, makers, and artists every week, in addition to the regular vendors. Every market offers a whole new experience and wondrous finds. Kalalea Anahola Farmer’s Market, 4541 Hokualele Rd., Anahola.  Market is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission, free parking, and keiki friendly. For information call (808) 346-0473 or visit www.kafarmerskauai.com.

Sunday Afternoons:
Slack Key Guitar Concerts.  Traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar and `ukulele concerts.  September 2 – Kaua`i Slack Key; September 9 – Sweet Hawai`i Dreams; September 16 – Hanalei Slack Key; September 23 – Honoring Keli`i Mawae of Molokai; September 30 – Heart of Slack Key.  Award winning traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar and ukulele concerts featuring songs and stories telling its history.  Tickets $25 general admission, $20 Ages 13-19 & over 50, keiki under 5 free. Free gift drawing.  A portion of the proceeds supports the Hale Halawai `Ohana `O Hanalei.  Hanalei Family Community Center, 5-5299 Kuhio Hwy., Hanalei.  3 to 5 p.m.  For information and reservations call (808) 826-1469 or visit www.mcmasterslackkey.com.

Friday – Sunday, August 31 – September 2:
MAPA Live Presents INTO THE WOODS.  “Anything can happen in the woods…” In the shadows of trees, curses reverse and wishes come true. Something fanciful and peculiar happens…magic! A flash of red, a basket of bread, a tall furry stranger. Golden slippers, a girl on the run, and a witch on a rampage over rutabagas. A story filled to the brim with a feast of fabled characters … a little mystery, a lot of irreverent humor, and touch of seduction. A journey into the woods — and into our hearts. Edgy, whimsical, and wickedly funny, Into the Woods is an enchanting musical adventure that goes beyond “happily ever after.” Whether you’re a musical theatre virgin or a die-hard Sondheim fan, you won’t want to miss the theatrical event of the summer, featuring an A-list of Maui’s most talented performers. (Parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children under 10.)  Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater, One Cameron Way, Kahului.  Show times vary, visit website for specific show times.  For tickets and information, call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.

Nightly:
O Nā Lani Sunset Stories.  From Queen Emma to Don Ho, experience the stories of an icon. Gather at the International Market Place on Kalakaua Avenue just after sundown for the ceremonial lighting of the Lamaku Torch Tower. Then be immersed in an unforgettable storytelling performance told through Hawaiian and Polynesian song and dance. Honoring the beloved Queen Emma, the nightly show highlights the stories, traditions and culture of this special gathering place. International Market Place, 2330 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu.  Sunset. Free admission. For information visit www.shopinternationalmarketplace.com.

Saturday & Sunday, September 1 & 2: 
36^th Annual Okinawan Festival.  The two-day festival celebrates Okinawan culture with food, entertainment, arts, crafts, and cultural activities. Learn about Okinawan and Japanese culture at the Cultural Tent. There will be educational booths on Okinawan language (Uchinaaguchi) and genealogy; displays of Okinawan ceramics, glassware and textiles; and bonsai plants by the Hawai`i Bonsai Association. Also, observe demonstrations of calligraphy and flower arrangement and dress in traditional Okinawan attire (bingata kimono with hanagasa headdress and/or as a paranku drummer) and have your picture taken by a professional photographer. Beautiful craft and art-to-wear items await you in the Craft Gallery. Hawai`i Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu.  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For information visit www.okinawanfestival.com.