Throughout the Month of August:
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, August 2: Taishoji Soto Mission, 275 Kino`ole St., Hilo, 7:15 p.m. For information call (808) 935-8407.
• Saturday, August 2: Kurtistown Jodo Mission, Iwasaki Camp Road, Kurtistown, 8 p.m. following 7 p.m. service. For information call (808) 966-9777.
• Saturday, August 2: Hawi Jodo Mission, 55-1104 Akoni Pule Hwy., Hawi, 7 p.m. following 6:30 p.m. service. For information call (808) 775-0965.
• Saturday, August 2: Pa`auilo Kongoji Mission, 43-1461 Hauola Rd., Pa`auilo, 7 – 10:30 p.m. For information call (808) 776-1474.
• Saturday, August 2: Taishoji Soto Mission, 276 Kino`ole St., Hilo, 7 – 10 p.m. For information call (808) 935-8407.
• Saturday, August 9: Hamakua Jodo Mission, 44-2947 Kalopa Rd., Honoka`a, following 6 p.m. service. For information call (808) 889-5456
• Saturday, August 9: Kona Koyasan Daishiji Mission, Holualoa, 7 p.m. For information call (808) 324-1741
• Saturday, August 9: Hilo Higashi Hongwanji, 216 Mohouli St., Hilo, 8 p.m. For information call (808) 935-8968
• Friday, August 15: Life Care Center of Hilo, 944 W Kawailani St, Hilo, 6 – 7:30 p.m. For information call (808) 959-9151
• Saturday, August 16: Hakalau Jodo Mission, 29-2265 Old Mamalahoa Hwy., Pepe`ekeo, 8 p.m. following 7 p.m. service. For information call (808) 966-9777.
• Saturday, August 16: Kamuela Hongwanji, 65-1110 A Mamalahoa Hwy., Waimea, 7:30 p.m. following 6:30 p.m. service. For information call (808) 885-4481
• Saturday, August 30: Honohina Hongwanji, 32-896 Mamalahoa Hwy., Ninole, 7 p.m. following 6 p.m. service. For information call (808) 963-6032.

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. Held at VAC Gallery porch in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All events are free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Friday, August 1:
Sunset Hula. Na Kumu Leilehua Yuen and Manu Josiah with Halau Hula LeiManu will perform at the Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Presented authentically in a natural setting, rain or shine without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats. The event is free, however National Park fees apply. For information call (808) 987-7288 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

July 26 – August 2:
Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament. Kailua Pier is a great place to watch the iconic Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament start each morning at 7:30 a.m. as boats line up across Historic Kailua Bay. Spectators can expect to see lots of scoreboard action as teams weigh in their big fish at the end of fishing each day at 4:30 p.m. Kailua Pier, Ali`i Drive, Kailua-Kona. For information, visit www.hibtfishing.com.

Thursday – Sunday, July 31 – August 3:
Hilo Orchid Society Annual Show. The Gala Preview Party heralding the show will be July 31^st. The Show, August 1-3, features gorgeous displays of thousands of orchids, tasty and reasonably-priced food from local sources, Hawaiian musical entertainment at lunch time and late afternoon, demonstration seminars, and a silent auction. On August 2, there will be a Wahine Toa Designs fashion show. Event times are as follows: Preview Party 6-9 p.m. Thursday; Orchid Show – Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Edith Kanakaole Stadium, 350 Kalanikoa St., Hilo. For information call (808) 333-1852 or visit www.hiloorchidsociety.org.

Thursday – Sunday, July 31 – August 3:
Hilo Orchid Society Annual Show. The Gala Preview Party heralding the show will be July 31^st. The Show, August 1-3, features gorgeous displays of thousands of orchids, tasty and reasonably-priced food from local sources, Hawaiian musical entertainment at lunch time and late afternoon, demonstration seminars, and a silent auction. On August 2, there will be a Wahine Toa Designs fashion show. Event times are as follows: Preview Party 6-9 p.m. Thursday; Orchid Show – Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Edith Kanakaole Stadium, 350 Kalanikoa St., Hilo. For information call (808) 333-1852 or visit www.hiloorchidsociety.org.

Saturday & Sunday, July 26 & 27:
Tahiti Fete of Hilo. Tahiti Fête or Tiurai, means “July the month of festivities.” The dances are unique creations and text music, choreography and costumes are based on a historical or legendary theme. Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, 323 Manono St., Hilo. Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For information call (808) 935-3002 or visit www.tahitifete.com.

July 26 – August 2:
Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament. Kailua Pier is a great place to watch the iconic Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament start each morning at 7:30 a.m. as boats line up across Historic Kailua Bay. Spectators can expect to see lots of scoreboard action as teams weigh in their big fish at the end of fishing each day at 4:30 p.m. Kailua Pier, Ali`i Drive, Kailua-Kona. For information, visit www.hibtfishing.com.

Sunday, July 20:
Kokua Kailua Hulihe`e Palace Concert Series & Village Stroll. Ali`i Drive along scenic Kailua Bay in Kailua-Kona becomes a festive pedestrian-only walkway from 1 to 6 p.m. Enjoy music, artists, merchants and restaurants. At 4 p.m., there is a free Hawaiian music concert on the lawn at Hulihe`e Palace. Bring your own mat or chair and they will be checked for free while you stroll Ali`i Drive, Kailua Village (Kona). For information, visit www.KVBID.org.

Fridays – Sundays, July 18 – 27:
Annie Jr. The classic Broadway musical based on the comic strip Little Orphan Annie, streamlined and musically adjusted to suit young voices. This production by Aloha Teen Theater will be directed by Sue Boyum, who has been acclaimed for her work with young people. The actors will range from 6 to 18. Fridays and Saturdays 7:30, Sundays 2:30 at Aloha Theater, 79-7384 Mamalahoa Hwy., Kealakekua in Kainaliu. For reserved seats call (808) 322-9924 or visit www.alohatheater.com, or tickets at the door one hour before show time. Advance ticketing is recommended. These shows often sell out.