Thursday, September 15
Robert Cazimero and Nina Kealiiwahamana in Concert. Kauai Museum, Main Gallery. The acoustics in the arched Albert Spencer Wilcox Building are uplifting. An evening of great Hawaiian music, light refreshments, and Robert Cazimero’s newest CD release. Seating is limited. 5:00 p.m. Kauai Museum, 4428 Rice Street, Lihue. For information call (808) 245-6931 or visit www.kauaimuseum.org.

Saturday, Sunday & Wednesday, September 10, 11 &14
Kauai Aloha Festival 2011. Aloha Festival is Kauai’s premier cultural showcase, a celebration of Hawaii’s music, dance and history intended to preserve the unique island traditions. Saturday – Kauai Aloha Festivals Investiture, Smiths Family Botanical Gardens, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sunday – Hale Pule, Kapaa First Hawaiian Church, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m; Wednesday – Luau, Smiths Family Garden Luau, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For information call Lyah Kama-Drake at (808) 821-6895.

Sunday, September 4
3rd Annual Kauai Marathon. The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon begin in Poipu, the world-class resort community at the sunny southern end of the island. The courses follow the contour of the scenic coastline, offering magnificent views of the island’s picturesque beaches, rugged volcanic peaks, and green tropical rain forests. The courses are USATF and AIMS certified. Marathon begins at 6:00 a.m. For information visit www.thekauaimarathon.com or call Bob Craver at (808) 283-8078.

Friday & Saturday, September 2 & 3
Kekaha Heritage Festival. A weekend celebration created to educate visitors, enrich the culture, and preserve the history and values of the community in Kekaha. Experience various cultural performances throughout the day along with regional flavors by community organizations, and Garden Island artisans showcasing their latest creations. The event will close with an award winning laser production known to be featured in such sports events as the World Olympics, Super Bowl and All Star Games. Enjoy a day of fun and entertainment with the family. Kekaha HP Faye Park, Waimea. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Free! For information call Ann at (808) 337-2083.

Friday & Saturday, June 17 & 18
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. Koloa Jodo Mission, 3480 Waikomo Rd., Koloa. Festival begins at 7:30 p.m. For information call (808)742-6735.

Saturday, June 11
The First Annual Kauai Plein Air Invitational. Plein Air- Paintings created outdoors, on site. 13 artists have been invited to paint various scenes throughout Kauai for the week of June 5 – June 11. The culminating event will be from 3:00 June 11, at the Grove Farm museum (4050 Nawiliwili Rd., Lihue) Patrons will get a chance to stroll the grounds and plantation era home of G.N. Wilcox, enjoy refreshments and music and purchase paintings created during the week. For a schedule of painting locations and times, call Barbara  Kennedy at (808) 826-1528.

Sunday, June 5
23rd Annual Taste of Hawaii – The Ultimate Sunday Brunch. A food and drink festival of the highest order. Enjoy food prepared by 50 of Hawaii’s best chefs, imbibe at any or all of 15 beverage stations (beer, fine wines, water, soft drinks, coffee and specialty coffee drinks and smoothies), listen to 14 musical groups perform throughout the afternoon and shop a large silent auction. All set within the beautiful park-like grounds of Smith’s Tropical Paradise. For information call (808) 783-1407 or visit www.tasteofhawaii.com.