Every Friday:
Maui Friday Town Parties. Enjoy food, live entertainment, shopping and art. Free admission. Many retailers, galleries and boutiques operate extended hours and highlight special promotions. Crafters, artisans and culinary wizards add their creativity to the event.  July 6 – Wailuku, on Market Street; July 13 – Lahaina, on Front Street; July 20 – Makawao, on Makawao and Baldwin Avenues; July 27 – Paia, on Hana Highway and Baldwin Avenues. For more information visit www.mauifridays.com.

Fridays, Saturdays & Sunday, throughout the Month of July:
Maui On Stage Presents “The Producers”, a Mel Brooks Musical.  A story of a down-on-his-luck theatrical producer Max Bialystock and his accountant, Leo Bloom. Together, they hatch the ultimate scam: raise more money than you need for a sure-fire Broadway fiasco…then pocket the difference.  Historic Iao Theater, 68 N. Market Street, Wailuku.  Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 3 p.m.  For tickets and information call (808) 242-6969 or visit www.mauionstage.com.

Thursday – Sunday, July 5 – 8: 
Makawao Rodeo and Parade.  An Upcountry tradition that brings together the state’s finest paniolo for a weekend of bull riding, steer chasing, horse racing and more.  Qualifying rounds begin at 9 a.m., Thursday and Friday at Oskie Rice Arena. The always-popular Bull Bash will challenge the nerves-not to mention grip-of the islands’ bravest rough riders, beginning at 7 p.m. at Oskie Rice Arena, Olinda Road, Makawao. Tickets are $15.  Then head to the streets for the 47th annual Makawao Paniolo Parade at 9 a.m (roads close at 8:45 a.m.) on Saturday. The parade runs from the Makawao Veterans Cemetery on Baldwin Ave. to Eddie Tam Memorial Center on Makawao Ave. Please note there will be no street parking; spectators can park at Oskie Rice Arena and take a free shuttle into town.  Rodeo action kicks up again at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for seniors and students; $5 for keiki.  For information call (808) 283-2741.

Every Wednesday: 
Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Concert.  Host and slack key guitar master George Kahumoku, Jr. is joined by renowned slack key masters who are true ambassadors of their music, their culture and their land for an evening of traditional Hawaiian songs and authentic “talk-story”.  July 4 – No Show/Independence Day; July 11 –Ledward Ka’apana; July 18 – John Keawe; July 25 – Nathan Aweau. Tickets: $39.99, seating is limited. Pavilion at the Napili Kai Beach Resort, Napili. 7:30 p.m. showtime.  For information call (888) 669-3858.

Wednesday, July 4: 
2012 Maui Invitational Music Festival Presents July 4^th Concert in the Park.  Bring your lawn chair and enjoy this outdoor musical extravaganza featuring the Maui Community Band performing patriotic favorites and popular Hawaiian music. Spectacular fireworks display is the finale of a great show.  Lahaina Library Lawn, Front Street, Lahaina.  5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  For information call (808) 283-3576 visit www.aecg.org.

Wednesday, July 4: 
Red, White and Ocean Blue Day. The Maui Ocean Center Aquarium puts an ocean-friendly spin on Independence Day with special presentations and giveaways. Throughout the day, Ocean Naturalists will highlight ocean, land and energy conservation and share helpful hints with guests on how they can protect and promote healthy oceans. Children will receive patriotic red, white and blue silicone wristbands; giveaways will be offered at the Aquarium’s Front Gate while supplies last.  Maui Ocean Center, Ma’alaea Harbor.  9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Included with cost of admission.  For information call (808) 270-7000 or visit mauioceancenter.com.

Ongoing, Daily: 
Free Onsite Coral Reef Naturalist Program.  Learn the names of fish you’ve seen while snorkeling and how to protect Maui’s coral reefs at Pacific Whale Foundation’s free Coral Reef Information Station. 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Wailea’s Ulua Beach. For information call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1.

Daily throughout the Month of July: 
Maui Ocean Center’s Shark-tacular:  Dive into the mysterious world of sharks with special daily presentations, children’s crafts, aquarium sleepovers, and an exciting tour package available exclusively in July. Explore the vital role of sharks in the ocean ecosystem and help separate fact from fiction about these often misunderstood predators.  Most activities included with aquarium admission.  Excludes tours and lunch specials.  Maui Ocean Center, Ma’alea Harbor.  For information call (808) 270-7000 or visit mauioceancenter.com.

Throughout the Month of July: 
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.  Festivities and Dance schedules and locations are listed below:

• Friday & Saturday, July 20 & 21:   Kahului Honwanji Mission, 291 South Puunene Ave., Kahului . Special services begin at 7:00 p.m., festivals at 8:00 p.m.  For information, call  (808) 871-4732.
• Friday & Saturday, July 27 & 28:  Makawao Hongwanji Mission, 1074 Makawao Ave., Makawao.  Special services begin at 6:30 p.m., festivals at 7:30 p.m.  For information call (808) 572-7229.

Sunday, June 24:
21st Annual Kihoalu Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival – Maui Style. Experience an afternoon of great music in the setting of the renovated amphitheater of the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Share in the spirit of aloha through the music of some of the best slack key guitar artists in Hawaii and perhaps the world. Enjoy some of the local food, refreshments, snacks, as well as local creations by some of Maui’s talented and creative artists and craftsmen. Maui Arts & Cultural Center Amphitheater. 1 p.m to 7 p.m. For information call Milton Lau at (808) 226-2697 visit www.slackkeyfestival.com.