Every other Thursday in July:
Ke Kani `O Ke Kai.  Kick back on the cool, beachfront lawn at the Waikiki Aquarium, 1777 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, for an evening of live entertainment and food under the stars.  Doors open 5:30 p.m., performances 7 to 8:30 p.m. Waikiki Aquarium galleries will remain open during the concerts. July 7 – Kupaoa, Mark Yamanaka, Amy Hanaiali`i; July 21 – Lehua Kalima, Maunalua, Raiatea Helm. For tickets and information call (808) 923-9741 or visit www.waikikiaquarium.org.

Tuesday – Friday, July 5 – 8:  
Explorers Club: Eyes on the Sky. Four-day STEM program for students in grades 3-5 with the theme of aerospace. Participants will operate robotic telescopes to view objects in the universe, engineer a mechanism for “soft landings” on another planet, create unique artwork through astrophotography, and more.   $240 per student ($216 Museum Members) which includes all program fees, lunches, snack and a program T-shirt.  Pacific Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Historic Ford Island, 319 Lexington Blvd., Honolulu.  9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.  For more information call (808) 441-1005 or visit www.PacificAviationMuseum.org.

Monday, July 4:
Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival “North Shore Style”.  Featuring some of Hawai`i’s finest artists in the slack key guitar genre. Music, fun, food, and fireworks for the whole family.  Free giveaways throughout the day and a free brand new Taylor Guitar will be given away to some lucky winner. Turtle Bay Resort, 57-091 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku.  For information call (808) 226-2697 or visit www.slackkeyfestival.com.

Monday, July 4: 
4^th of July Celebration at Ala Moana Center.  The free show, launched from three separate platforms at Ala Moana Beach Park, will begin at 8:30 p.m. Spectators can tune in to FM 92.3 KSSK for a live soundtrack that accompanies the show.  Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu.  For information call (808) 955-9517 or visit www.alamoanacenter.com.

Fridays & Saturdays, throughout the month of July: 
Obon 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.  The following schedule is tentative and subject to change.  Please call each venue to confirm dates and times.

• Friday & Saturday, July 1 & 2: Manoa Koganji Temple, 2869 Oahu Ave., Honolulu, 5 p.m.  For information call (808) 988-7214.
• Friday & Saturday, July 1 & 2: Moili`ili Hongwanji, 902 University Ave., Honolulu, Friday 6 p.m., Saturday 5 p.m. For information call (808) 949-1659.
• Saturday, July 2: Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji, 45-520 Keaahala Rd, Kaneohe, 6:30 p.m.  For information call (808) 247-2661.
• Friday & Saturday, July 8 & 9:  Haleiwa Jodo Mission.  66-279A Haleiwa Rd., Haleiwa, 8 p.m.  For information call (808) 637-4382.
• Friday & Saturday, July 8 & 9: Rissho Kosei-kai Hawai`i Kyokai, 2280 Auhuhu St, Pearl City, 6 p.m. For information call (808) 455-3212.
• Saturday, July 9: Waipahu Hongwanji, 94-821 Kuhaulua St, Waipahu, 7 p.m. For information call (808) 677-4221.
• Friday & Saturday, July 15 & 16: Shinshu Kyokai Mission, 1631 South Beretania St., Honolulu, 7 p.m. For information call (808) 973-0150.
• Friday & Saturday, July 15 & 16: Wahiawa Ryusenji Soto Mission, 164 California Ave., Wahiawa. 7 p.m. For information call (808) 622-1429.
• Saturday, July 16:  Kailua Hongwanji Mission, 268 A Kuulei Rd., Kailua., 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 262-4560
• Saturday, July 16: Waianae Hongwanji, 85-762 Old Government Road, Waianae, 7 p.m. For information call (808) 677-4221.
• Friday & Saturday, July 22 & 23: Haleiwa Shingon Mission, 66-469 Paalaa Rd, Haleiwa, 7:30 p.m.. For information call (808) 637-4423.
• Friday & Saturday, July 22 & 23: Higashi Hongwanji Hawai`i Betsuin, 1685 Alaneo St., Honolulu 7 p.m. For information call (808) 531-9088.
• Friday & Saturday, July 29 & 30: Palolo Higashi Hongwanji, 1641 Palolo Ave., Kaminaka Dr., Honolulu, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, June 7: 
Kool and the Gang.  Kool & The Gang has sold over 70 million albums worldwide and influenced the music of three generations. Their bulletproof funk and tough, jazzy arrangements have also made them the most sampled band of all time. If you aren’t familiar with Kool and The Gang, visit www.koolandthegang.com.  Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave., Honolulu. Doors open at 7 p.m., show begins at 8 p.m.  For tickets and information call 1-800-745-3000 or visit www.bampproject.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Saturday, June 4: 
North Shore Ocean Fest.  Celebrate the ocean up in the North Shore.  Turtle Bay Resort will host this event that brings together ocean educators, ocean activates, film promotion, Hawaiian made crafts, and lots of food vendors and live music on the grounds.  There will be hula performances and great prizes.  This is a free attendance fundraiser, honoring “World Oceans Day”, with fun filled event for the whole family!  Turtle Bay Resort, 57-091 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku. For information call (808) 293-6000 or visit www.best-of-oahu.com.

Saturday, June 4: 
Zenshin Daiko’s Annual Taiko Festival.  The festival concert will start off with the Chop Suey Jazz Orchestra, playing some old time Japanese favorites in a Big Band style. The Chop Suey Jazz Orchestra is directed by Casey Nagata and is composed of an interesting mix of Maui musicians who love playing music together.  Then, Zenshin Daiko’s 50+ members will take the stage to perform some of their favorite pieces and collaborate with UnitOne – the professional taiko ensemble from Asano Taiko U.S., based in Los Angeles. Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater, 1 Cameron Way, Kahului.  7 p.m.  For tickets and information call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.

Saturday & Sunday, June 4 & 5:
Biggest Little Airshow in Hawai`i. This year’s event will pay tribute to the 74^th anniversary of the Battle of Midway. Experience remote control 1/5^th scale warbirds, jets, and helicopters performing aerial stunts; candy bombings for the kids; aircraft displays; a kids’ activity zone; prize drawings; and hangar tours. On June 4, attend a Battle Of Midway commemorative ceremony, reception and unveiling of a special display featuring murals painted during WWII and historical artifacts from Midway Island.  Pacific Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Historic Ford Island, 319 Lexington Blvd., Honolulu.  10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  For more information call (808) 441-1013 or (808) 445-9069, or visit www.PacificAviaitonMuseum.org.

Friday, June 3: 
First Friday Street Festival:  Honolulu District.  Galleries and other arts venues open their doors for artist receptions, live music, and refreshments. Gallery walk maps are available at various locations in the area. 5 to 9 p.m.   Downtown-Chinatown, The ARTS at Marks, 1159 Nu`uanu Ave., Honolulu.  For information call (808) 521-2903.