Hui Okinawa Haari Boat Festival

Friday & Saturday, August 17 & 18: 
Hui Okinawa Haari Boat Festival.  Friday is reserved for team practice with the boats, but many other activities in Hilo are planned for later in the afternoon, including the kick-off of the 2012 Friendship Golf Tournament. Experience Hui Okinawa Kobudo Taiko 10th Anniversary Concert at the Palace Theatre on Friday at 7 p.m. The official Haari Boat Races are scheduled for Saturday at 8 a.m., with a pre-race Parade of teams at 7:30 a.m. Teams in three divisions compete for speed and cooperative skill in rowing the boats in tandem, to the beat of a gong at the rear of the boat. Prizes are awarded in each division.  Haari Boat Race Golf Tournament on Saturday at Hilo Municipal Golf Course (Tee Off Time TBA).  Wailoa State Park and River, 200 Piopio St, Hilo.  For information call (808) 895-0994 or visit www.haariboatfestival.com.