* The traditions and culture of Hawai`i will be showcased at the 53rd Annual Establishment Day Ho`oku`ikahi Hawaiian Cultural Festival, sponsored by Pu`ukoholā National Historic Park, will be held Saturday, August 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, August 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Festival events will include Hawaiian arts and crafts, such as ulana lauhala (lauhala weaving), holo waʻa (canoe rides), kuiki (quilting), Hawaiian games, lei haku ame lei wili (different lei making styles), ulana niu (coconut frond weaving), kapa making, ʻohe hano ihu (bamboo nose flute), and live Hawaiian music. Festivities will be held at Pelekane Bay and the adjacent Spencer Beach Park in Kawaihae. For more information, www.nps.gov/puhe.
* Sports enthusiasts young and old will enjoy the Annual Queen Lili`uokalani Outrigger Long-Distance Canoe Races August 28-September 1, 2025, at Kaulua Bay. The famous 18-mile race is scheduled for Saturday, with a blessing of the canoes and racers at 6 a.m.; the race begins at 7:30 a.m. at Kailua Pier. For a full list of the weekend's much-anticipated events, please visit qlcanoerace.com.
* Take a day trip to the East side of the island explore the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center. Located on the University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo campus, ʻImiloa Astronomy Center is a must-visit destination for anyone curious about the stars, Hawaiian culture, and the art of navigation. This 40,000-square-foot exhibition and planetarium complex offers a fascinating journey that connects ancient Polynesian wayfinding traditions with the cutting-edge astronomical discoveries made atop Maunakea.
Visitors can immerse themselves in interactive exhibits that tell the story of how early navigators crossed vast oceans guided only by the stars, while also learning how modern astronomers continue to explore the universe. The center is home to Hawaiʻi Island’s only planetarium, featuring captivating programs designed for explorers of all ages. A day at ʻImiloa is both educational and inspiring, with opportunities to browse a unique gift shop filled with local treasures and enjoy a relaxed meal at the on-site restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner.
Conveniently located at 600 ʻImiloa Place, Hilo, the center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed Mondays). Whether you’re a family, a curious traveler, or a lifelong learner, ʻImiloa offers a rich, hands-on experience that blends science, culture, and storytelling in a way that’s uniquely Hawaiian. For more information, call 808.932.8901 or visit imiloa.info@hawaii.edu.
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