Big Island Vacation Guide 2008 - (Page 40) VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS For the early Hawaiians, art and religion went hand in hand. Artists held very high status and often doubled as priests. Since then, Hawai‘i’s many immigrant groups have added to Hawai‘i’s contemporary art trends. Hawai‘i’s appreciation for fine art is just as strong today, especially on the Big Island. The beautiful environment of the Big Island inspires many artists. Their works can be viewed, as well as purchased, at the island’s many art galleries. From paintings and sculptures to handblown glass, handmade jewelry and handcarved koa bowls, boxes and furniture, the island is an eclectic paradise of fine art. Though you’ll find galleries and museums all over, the Big Island is home to a few charming yet vibrant artist communities. Holualoa, above Kailua-Kona on the slopes ¯ of Huala ¯lai, is a village of artists and their galleries. Formerly an agricultural center, it has evolved into a gathering place for artists inspired by the area’s quiet beauty. Be sure to visit the galleries while strolling down the main street. The small town of Volcano is home to a retreat for artists. The Volcano Art Center Gallery has a fine collection of work by Hawai‘i’s talented artists. Ha ¯, the largest town in North ¯wı Kohala, has a number of galleries that proudly display works created on the Big Island. There are also a number of galleries in Historic Downtown Hilo and in the nearby Iron Works Building where you’ll find fine art. Hilo’s Wailoa Center displays art exhibitions that rotate monthly. And the East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, also in Hilo, includes three public galleries which host local, national and international art exhibits. HILO Palace Theater Hilo’s Palace Theater, which celebrated its 80th birthday in October 2005, features live events and movies. 934-7777 (Box Office), 934-7010 (Theater Office), www.hilopalace.com University Theatre The average season at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo includes over 150 performances of drama, music, dance and lectures. 974-7310, www.performingarts.net/Theatre WAIMEA Kahilu Theatre In addition to live performances for all ages, Kahilu offers workshops and educational programs. 885-6868 (Box Office), 885-6017 (Theatre Office), www.kahilutheatre.org Waimea Community Theatre Performances here include musicals, comedies, dramas, Shakespeare, readings, orchestras and choral events. 885-5818, www.waimeacommunitytheatre.org There’s always something to celebrate here. All throughout the year you’ll find many events that showcase the rich heritage of the Big Island. Whether you experience the island’s unique history, exotic music, fresh food or delicious coffee, there’s a party in every visit to the Big Island. Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival – February This annual event celebrates the blooming of Waimea’s historic cherry trees. Enjoy performing arts, mochi pounding and demonstrations. 961-8706. Kona Brewers Festival – March Annual event celebrating Hawai‘i’s brewing industry. 331-3033, www.konabrewersfestival.com Big Island Film Festival – May Held in Waikoloa, this event celebrates independent narrative films and filmmakers. www.bigislandfilmfestival.com. Ka‘ahulei O Kamehameha Lei Draping – June Hawai‘i’s King Kamehameha is commemorated with a draping of lei on his statue in Wailoa Park, Hilo. 961-9938. Kamehameha Day Celebration – June Celebrate King Kamehameha at his birthplace in North Kohala. 884-5000, www.kamehamehadaycelebration.org Big Island Hawaiian Music Festival – July Hear ‘ukulele, slack key and steel guitar artists at this two-day festival. 961-5711, www.ehcc.org MARIE NAKANO FESTIVALS OF THE BIG ISLAND Establishment Day Hawaiian Festival – August Held at Pu‘ukohola Heiau National ¯ Historical Park, this festival features hula performances, a royal court procession, arts, crafts and cultural exhibits. 882-7218, www.nps.gov/puhe Waiomina Centennial Celebration – August The Paniolo Preservation Society hosts a delegation from Wyoming to commemorate the Year of the Paniolo and Ikua Purdy, the 1908 Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo champion. The weeklong celebration includes a craft fair, paniolo cookout, performances and the Parker Ranch Labor Day Rodeo. 640-9534, www.paniolopreservation.org Aloha Festivals – August-September Month-long festival features traditional Hawaiian events. 589-1771, www.alohafestivals.com A Taste of the Hawaiian Range Food & Agricultural Festival – September Dozens of local celebrity chefs create extraordinary dishes. 322-4892, www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/taste A Taste of the Hawaiian Range Food & Agricultural Festival Kona Coffee Cultural Festival – November Hawai‘i’s oldest food festival honors Kona coffee pioneers and their traditions. 326-7820, www.konacoffeefest.com THE ART OF HULA Before language, there was hula, where the eyes and hands tell a story. Formerly a tool to communicate history and legends, hula is now a distinct art form synonymous with Hawai‘i. You’re sure to encounter this graceful dance during your stay. If you’re brave enough to get up and join the dancers, be sure someone in your party has a camera handy! The Merrie Monarch Festival, considered the world’s premier hula event, is held every year in Hilo. The week-long festival features both kahiko, ancient hula (before 1820), and ‘auwana, modern hula (after 1915). Here are some hula events happening on the Big Island. Gifts from Holualoa ¯ BIG ISLAND THEATERS The numerous theaters here will give you a chance to enjoy the variety of performing arts that the Big Island offers year-round. Visit the websites or call the box offices to see what’s playing during your stay. HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK K¯lauea Military Camp Theater ı This theater, converted from a Navy barracks in the 1930s, presents a variety of dance, music and theater performances. 967-8222, www.volcanoartcenter.org (Performances & Events) 40 www.bigisland.org BACKGROUND: KIRK AEDER http://www.nps.gov/puhe http://www.hilopalace.com http://www.performingarts.net/Theatre http://www.paniolopreservation.org http://www.kahilutheatre.org http://www.alohafestivals.com http://www.waimeacommunitytheatre.org http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/taste http://www.konacoffeefest.com http://www.konabrewersfestival.com http://www.bigislandfilmfestival.com http://www.kamehamehadaycelebration.org http://www.ehcc.org http://www.volcanoartcenter.org http://www.bigisland.org
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