Big Island Vacation Guide 2009 - (Page 33) 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 island of Hawai‘i. The beautiful environment of Hawai‘i 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 island is home to a few charming yet vibrant artist communities. Holualoa, above Kailua-Kona on ¯ the slopes of Hualalai, 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. Hawı ¯ ¯, the largest town in North Kohala, has a number of galleries that proudly display works created on Hawai‘i 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. 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) Kamehameha Day Celebration & Parade– June Celebrate King Kamehameha at his birthplace in North Kohala. A floral parade with music, hula and food booths follows in Kailua-Kona. 884-5000, www.kamehamehadaycelebration.org 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 The Performing Arts Center at UH Hilo The average season at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo includes over 150 performances of drama, music, dance and lectures. 974-7310, artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu Dolphin Days – June The events at this four-day festival are inspired by the playful dolphins at Hilton Waikoloa Village’s Dolphin Quest program. 886-1234 x 2884, www.dolphindays.com Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau Annual Cultural Festival – June This event includes demonstrations of Hawaiian arts and activities. 328-2326 x 32, www.nps.gov/puho July 4th Kailua-Kona Independence Day – July This event begins with a traditional parade along Ali‘i Drive, followed by a fireworks display over Kailua Bay. 326-5226, www.konaparades.com Waimea Kahilu Theatre This modern theater brings world-class music, dance and drama to the Big Island. 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 Big Island Hawaiian Music Festival – July Hear ‘ukulele, slack key and steel guitar artists at this two-day festival. 961-5711, www.ehcc.org 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 Festivals of Hawai‘i There’s always something to celebrate here. All throughout the year you’ll find many events that showcase the rich heritage of the 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 island of Hawai‘i. For a complete list of festivals, go online at www.bigisland.org/calendar. Hawai‘i Island Festival - 30 Days of Aloha – August-September Month-long festival features traditional Hawaiian events. 885-3110 A Taste of the Hawaiian Range – September More than 20 local celebrity chefs create extraordinary dishes. 391-7459, www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/taste 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 International Day of Peace Festival – September The town of Honoka‘a will observe the United Nations International Peace Day with a parade of floats, music and performances. 775-0208, www.peacedayparade.org Hawai‘i 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. Kona Brewers Festival – March Annual event celebrating Hawai‘i’s brewing industry. 331-3033, www.konabrewersfestival.com Kona Coffee Cultural Festival – November Hawai‘i’s oldest food festival honors Kona coffee pioneers and their traditions. 326-7820, www.konacoffeefest.com Big Island Film Festival – May Held in Waikoloa, this event celebrates independent narrative films and filmmakers. www.bigislandfilmfestival.com. 800-648-2441 33 http://www.volcanoartcenter.org http://www.kamehamehadaycelebration.org http://www.dolphindays.com http://www.hilopalace.com http://www.nps.gov/puho http://artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu http://www.konaparades.com http://www.kahilutheatre.org http://www.ehcc.org http://www.waimeacommunitytheatre.org http://www.nps.gov/puhe http://www.bigisland.org/calendar http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/taste http://www.peacedayparade.org http://www.konabrewersfestival.com http://www.konacoffeefest.com http://www.bigislandfilmfestival.com
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