Apply Now to Hold Northshore Surfing Contests

This week the County of Honolulu announced that applications are now being accepted to hold surfing competitions on the northshore of Oahu during the 2006/2007 surfing season. Applications must be received by April 25, 2006 in order to be considered. The north shore of Oahu is one of the premier surfing venues in the world. Events held there have included the O'Neil World Cup of Surfing, the OP Pro Hawaii, the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters, and many others. [Read Full Article]

Sewage Spill Contaminates Waikiki Beach

A sewage spill into the Ala Wai Canal in Honolulu has caused 48 million gallons of sewage to flow into the ocean, and the Hawaii Health Department has been forced to temporarily close the beaches of Waikiki. The beaches with the highest contamination levels are Magic Island, the Hilton Hotel Lagoon Beach, and the beaches in front of the Hale Koa, Halekulani, and Sheraton hotels. Contamination levels are lower on the beaches closer to Diamond Head, but they are still above acceptable levels. My advice to Hawaii visitors who have already made plans to stay in Waikiki: Rent a car and visit some of the many other beautiful swimming beaches on the island of Oahu.

Hawaii Channel March 29 Article

Honolulu Advertiser March 31 Article

Honolulu Star Bulletin March 31 Article

A Hawaiian Ice Hockey Tournament for Old Timers

The 22nd annual Hawaiian Classic OldTimers Hockey Tournament will take place April 23-26, 2006 at the Ice Palace skating rink on Salt Lake Boulevard in Honolulu. In the past, teams from Canada, Germany, Japan, Sweden, the continental United States, and many different parts of Hawaii have participated in this tournament. Players must be age 30 or older and teams from around the world are invited to participate.

How Clean is the Water at Hawaii's Beaches?

Hawaii's swimming and surfing beaches can become contaminated after a heavy rain, just like the beaches in every other part of the world. This week the Hawaii State Department of Health issued water contamination warnings for Hilo Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii, and several beaches on the islands of Kauai and Oahu. A sewage spill into the Ala Wai Canal has authorities concerned that the beaches of Waikiki could become contaminated, but so far only Magic Island, the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor, and the Ala Wai Canal itself are affected. You can check Hawaii water contamination levels on a Web site produced by the Hawaii State Department of Health: Hawaii Water Contamination Bulletins.

Waikiki's Zanzabar Egyptian Nightclub

This popular African and Egyptian theme nightclub on Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki can accommodate up to 1000 people, and it has profesional DJs, a dance floor, and special events that include Hot Latin Tuesdays, Asia Beat Fridays, and a Sunday dance contest. The most typical Zanzabar visitors are in their 20's and 30's and the club is especially busy on Thursday and Saturday nights. The minimum age at Zanzabar usually 21, but age 18 and up are welcome on some nights. The Zanzabar Nightclub is located inside the Waikiki Trade Center, at the corner of Seaside and Kuhio Avenues. Diners at Matteo's Italian Restaurant in the Marine Surf Hotel can get free admission to Zanzabar. For more information, see the Zanzibar Nightclub Web Site and read the the Honolulu Advertiser Article published in March of 2006.

Mesa's New Inter-Island Airline is a GO!

Mesa Airlines of Arizona has launched a new inter-island air service in Hawaii called "Go!". They will begin operating on June 9, 2006 with two jets flying between Maui, Kauai, Oahu, and the Big Island. Two additional jets will be added on June 20. Go! Airlines sparked an airfare war when they kicked off their new service by offering $39 inter-island airfares, which were immediately matched by Hawaii's two largest air carriers, Aloha Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.

Mesa Launches Go! Airlines in Hawaii

Aloha Airlines Matches Mesa's $39 Fare

Hawaiian Airlines Matches Mesa's $39 Fare

March 26 is Prince Kuhio Day in Hawaii

Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole was born in Koloa, Kauai on March 26, 1871. When the Kalakaua Dynasty assumed the throne of Hawaii in 1884, Jonah Kuhio was declared a prince. He was next in line to become king when the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893. In the late 1800's he was sentenced to a year in prison for his role in a Hawaiian uprising against Sanford Dole's newly formed Republic of Hawaii. After his release from prison, he joined the British Army to fight in the South African Boer War, and he remained in Africa until that war ended in 1902. When he returned to Hawaii he was elected to served in the United States Congress as the Territorial Delegate from Hawaii. The achievements for which he is credited include the dredging of Pearl Harbor and establishing the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Prince Kuhio died in Waikiki on January 7, 1922. He is buried on the island of Oahu at the Royal Mausoleum in Nuuanu.

Hilton Will Take Over the Radisson Kauai Beach Resort

The Hilton hotel chain will take over management of the 25 acre, 350 room Radisson Kauai Beach Resort after a $14 million renovation is completed by the hotel's owners, Anekona Management. Hilton will probably begin managing the hotel in the summer of 2006. The Kauai Beach Resort was a Hilton hotel when it first opened in 1986 and at that time it was simply known as the Kauai Hilton. In 1993 the hotel's management was taken over by the Outrigger hotel chain, and it was renamed the Outrigger Kauai Beach. Later the hotel's management was taken over by the Radisson hotel chain. The new name of the hotel will be the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort. The Kauai Beach Hotel and Resort is located on a three mile stretch of beach on the eastern "Coconut Coast" of the island of Kauai. Until the current renovations are complete, the hotel will be managed by its owners.

Los Angeles Man Swims from Oahu to Molokai

On March 15, 2006, Forrest Nelson of Los Angeles became the second person to swim across the 27 mile Kaiwi Channel, from Oahu to Molokai. It was a difficult swim that included several hours of nausea, swimming through trash lines, a shark scare, and crossing difficult currents. Nelson began his swim at Oahu's Sandy Beach and he arrived at Kawakiu Beach on Molokai 16 hours and 36 minutes later. [Read Full Article]

Is It Safe to Visit Kauai?

The island of Kauai experienced unusually heavy rains in March of 2006, causing flooding in some areas. Several people were killed when an irrigation dam in northern Kauai burst. The Kauai Tourism Office has received a large number of phone calls from potential visitors who are wondering about current conditions on their island, so they put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Kauai in the Spring of 2006.

Race to the Top of Mount Haleakala

The annual Haleakala Run to the Sun 36 mile ultra marathon will take place on March 25, 2006 on the island of Maui. The challenging course begins at sea level, at the Maui Mall in Kahului, and it climbs more then 10,000 feet to the summit of the dormant Haleakala volcano. 43 men and 17 women competed in 2005 and that year the first place finishers were Mark Speck of Hawaii (men) and Lisa Goldsmith of Colorado (women). Good luck this weekend runners!

Run to the Sun - Official Web Site

Run to the Sun - Course Map

Run to the Sun - 2005 Winners
Photo Credit: Don Bloom of Tropical Light Photography

Youth Hostels on the Big Island

A guide to accommodations on the Big Island of Hawaii with dormitory style beds in shared rooms. Includes hostels in Hilo, Kona, the northern Hamakua coast, and the volcano area. The hostel pictured on the left is Pineapple Park, which is located in Captain Cook on the west coast of the Big Island. It's a great place to stay because it has a kayak and beach equipment rental shop on the grounds.

Youth Hostels on the Big Island

Budget Hotels on the Big Island

All Lodging on the Big Island

Hilton Hawaiian Village Opens a Bridal Chapel

Last week, the Hilton Hawaiian Village resort opened their new Ocean Crystal Wedding Chapel, which is the first free-standing resort chapel in Waikiki. The 85 seat chapel was given a traditional Hawaiian blessing by Kahu Richard Kamanu of Kaumakapili Church. Japanese owned Best Bridal Hawaii will handle bookings and wedding planning services for the chapel and the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort will provide food, beverages, and reception areas for weddings parties.

Where to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Hawaii

Murphy's Irish Pub is sponsoring the 9th Annual St. Patrick's Day Block Party tonight in downtown Honolulu, with food, dancing, and live music. Mulligan's Pub in Wailea, Maui is having an all day St. Patrick's Day festival with live music and food tents. Mulligans at the Wharf in Lahaina, Maui is having a grand opening block party with food and live music. Both Mulligan's parties will have best hat and best leprechaun contests.

Murphy's St. Patrick's Day Block Party (Oahu)

Mulligans St. Patrick's Day Festivals (Maui)

Green Cocktail Recipes from the Hawaii Diner

From the Hawaii Diner Web site: "St. Patrick's Day inspired us here at HawaiiDiner.com to seek out something a bit more sophisticated than green beer to celebrate the "The Luck O'the Irish". " The color in these Hawaii Diner Green Cocktail Recipes comes from either mint flavored Cream de Menthe or melon flavored Midori. If you still want green beer, it's easy enough to make yourself. Just add green food coloring, drop by drop, to a beer, until the desired color is achieved. If you don't drink alcoholic beverages, you can add green food coloring to sparkling apple cider., If you want to stay away from artificial coloring, you can buy a green juice drink at your local health food store, and serve it in fancy glasses. You can also celebrate by serving any kind of drink at all in opaque green glasses. Happy Saint Patricks Day!

Waikiki St. Patrick's Day Parade March 17

On Friday, March 17, 2006 there will be a St. Patrick's Day Parade in Waikiki, sponsored by the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick of Hawaii. The parade will begin at 12 noon at the corner of Saratoga Road and Kalakaua Avenue, it will proceed down Kalauaua Avenue and Monsarrat Avenue, and will end in Kapiolani Park about 1:30 pm. Approximately 800 marchers, 50 vehicles, two floats, and five bands are expected to participate. To get an idea of what to expect at tomorrow's parade, see photos of the 2004 parade and the 2005 parade.

Diamond Head Crater Celebration on April 1

The first public concert inside Diamond Head Crater in almost 30 years will take place on April 1, 2006. It will be part of the Diamond Head Crater Celebration and featured performers will include the Steve Miller Band, WAR, Linda Ronstadt, Na Leo, Yvonne Elliman, the Honolulu Symphony, and other artists. The celebration will last approximately six hours, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and tickets will cost $125 to $175. Travel packages are available for concert-goers that include discounts on airfare, hotel, and car rental prices. For general information and ticket purchases see the official event Web site. See also the Urban Planet article "Diamond Head Crater Concert Returns in 2006".

Kamaka Ukulele Benefit Concert on March 18

Kamaka Ukulele of Hawaii is sponsoring a concert on Saturday, March 18, 2006 at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu. Artists scheduled to appear include Genoa Keawe, Ho'okena, Holunape, O'Brien Eselu, Byron Yasui, Benny Chong, and Bryan Tolentino. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Ukulele Guild of Hawaii "Ukes for Kids" program, which provides free ukuleles to under-privileged children. Tickets for the event are $30, which includes non-alcoholic beverages and parking at the Convention Center. For more information see the Kamaka Benefit Concert Web site.

Hilo Running Marathon on March 19

The 9th Annual Big Island International Marathon will take place on Sunday, March 19, 2006. Events will include a full 26 mile marathon, a 10.8 mile run,and a 3.1 mile run. The route has a beautiful course that begins in Pepeekeo Town and continues along the coast to the finish line in Hilo.

Big Island International Marathon

Photos of the 2005 Hilo Marathon

Photos on the Official Event Web Site

Hawaii Film Festival Spring Showcase

The Ninth Annual Hawaii International Film Festival's Spring Showcase will take place at the Dole Cannery Theaters in Honolulu, March 31 through April 6, 2006. More then 25 films will be screened, including "Tsotsi" (South Africa) winner of the 2006 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film, "Always Sunset on Third Street (Japan), winner of 13 Japanese Academy Awards, and many other films from Australia, Iran, the Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, and elsewhere.

Hawaii Film Festival Spring Showcase

Films Featured at the Showcase

How to Obtain Tickets

2006 Native Hawaiian Data Book

Today the Office of Hawaiian Affairs released the 2006 edition of the Native Hawaiian Data Book, a publication that marks the agency's 25th year of service to Native Hawaiians and the state of Hawaii. The books includes demographics such as Native Hawaiian population, land holdings, education, health, human services, housing economic development, etc. There are approximately 240,000 Native Hawaiians living in the Hawaiian islands and another 160,00 on the mainland. You can view the online version of the Native Hawaiian Data Book on this Web site:

2006 Native Hawaiian Data Book

Hawaii Senator Inouye's Wife Died on Monday

Maggie Inouye, the wife of Hawaii's United States Senator Daniel Inouye, died of colon cancer on Monday, March 13, 2006 at the age of 81. From Senator Inouye's wrenching four page memorial to the woman he fell in love with at first sight: "It was a most special blessing to have had Maggie in my life for 58 years. She was my inspiration, and all that I have accomplished could not have been done without her at my side. We were a team." Margaret Shinobu Awamura was born on June 23, 1924 in Wailuku, Maui and she married future senator Daniel Inouye on June 19, 1949. In 1964 she gave birth to their son Daniel K. Inouye, Jr., who is known as Kenny. Our thoughts and prayers are with Senator Inouye and his family during this difficult time.

Senator Inouye's Statement on the Passing of His Wife

Honolulu Advertiser Tribute

Honolulu Star Bulletin Tribute

Big Island Produces the World's Largest Mango

The Guiness Book of World Records has confirmed that the mango grown by Colleen Porter of the Big Island is the world's heaviest mango, with a weight of 5 pounds 7 ounces. The mango is approximately the size of a human head. Porter received a certificate from Guiness, and she has it hanging on a wall in her home in a mango-wood frame. The record-size mango was grown in Porter's small avocado and mango orchard, and it is a Keitt Mango, a variety which normally reaches two or three pounds in size. For more information see the Honolulu Star Bulletin article by Karin Stanton, "Mongo Mango Makes the Rounds".

Iroquois Point Triathlon and Festival

The Iroquois Triathlon and Weekend Festival will take place March 25-26, at Iroquois Point, which is located near Eva Beach on the south shore of the island of Oahu. The events will include a children's triathlon, a 5k run, a concert on the beach, and family entertainment on Saturday, March 25 and a triathlon on Sunday March 26th, that includes a 500 meter swim, a 13 mile bike ride, and a 3.5 mile run.

Hawaii Contrabass Festival

The Fourth Biennial Hawaii Contrabass Festival will take place March 19-26, 2006 on the islands of Oahu and Maui, and it will include workshops, lectures, demonstrations, and concerts for the general public. The evening concerts will take place at the Honolulu Academy of Arts Doris Duke Theater, the University of Hawaii Manoa Orvis Auditorium, and at The Studio Maui in Haiku. For more information see the Hawaii Contrabass Festival Web site and select from the menu on the right side of the page.

Great Hawaiian Rubber Duckie Race

The 19th Annual Great Hawaiian Rubber Duckie Race will take place in Waikiki on Saturday, March 25, 2006. The Waikiki Rubber Duckie Race is a benefit for the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii. There will be pre-race celebrations at the McCully Shopping Center in Waikiki from 9 am to 12 noon, and at 12:45 "Hawaii's Shortest Duck Parade" will proceed from the McCully Shopping Center to the Kalakaua Avenue Bridge over the Ala Wai Canal. 20,000 rubber duckies will be dumped off of the bridge into the canal, and the race will take 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the wind. The first 50 duckies across the finish line will win their adoptive parents a prize. It costs $5 to adopt one rubber duckie and you can do it using a form on the event Web site. I bought a 6-pack for $30 that includes six rubber duckie adoption certificates and a coupon for a free pizza.

History of the Waikiki Rubber Duckie Race

Photos and Rubber Duckie Adoption Form

Movies Under the Stars on the Big Island

Every Tuesday night you can watch an outdoor movie at the Waikoloa Beach Resort on the northwest Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The films begin at dusk and they are shown on a 17 by 10 foot digital outdoor screen at the Kings' Keaka (Kings' Theater) on a lawn located on the mauka (mountain) side of Kings' Lake. Admission for adults is $5 and children under 5 are free. For more information contact 808-886-8811. Films showing in March of 2006 are:

March 14 - War of the Worlds

March 21 - Legend of Zorro

March 28 - Zathura

Hula Dancing on a Hawaiian Volcano

2006 is the 25th year of the Volcano Arts Center's Hula Kahiko, a series of traditional hula and chant performances which take place on a platform overlooking the Kilauea Crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. The one hour performances begin at 10:00 or 10:30 a.m. and they are followed by craft demonstrations at the Volcano Arts Center. In 2006 the performances will take place on March 18, May 13, June 24, and August 26. For more information see:

Hula Kahiko Performance Series

New Book: Hawaii Wildlife Viewing Guide

Jeanne Clark's new book entitled the "Hawaii Wildlife Viewing Guide" describes thirty-one of the best spots in Hawaii for viewing the local mammals, birds, and tropical fish, in an ecologically friendly way. The guide introduces nine wildlife viewing spots on the Big Island, nine on Maui, seven on Oahu, five on Kauai, and one on Lanai.

Hawaii Wildlife Viewing Guide

31 Sites Described in the Guide

All Books About Hawaii

The Shrimp Trucks Of Oahu's North Shore

For a special treat when you're driving around the island of Oahu, pick up a delicious shrimp lunch at one of the shrimp trucks parked near the Kahuku aquaculture farms on Oahu's north shore. The shrimp is fresh and unshelled, and a variety of different sauces are available, including garlic, lemon butter, soy, sweet and spicy, hot and spicy, and others. Shrimp plates include two scoops of rice and sometimes they are also served with macaroni salad, green salad, a sweet potato chunk, a lemon slice, or a pineapple slice.

The Shrimp Trucks of Oahu's North Shore

Photos of Fumi's Kahuku Shrimp Truck

The Kahuku Shrimp Truck Scandal

Where to Go Shopping on Maui

There are several shopping centers on the island of Maui with 50 to 100 shops, galleries, theaters, and restaurants, including the Queen Kaahumanu Center in Kahului, the Lahaina Cannery Mall, the luxurious Shops at Wailea, and Whalers Village in the Kaanapali resort area.

Directory of Maui Shopping Centers

More About the Island of Maui

Two Big island Forests Will be Used for Research

40,000 acres of forest on the Big Island have been designated by the State of Hawaii as experimental forests under a United States Forest Service program that includes more then 70 forests in other states. The two Big Island forests to be involved in the program are the wet Laupahoehoe Forest and the dry Puu Waa Waa Forest. The forests will be used to study conservation, ecology, native forest restoration, responsible harvesting, and invasive species control. There will also be educational programs for local landowners and an emphasis on preserving of Native Hawaiian culture. [Honolulu Star Bulletin Article]

Hawaii May Bid on the 2016 Super Bowl

Aloha Stadium in Honolulu wants to upgrade their facility so Hawaii can make a credible bid to host the 2016 Super Bowl. They want to spend $129 million on a stadium makeover in order to lure the National Football League (NFL) 50th Super Bowl game to Hawaii. One downside to the proposed plan is that the seats would have to be permanently locked in the football position. Right now the stadium has three configurations: an oval for football, a diamond for baseball, and a triangle for concerts and similar events.

Hawaii May Bid on the 2016 Superbowl

Aloha Stadium Web Site

Hawaii Tourism Targets Active Seniors

Pleasant Holidays and other organized tour companies are stepping up efforts to develop tours that will interest seniors and baby boomers, because those groups have more leisure time and disposable income than many other groups. It's not clear, however, if modern seniors will be interested in fully escorted tours, because many of today's older adults consider themselves to be adventurous travelers, and Hawaii is a safe and easy independent travel destination. For more information, see the Honolulu Star Bulletin article: Hawaii Tourism Targets Active Seniors.

Winner of the 2006 Hawaiian Music Grammy

Congratulations to Daniel Ho Creations for their album "Masters Of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar, Volume 1", which won the 2006 Hawaiian Music Grammy Award. The recording includes performances by the top slack key guitar masters in the Hawaiian Islands, including Ledward Kaapana, George Kahumoku, Jr, Cyril Pahinui, Ozzie Kotani, Keoki Kahumoku, and Daniel Ho. Also nominated this year were Raiatea Helm's album "Sweet and Lovely", Kapono Beamer's "Slack Key Dreams of the Ponomoe", Sonny Lim's "Slack Key Guitar: The Artistry Of Sonny Lim", and Ledward Kaapana's "Kiho'alu: Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar".

2006 Hawaiian Music Grammy Award

2005 Hawaiian Music Grammy Award

Sad News: Goodbye to Solomon Ho'opi'i

I was saddened to learn this week that Hawaiian falsetto singer and musician Solomon Ho'opi'i, of the Hawaiian music duo the Ho'opi'i Brothers, died on Wednesday March 1, 2006, at the age of 70, from complications caused by diabetes. Sol stopped singing in 1999 because of poor health, but he enjoyed life right up to the end, even though he was undergoing kidney dialysis three times a week at the time of his death. Solomon and Richard Ho'opi'i were born in the small town of Kahakuloa in West Maui, and they started performing at a young age in churches and in school. They taught themselves to sing and play the ukulele in the old Hawaiian style by listening to the recordings of the old masters. In 1968 they formed their own group, calling themselves the "Ho'onanea Serenaders". Eventually they became known as simply the The Ho'opi'i Brothers. The brothers received a 1996 National Endowment for the Arts Award for their contribution to perpuating an important cultural art form for future generations to enjoy. They also received the 1997 Na Hoku Hanohano "Group of the Year" Award. Solomon Ho'opi'i is survived by his wife Gladys and his nine children, thirty-two grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Here are two articles announcing his death and celebrating his life:

Solomon Ho'opi'i Dies At Age 70 (Honolulu Advertiser)

Falsetto Specialist Sol Ho'opi'i Dies (Maui News)

Hike Maui With a Native Hawaiian Guide

On Tuesday, March 7, 2006 you can join a Native Hawaiian guide from the Kipahulu Ohana on a hike through the Kipahulu area of Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui. Hikers will visit sites representing several eras of Hawaiian history, including the Kapahu Living Farm, where traditional taro and other Polynesian introduced plants have been restored to active production. The one hour tours begin at the Kipahulu Visitor Center, which is a 3 or 4 hour drive from the Wailea and Kaanapali areas. Bring drinking water, snacks, rain gear, money for park entrance fees, and shoes with good traction. For more information about the hike see the Taro Patch Hiking Tour Web page.

Inter-Island Ferry Coming to Hawaii in 2007

The new inter-island Hawaii Superferry is scheduled to begin operating in the second quarter of 2007, with two 4-deck luxury catamarans large enough to carry approximately 900 passengers and more then 200 cars, trucks, and buses. In the beginning there will be daily service between Oahu and the islands of Maui and Kauai. A second ferry is scheduled to be added in the first quarter of 2009, and at that time service to the Big Island of Hawaii will begin. The ferries will travel at a speed of approximately 45 miles per hour, making the Oahu/Maui and Oahu/Kauai trips 3 hours and the Oahu/Big Island trip 4 hours.

US Airways Adds 3 New Flights to Hawaii

On March 1, US Airways added two new flights to Hawaii: one from Phoenix Arizona to Lihue Kauai, and one from Las Vegas Nevada to Kahului Maui. On March 2 US Airways added a new flight from Phoenix to the Kona airport on the Big Island. For more information see the official America West and US Airways Press Release.

A New Book About the Molokai Leprosy Colony

John Tayman's new non-fiction book about the community of Kalaupapa on the Hawaiian island of Molokai is at times horrifying and at times a testimonial about the strength of the human spirit. In Hawaii between 1866 and 1969, the victims of Hansen's disease (aka leprosy) were isolated in a remote location on Molokai to prevent other Hawaii residents from being infected. This well-researched account tells the story of the Molokai leprosy colony from the view of the victims of Hansen's disease, the local officials, and the paid and volunteer workers of Kalaupapa.

The Colony: Reviews and Information

The Colony: Buy it at Amazon.com

Index to All Books About Hawaii

A Slack Key Guitar Concert Series on Maui

The Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Concert Series on the island of Maui includes two performances every Wednesday, one at 6 pm and one at 8:30 pm, at either the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua or the Napili Kai Beach Resort. Tickets cost $40 per concert and there is a discount for Hawaii residents with a local driver's license. The concerts are hosted by George Kahumoku, Jr. or his son Keoki Kahumoku, and they feature the top slack key masters in the Hawaiian Islands. For more information see the official concert schedule or call 888-669-3858 . The artists scheduled to appear in March of 2006 are:

March 01: Richard Hoopii

March 08: Cyril Pahinui

March 15: Dennis Kamakahi

March 22: Ledward Kaapana

March 29: Sonny Lim

Big Island Events in March of 2006:

March 11: Great Waikoloa Ukulele Festival (Kohala Coast)

March 11: Kona Brewers Festival

March 19: Big Island International Marathon (Hilo)

March 19: Hulihe'e Palace Free Concert (Kona)

March 25: Kona Chocolate Festival