'ALEMANAKA - CALENDAR

'Alemanaka 'Aukake

The PCC festival of ancient Aoetearoa music and dance is marked by the excitement of the men's haka and the women's graceful handling of poi implements. - Photo: courtesy of Polynesian Cultural Center.

TE MANAHUA MĀORI CULTURAL COMPETITION

Sat., Aug. 9, 9 a.m.

In this year's whakataetae (competition), men and women will perpetuate the wairua (spirit) of the Māori culture with vibrant chants and dances. In addition to groups from Aotearoa, performers include Māori groups from London and Australia. Adults, $8; children, $6. Polynesian Cultural Center. 293-3333 or www.polynesia.com.

NĀNĀ I KE KUMU – LOOK TO THE SOURCE

Fri.-Sat., Aug. 15-16

Native Hawaiian practitioners in all traditional arts and skills are invited to attend this cultural retreat at Ho'omaluhia Park in Kāne'ohe. Along with working on a plan to preserve heritage, the retreat will aim to establish a registry of practitioners. $20 per day, including meals, supplies. Scholarships available. To register by Aug. 12, call Ko'olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club at 235-8111 or contact Donna Camvel at 358-1354 or email iolekaa@hawaii.rr.com.

FIRST KALAPANA CULTURAL DAY

Sat., Aug. 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Kalapana families living in the Kīkala-Kēōkea Homestead present a day of free entertainment, interactive Hawaiian craft demonstrations, craft and food booths and a pictorial history of the Kalapana community, which was devastated by lava in the '80s and '90s. Kēōkea Loop at Apo Place, about a mile east of Kaimū.

WAIMEA VALLEY CELEBRATION

Sat., Aug. 16, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The grand opening of Waimea Valley promises to be filled with music, dance, arts and craft workshops, games for the keiki, guided tours, food and more. Expert Hawaiian artisans in kapa making, lei hulu (feather work), lauhala, lā'au lapa'au (medicinal plants) and weapons, knotting and cordage will demonstrate and teach their craft.

Entertainment includes music by Owana Salazar and Sean Na'au'ao and hula by Pua Ali'i Ilima and Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine.

Admission is $10, adults; $5, children ages 4 to 12 and seniors 60 or older. Kama'āina rates and military rates are $6 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. Waimea Valley, across Waimea Bay on O'ahu's North Shore. 638-7776 or www.waimeavalley.net.

HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY FESTIVAL

Sun., Aug. 17, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Milton Lau brings Hawai'i's best heirs of Gabby Pahinui's slack key guitar legacy to four islands. O'ahu lineup includes Ledward Ka'apana, Jeff Peterson, Ho'okena, Maunalua, Makana and Mike Ka'awa and many others. Free. Kapi'olani Park Bandstand. Some of the same masters teach a slack-key workshop in the three days before the festival. Workshop Fees with limited scholarships available. 226-2697 or www.slackkeyfestival.com. For O'ahu workshop, call Outrigger Waikīkī, 921-9731.

KAUA'I FARM BUREAU FAIR

Thurs.-Sun., Aug. 28-31

There is nothing quiet like this end-of-summer bash to enjoy the aloha spirit of Garden Island residents. This wonderful flora and fauna showcase includes outstanding floral demonstrations, a livestock show, a petting zoo, food booth, arts and crafts, games and rides. Continuous live entertainment. Vidinha Stadium. 808-639-8432.

MĀLAMA PUNALU'U CULTURE & MUSIC FESTIVAL

Sat., Aug. 30, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Sun., Aug. 31, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

More than 100 Hawaiian artists, cultural practitioners and musicians like Amy Hānaiali'i Gilliom and Darren Benitez converge to celebrate the beauty and mana of the Ahupua'a of Punalu'u and Nīnole in Ka'ū. Check out the crafts, art show, music instrument swap, silent auction and a raffle that promises big prizes. Free, donations welcome. Nā'ālehu Park. 808-929-8334 or www.malamapunaluu.org.

KA HĪMENI 'ANA 2008

Sat., Aug. 30, 7:30 p.m.

Eleven groups from ages 8 to 70 vie in an annual song contest of unamplified Hawaiian music performances presented by the Hawaiian Music Hall Of Fame. Singer Marlene Sai emcees. Judges include OHA Chairperson Haunani Apoliona, Nina Keali'iwahamana and Bill Kaiwa. Prepare to be bowled over by the power of the Hawaiian voice – unplugged! $6-$30. Hawai'i Theatre. 528-0506 or www.hawaiitheatre.com.

A MATTER OF MAOLI/ NĀ LEO O NĀ PUA

Mon., Sept. 1, doors open 6 p.m.

Creative types let loose their imaginations and show off the avant-garde side of the Native Hawaiian aesthetic sense. Features a multimedia art display, young authors reading their winning works, and literary luminaries like Leialoha Perkins, Māhealani Perez-Wendt and 'Īmaikalani Kalāhele, who will also be cooking good grinds. Free. Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center in Honolulu. 847-1302.