August 3 thru August 10: 
54^th Annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament.  For five days, teams from around the world fish the famous waters off the Kona coast aboard some of the finest sport fishing vessels with captains who have built reputations around the world for catching big fish. Each day, tournament begins at Kailua Pier,1 Ka`ahumanu Pl., Kailua, at 7 a.m. At 4 p.m., boats return to Kailua Pier with their team and catch.  For information call (808) 836-3422 or visit www.hibtfishing.com.

Saturdays, Throughout the Month of August: 
Obon Dance & Festival.  The Obon tradition was brought to Hawaii by Japanese immigrants and evolved into a social and cultural event, as well as a religious custom designed to honor ancestors through an evening of dance, music and merry-making.  Festivities and Dance schedules and locations are listed below (schedule is subject to change):

• Saturday, August 3:  Kurtistown Jodo Mission, Iwasaki Camp Road, Kurtistown.  Service 7 p.m., Dance 8 p.m. For information call (808) 966-9777.
• Saturday, August 3:  Taishoji Soto Mission, 275 Kino`ole St., Hilo, Dance 7 p.m. For information call (808) 935-8407.
• Saturday, August3:  Hawi Jodo Mission,  Hawi Point, Hawi.  Dance 6:30 p.m.  For information call (808) 775-0965.
• Saturday, August 3:  Pa`auilo Kongoji Mission, Hauola Rd., Pa`auilo.  Dance 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 776-1474.
• Saturday, August 10:  Hamakua Jodo Mission, Honoka`a Point, Hamakua.  Dance 6:30 p.m. For information call (808) 775-0965.
• Saturday, August 10:  Kona Higashi Hongwanji, Holualoa.   Service 7 p.m., Dance 8 p.m.  For information call (808) 935-8968.
• Saturday, August 10: Hilo Higashi Hongwanji, 216 Mohouli St., Hilo.  Service 7 p.m., Dance 8 p.m.  For information call (808) 935-8968.
• Saturday, August 17:  Hakalau Jodo Mission, Hakalau Point, Hakalau. Service 7 p.m., Dance 8 p.m.  For information call (808) 963-6110.
• Saturday August 17:  Kamuela Hongwanji, 66-1251 Lalamilo Farm Rd, Kamuela.  Service 6 p.m., Dance 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 776-6232.
• Saturday, August 24:  Pahoa YBA Kaikan (Puna Hongwanji Pahoa), Old Volcano Rd., Kea`au Mountain View, Following 7 p.m. service.  For information call (808) 966-9981.
• Saturday, August 24:  Kamuela Hongwanji Mission, 65-1110 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kamuela.  Service 6 p.m., Dance 7 p.m. For information call (808) 885-4481.
• Saturday, August 31:  Honohina Hongwanji Mission, 32-896 Mamalahoa Hwy., Ninole.  Service 6 p.m., Dance 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 963-6032.

Saturday Evenings: 
Kapa`a Slack Key Saturdays.  Traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar and `ukulele concerts.  August 3 – Sea Turtle Serenade; August 10 – `Ohana Slack Key; August 17 – Legends of Slack Key; August 24 – Mountain to Sea Slack Key; August 31 – Circle of Life.  Tickets: $20 ($15 keiki/seniors).  A portion of the proceeds supports Na Keiki `O ka `Aina. Located in the Children of the Land Cultural Center, Kaua`i Village (Safeway/Longs) Center, Kapa`a.  5 to 7 p.m.  For information and reservations call (808) 826-1469 or visit www.mcmasterslackkey.com.

Saturday August 3 & Sunday August 4:
Join the BikeWorks-Starbucks Team for the 5th Annual MS Team Ride. Registration fee $30. Fundraising Minimum $300   Day 1: 65 miles North from Waikoloa Beach Resort to Kapa’au. Day 2: 50 miles South from Waikoloa Beach Resort to Kona.   Presenting sponsor Hilton Waikoloa Village offering discounted rates. This ride is fully supported with catered rest stops, bike support, and support and gear transportation. Can turn around at any rest stop.  Contact Jeff Manzo Bike Works Beach and Sport at Queens Marketplace Waikoloa Beach Resort 808 886-5000 or visit bikeworkshawaii.com.