Saturday, July 5:
Makawao Town Independence Day Paniolo Parade. This year’s theme is “Celebrate the Paniolo”. Stick Horses Race at 8:45 a.m., Parade begins at 9:00 a.m. Experience this colorful Hawaiian style wild west parade, complete with rodeo royalty, beauty queens, foliage draped pa’u riders, classic cars, decked-out cowboys & cowgirls, music & floats. No parking in town. Roads will be closed. Park at the Oski Rice Arena Rodeo Grounds on Olinda Road and take the free shuttle 7 – 9 a.m., and back at 11:30 a.m. For information call (808) 572-9565.

Saturday, July 5:
A Taste of Kilohana. An exclusive, guided food tour that offers a seasonal taste of Kilohana Plantation. Ride an open-air plantation-style train, feed wild boar, goats and chickens and stroll through the orchard with an expert in local agriculture. Pick, eat, and learn how to select and prepare exotic tropical fruit. Tour the historic Manor House. Finally, enjoy a three-course, locally sourced meal in the Private Dining Room of the historic Wilcox Mansion. $115. Kilohana Plantation, Lihue. 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For reservations and information call (808) 685-0257.

Saturday & Sunday, July 5 & 6: 
Kaua`i Kau Wela Summer Festival. The event begins Saturday at 10 a.m. at Kukui Grove Mall, Center Stage, 3-2600 Kaumuali`i Hwy, Lihue, featuring Hula and Tahitian dance competitions, Live Tahitian drummers, entertainment, and Polynesian Crafts and displays. Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the ukulele competition will be held at Kamokila Hawaiian Village, 580 Kuamo`o Rd, Kapa`a. Gates open 9-5 p.m. $10 adults, $5 children 3-12 years old.   At 11:30 a.m., Wa`a kaulua, double canoe, navigates down Wailua River with Punohu (the warrior), Ilima (the Chanter), and Na Kane (the men) paddle toward the 17th century rock foundation.  For information call (808) 822-5959.

Every Friday:
Aloha Fridays at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. A free hands-on demonstration lesson is given in a cultural craft that varies each week. Held at VAC Gallery porch in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All events are free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply. For information call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.