Saturday, August 2:
Kaua`i Sand Festival. Enjoy a free Hawai`i Sand Castle/Art/Sculpture Contest and Festival. Build a sand castle or sand art to win lots of prizes. For kids thru adults, individuals or teams of any size. All are welcome to create their dream and enjoy a day at the beach as sand artists. Hanalei, near Black Pot Beach. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information call (808) 245-8680.

Saturday & Sunday, August 2 & 3:
Bike ride Benefit for MS Society of Hawaii. Ride for a good cause and join the Bike Works MS Team!  Visit www.bikehih.nationalmssociety.org to sign up for the Bikeworks team or stop in BikeWorks Beach & Sport Queens Marketplace for information. For more information call (808) 886-5000 or visit www.Bikeworkshawaii.com.

Saturday & Sunday, August 2 & 3:
13^th Annual Heiva I Kaua`i Iorana Tahiti. A grass roots cultural festival filled with aloha, dance, music & great shopping. Two full days of Tahitian dance and Tahitian drumming competitions. Dance exhibitions, Polynesian artists & cultural demonstrations, Island foods and Polynesian crafts, plus a silent auction daily. Kapa`a Beach Park, Kaua`i. Gates open 9 a.m., festival begins at 10 a.m. Admission $6, children 6 and under free. For ADA and other festival information call (808) 822-9447 or visit www.heivaikauai.com.

Saturdays, August 2 and 23:
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.

Throughout the Month of August:
Obon Dance & Festival. The Obon tradition was brought to Hawai`i 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:

• Saturday, August 2: Taishoji Soto Mission, 275 Kino`ole St., Hilo, 7:15 p.m. For information call (808) 935-8407.
• Saturday, August 2: Kurtistown Jodo Mission, Iwasaki Camp Road, Kurtistown, 8 p.m. following 7 p.m. service. For information call (808) 966-9777.
• Saturday, August 2: Hawi Jodo Mission, 55-1104 Akoni Pule Hwy., Hawi, 7 p.m. following 6:30 p.m. service. For information call (808) 775-0965.
• Saturday, August 2: Pa`auilo Kongoji Mission, 43-1461 Hauola Rd., Pa`auilo, 7 – 10:30 p.m. For information call (808) 776-1474.
• Saturday, August 2: Taishoji Soto Mission, 276 Kino`ole St., Hilo, 7 – 10 p.m. For information call (808) 935-8407.
• Saturday, August 9: Hamakua Jodo Mission, 44-2947 Kalopa Rd., Honoka`a, following 6 p.m. service. For information call (808) 889-5456
• Saturday, August 9: Kona Koyasan Daishiji Mission, Holualoa, 7 p.m. For information call (808) 324-1741
• Saturday, August 9: Hilo Higashi Hongwanji, 216 Mohouli St., Hilo, 8 p.m. For information call (808) 935-8968
• Friday, August 15: Life Care Center of Hilo, 944 W Kawailani St, Hilo, 6 – 7:30 p.m. For information call (808) 959-9151
• Saturday, August 16: Hakalau Jodo Mission, 29-2265 Old Mamalahoa Hwy., Pepe`ekeo, 8 p.m. following 7 p.m. service. For information call (808) 966-9777.
• Saturday, August 16: Kamuela Hongwanji, 65-1110 A Mamalahoa Hwy., Waimea, 7:30 p.m. following 6:30 p.m. service. For information call (808) 885-4481
• Saturday, August 30: Honohina Hongwanji, 32-896 Mamalahoa Hwy., Ninole, 7 p.m. following 6 p.m. service. For information call (808) 963-6032.