Every Wednesday and Thursday:
Maui Humane Society’s Beach Buddies Visitor Program. Do you miss having a dog to spend your day with? Visitors and residents can sign up to take a homeless dog out for the day from the Maui Humane Society animal shelter. The shelter is easy to find as it is conveniently located in Pu`unene (central Maui) on Mokulele Hwy., between Kihei/Wailea and Kahului. Program participants will pick “their dog” up at 10 a.m. and bring them back no later than 3 p.m. MHS provides all of the supplies, you just provide the fun! Advance registration is mandatory as space is often filled weeks in advance. Register online at http://www.mauihumanesociety.org/.

Saturday, September 9:
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.  Hana Buddhist Temple, Hana Fairgrounds (below Hana Ranch Store, 1 Mill St., Hana).  Dance 5 p.m.  For information call (808) 248-8888.

Saturday, September 9:
Maui Humane Society’s 2017 Fur Ball: “The Great Catsby: A Night of Purr-hibition”.  The evening will include a premier buffet dinner, no-host bar (two drink vouchers included with each ticket), live music and dancing, silent and live auctions, and much more. Each ticket also comes with $100 in casino chips to use in the speakeasy casino. Individual tickets are $175 each and tables of ten are $1,750. Buy your tickets early as this event does sell out.  Four Seasons Resort Maui, 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea. 5 p.m.  For tickets and information call (808) 877-3680, ext. 219, or visit http://www.mauihumanesociety.org/.

Saturday, September 9: 
Hawai`i Rice Fest.  At the Rice Fest, you will experience Hawai`i’s culinary diversity via food demonstrations, entertainment, and more. This festival celebrates the world’s melting pot for the otherwise ordinary grain. This daily staple is transformed and infused with new and fantastic flavors that tantalize the taste buds.  Enjoy live entertainment, celebrity & chef cooking competitions, a SPAM musubi eating contest and a Poke Bowl eating. An event filled with family fun, entertainment, food booths, educational activities, rice products, and much more. Auahi St., Honolulu, fronting Ward Center, Nordstrom Rack and TJ Maxx. 3 to 9 p.m. For information visit http://ricefest.com/.

Friday September 9:
Kindy Sproat Falsetto Contest.  This unique music competition features talented male singers of all ages who can not only sing in the unique Hawaiian falsetto style, but can also captivate the audience with the stories behind the songs. Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, 6 p.m., doors open at 5:30 p.m.  Admission is $15 (includes commemorative ribbon while supplies last).  For more information, call (808) 217-2634 or visit hawaiiislandfestival.org.

Every Wednesday: 
Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Concert.  Host and slack key guitar master George Kahumoku, Jr. is joined by various renowned slack key masters who are true ambassadors of their music, their culture and their land for an evening of traditional Hawaiian songs and authentic “talk-story”.  September 6 – Led Kaapana; September 13 – Jerry Santos; September 20 – Jeff Peterson; September 27 – Brother Noland. Seating is limited. Dinner/Show packages are available. Located at the Sea House Restaurant at the Napili Kai Beach Resort, 5900 Lower Honoapi`ilani Hwy., Napili. Doors open 6:45 p.m., show begins 7:30 p.m., event ends at 9:30. For tickets and information call (888) 669-3858 or visit http://www.slackkeyshow.com/.

Saturday, September 9: 
Second Saturdays at Hawai`i State Art Museum.  Free hands-on art activities for all ages are hosted in the first floor Multipurpose Room. All materials are provided. Hawai`i State Art Museum, 250 South Hotel St., Honolulu. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., or while supplies last.    For information call (808) 589-9959 or visit www.sfca.hawaii.gov/hisam/visitor-information.

Saturday, September 9: 
Na Mele O Ko Olina.  Celebrate the music and arts of Hawai`i with some of Hawai`i’s very best Slack Key and Ukulele musicians, as well as 40 Hawaiian artists who display their artwork for sale. Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club, Great Lawn, 92-161 Waipahe Pl., Kapolei.  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For information visit http://icb-web.net/haa/.

Saturday, September 9:
Honbushin Odori 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.  Free.  Honbushin International Center, 95-030 Waihonu St., Mililani.  5-9 p.m.  For information call (808) 623-7693.