! !!!!! !!HAWAI‘I’S WORLD CLASS EVENTS CALENDAR

January – June 2015 !Please note that events are subject to change without notice. For the most complete and updated Hawai‘i calendar, please visit GoHawaii.com/Events. !JANUARY 2015

♦ January 5-12, 2015 Hyundai Tournament of Champions (Maui) – Taking place at the legendary Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort, the 2015 PGA TOUR event is one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments. Only champions from the 2014 PGA TOUR season are eligible to compete. PGATour.com/Hyundai !

♦ January 11, 2015 New Year’s ‘Ohana Festival (O‘ahu) – The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i hosts this family event at Mö‘ili‘ili Field to ring in the New Year. The festival features food booths serving up Japanese dishes and treats, arts and crafts, entertainment, and cultural demonstrations. JCCH.com !

♦ January 11-18, 2015 Sony Open in Hawaii (O‘ahu) – Each January the Sony Open in Hawaii attracts 144 of the world’s greatest golf professionals to the Waialae Country Club. One of the most anticipated events on the PGA TOUR schedule, the Sony Open showcases international golf talent and camaraderie against the backdrop of Hawai‘i’s natural beauty to the world. SonyOpenInHawaii.com!

♦ January 17-18, 2015 Pacific Island Arts Festival (O‘ahu) – Held at Kapi‘olani Park in the heart of Waikïkï, the festival features close to 100 Hawai‘i artists and artisans with products including jewelry, clothing, stained glass, ceramics, quilts, bags, woodcrafts, soaps, and candles. ICB-Web.net/haa!

♦ January 18, 2015 Maui Oceanfront Marathon – The annual race lives up to its name with a breathtaking route from Wailea to Lahaina. There is also a half marathon starting in Lahaina, a 15K starting at Päpalaua Beach, and a 5K from Lone Palm Point, all finishing at Kamehameha Iki Park. Keep an eye on the horizon to catch a glimpse of humpback whales. MauiOceanFrontMarathon.com !!!!

-more-

Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – January–June 2015 Page � !2

♦ January 21-25, 2015 Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualälai (Hawai‘i Island) – The PGA TOUR Champions Tour is comprised of official money-event champions of the 2013 and 2014 seasons, winners of the majors since 2010 and special tournament invitees, including one major. The golf competition will be held at the Hualälai Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus. PGATour.com !

FEBRUARY 2015 ♦ February-March 2015

Maui Whale Festival – Each year, the Pacific Whale Foundation throws a celebration to honor the thousands of humpback whales that migrate to Maui each winter. Festival highlights include a Run & Walk for the Whales, the Great Whale Count, Maui’s Parade of Whales, and the national observance of Whale Day. MauiWhaleFestival.org !

♦ February 7, 2015 Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival (Hawai‘i Island) – This popular festival showcases the blooming of Waimea’s historic cherry trees and hanami, the Japanese tradition of viewing the beautiful flowers. Experience an all-day lineup of Japanese and multi-cultural performing arts, plus hands-on demonstrations of bonsai, origami, traditional tea ceremony, fun mochi pounding, and a host of colorful craft fairs. For more information, call 808-961-8706. !

♦ February 14, 2015 A Night in Chinatown Street Festival (O‘ahu) – Downtown Honolulu hosts a daylong block party celebrating Chinese New Year. Enjoy great food, martial arts presentations, crafts and good luck trinkets, firecrackers, and music. The parade features color guards, bands, martial arts clubs, and Chinese lion and dragon dances. !

♦ February 14-15, 2015 Pana‘ewa Stampede Rodeo (Hawai‘i Island) – This amateur rodeo is a competition between cowboys/cowgirls, children, and küpuna (elders) showcasing Hawai‘i’s paniolo (cowboy) culture. This large and diverse rodeo features team roping, barrel racing, bronco riding, and bull riding. Food, craft booths, and interactive demonstrations round out the weekend. HawaiiRodeoStampede.com !

♦ February 14-21, 2015 Waimea Town Celebration (Kaua‘i) – As one of Kaua‘i’s oldest settlements, community members gather together every year to honor the town’s storied history. Visitors are welcome to join the 37th anniversary celebration with island entertainment, food, crafts, games, contests, and sporting events, including the Kilohana Long Distance Canoe Race along the Waimea shoreline. WaimeaTownCelebration.com !

♦ February 16, 2015 Kaiser Permanente Great Aloha Run (O‘ahu) – The Great Aloha Run is one of Hawai‘i’s largest events and benefits more than 150 non-profit organizations in Hawai‘i. This 8.15-mile run/walk starts in downtown Honolulu and ends at Aloha Stadium. GreatAlohaRun.com!

-more-

Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – January–June 2015 Page � !3

MARCH 2015 ♦ March 6-8, 2015

Honolulu Festival (O‘ahu) – Celebrating it’s 21st anniversary, this three-day festival shares a rich and vibrant blend of Asian and Pacific Island cultures with the rest of the world through educational programs, activities, craft fairs, demonstrations, and a grand parade through Waikïkï. HonoluluFestival.com !

♦ March 7, 2015 Great Waikoloa Ukulele Festival (Hawai‘i Island) – Hawai‘i’s top ‘ukulele performers come forth for a special evening of entertainment in tribute to the popular instrument. Guests can enjoy a lineup of ‘ukulele masters, take lessons, and enter ‘ukulele giveaways. UkuleleFestivalHawaii.org. !

♦ March 12-14, 2015 Kona Brewers Festival (Hawai‘i Island) – What began as a birthday celebration for Kona Brewing Co. in 1996 has grown into one of the State’s premiere festivals. Kicking off the week of fun is the 20th Annual Kona Brewers Festival Homebrew Competition, a local competition sanctioned by the American Homebrewers Association. Judges evaluate hundreds of entries using the AHA National Style Guidelines for 28 different styles of beers, meads, and ciders. KonaBrewersFestival.com!

♦ March 15, 2015 Big Island International Marathon – Choose from a 26.2-mile marathon, 13.1-mile half marathon, or 3.1-mile run in one of the most spectacular environments for a running event. The scenic marathon course takes participants through Hilo and along the island’s east coast, past waterfalls, and bridges. HiloMarathon.org !

♦ March 23-28, 2015 Haili Volleyball Tournament (Hawai‘i Island) – One of the premier volleyball tournaments in the U.S. and one of the largest sporting events on Hawai‘i Island, this invitational event has grown over the past 50 years to include participants from the Hawaiian Islands, the U.S. mainland, Guam, Samoa, Japan, and British Columbia. HailiVolleyball.com !

♦ March 29, 2015 Lavaman Waikoloa Triathlon (Hawai‘i Island) – The annual Lavaman Triathlon is an extravaganza of sports and fitness held at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. This event, comprised of a 10K run, 40K bike ride, and 1.5K swim, is open to individuals and relay teams of all ages and abilities. The triathlon is followed by an awards party and beach barbeque at ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay. LavamanTriathalon.com/Waikoloa!

♦ TBD Prince Kuhio Celebration (Kaua‘i) – This weeklong event honors the life of Prince Jonah Kühiö Kalaniana‘ole, one of Hawai‘i’s most beloved monarchs. Held in his birthplace of Po‘ipü, the celebration is filled with several events, including: Hawaiian cultural demonstrations and hands-on learning sessions, the 45th annual Prince Kuhio Long Distance Canoe Race, a Prince Kuhio birthday celebration lü‘au, and more. PrinceKuhio.net !

-more-

Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – January–June 2015 Page � !4

APRIL 2015 ♦ April 4, 2015

Maui County Agricultural Festival – Hosted by Maui County Farm Bureau, the annual festival shares, celebrates, and educates residents and visitors about Maui’s local agriculture. Held at Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapü, the Ag Fest includes Grand Taste Education, cooking demonstrations, livestock exhibits, entertainment, and a whole lot of Maui-centric food booths. MauiCountyFarmBureau.org !

♦ April 5-11, 2015 Merrie Monarch Festival (Hawai‘i Island) – Considered by many as the world’s premier hula competition, the Merrie Monarch Festival is a weeklong cultural festival that concludes with its prestigious three-day hula competition. Featuring female soloists and group hula hälau (hula schools) from around the world, the typically sold-out event showcases dancers competing in both kahiko (ancient) and ‘auana (modern) forms of hula. MerrieMonarchFestival.org!

♦ April 5-May 3, 2015 Art Maui 2015 – Showcasing new works by the artists of Maui County, this annual art exhibition is one of the most prestigious juried art shows in Hawai‘i. Held at the Schaefer International Gallery at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Art Maui aims to be at the forefront of fine art development in Maui. ArtMaui.com !

♦ April 24-May 3, 2015 Ka‘ü Coffee Festival (Hawai‘i Island) – The Ka‘ü region on Hawai‘i Island has quickly become one of the up-and-coming premier coffee providers in the world and continues to celebrate its success year after year with a festival featuring its products. The weekend festivities include a Miss Ka‘ü Coffee pageant, a ho‘olaule‘a (celebration) featuring competitions for best coffee, coffee recipe, farm tours, coffee demos, and, of course, lots of food and entertainment. KauCoffeeFestival.com !

♦ April 25, 2015 East Maui Taro Festival – This annual event in Häna includes ‘ono grinds (great food) showcasing different uses of taro. Celebrating what is considered the main staple of the native Hawaiian diet, visitors can experience taro pounding demonstrations, hula performances, live music, and other cultural activities. TaroFestival.org !

♦ April 26, 2015 Haleiwa Metric Century Ride (O‘ahu) – This annual event hosted by the Hawaii Bicycling League includes hundreds of bicycle enthusiasts and newcomers. The course takes riders through Hale‘iwa Town, then along the shores over Waimea Valley, Sunset Beach, Kahuku, and Ka‘a‘awa. All skill levels and ages are welcome. HBL.org !

MAY 2015 ♦ May 2015

Maoli Arts Month (O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island) – The works of Native Hawaiians will be on display in various events on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i, the Big Island, throughout the month including a Native Hawaiian Arts Market and the MAMo Wearable Art Show. MaoliArtsMonth.org!

-more-

Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – January–June 2015 Page � !5

♦ May 2015Mele Mei (Statewide) – This annual celebration honors music, language and culture of Hawai‘i. Mele Mei encompasses a series of concert performances, award ceremonies, demonstrations and workshops, including the 38th Annual Nä Hökü Hanohano Award Ceremony. MeleMei.com !

♦ May 2015 Visitor Industry Charity Walk (Statewide) – The Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association organizes one of the largest fundraising events by a non-profit group in Hawai‘i. Participants enjoy food, drink, and entertainment from Hawai‘i’s visitor industry along walking routes on O‘ahu, Maui, Hawai‘i Island, Kaua‘i, Läna‘i and Moloka‘i. CharityWalkHawaii.org !

♦ May 1, 2015 Lei Day Celebration (O‘ahu) – As the most emblematic symbol of Hawai‘i, lei and Lei Day have been celebrated in the Hawaiian Islands since 1927. The event is held at Kapi‘olani Park in Waikïkï and honors lei and the traditions surrounding it. Festivities include pageants and competitions for lei queen, and the making of colorful and fragrant flower lei. HonoluluParks.com !

♦ May 1, 2015 Kaua‘i Museum May Day Lei Contest – As one of the largest lei competitions in the state, the contest showcases several interpretations of lei. The museum encourages participants to preserve the ‘äina (land) and use cultivated lei materials. KauaiMuseum.org !

♦ May 2, 2015Waikiki Spam Jam (O‘ahu) – This annual street festival celebrates Hawai‘i’s love affair with Spam. Great for all ages, the event takes place in the heart of Waikïkï and features local restaurants offering creative Spam dishes, entertainment stages, and Hawai‘i crafters. SpamJamHawaii.com !

♦ May 2-3, 2015 Hawai‘i Book & Music Festival (O‘ahu) – This event, held at Honolulu Hale,

commemorates books, reading, and music in Hawai‘i and features a variety of local, national and international authors, musicians, and storytellers. HawaiiBookAndMusicFestival.com!

♦ May 8-10, 2015 Celebration of the Arts (Maui) – Held at The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, the award-winning Celebration of the Arts is one of Hawai‘i’s premier hands-on arts and cultural festivals. Kama‘äina (local residents) and visitors are invited to experience the “Hawaiian heart and soul” through interaction with artisans, cultural practitioners, speakers, and entertainers. CelebrationOfTheArts.com !!!!!

-more-

Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – January–June 2015 Page � !6

♦ May 9, 2015 Filipino Fiesta and Santacruzan (O‘ahu) – Individuals of all ethnic backgrounds are invited to experience various aspects of Filipino culture and honor the strength of the Filipino community in Hawai‘i. The celebration includes a historical cultural parade spanning from Fort DeRussy to Kapi‘olani Park, a cultural village with various booths highlighting the tastes and sounds of the Philippines, and a Santacruzan (historical beauty pageant) featuring Filipino beauties in a candle lit parade. FilCom.org !

♦ May 15-16, 2015 Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s Cultural Festival (Hawai‘i Island) – Learn Hawaiian crafts from the masters and make lei or feather kähili, play Hawaiian games like pala‘ie (a loop and ball game), weave a coconut basket, and taste traditional foods. Visitors also have a chance to learn from skilled practitioners who will demonstrate their arts of fishing, throwing net, building a canoe, and much more. FHVNP.org. !

♦ May 17, 2015 Honolulu Triathlon (O‘ahu) – This Olympic distance triathlon based at Ala Moana Beach Park features a 1.5K swim along the shore for spectator viewing, a 40K bike course along O‘ahu’s south shore, and a 10K double loop run. The run course finishes at Magic Island. HonoluluTriathlon.com !

♦ May 21-25, 2015 Big Island Film Festival (Hawai‘i Island) – This up-and-coming film festival held at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i celebrates both new independent films and filmmakers, and established films and actors alike. The event also provides an opportunity for guests to meet filmmakers and actors at film screenings and festival panels. BigIslandFilmFestival.com !

♦ May 24, 2015 Banana Poka Roundup (Kaua‘i) – The Köke‘e Museum presents an educational fair highlighting the creative functions of the invasive South American pest, the Banana Poka vine. Bring the whole family to enjoy the activities, including basket weaving, live music, educational presentations, face painting, hiking, and nature art for the kids. Kokee.org!

♦ May 25, 2015 Lantern Floating Hawai‘i (O‘ahu) – A time-honored Buddhist rite, candle-lit lanterns are individually set afloat on the ocean. Each year, thousands of people locally and from around the world gather at this visually stunning and emotionally moving event at Ala Moana Beach Park to honor, pray, and wish for peace and happiness. LanternFloatingHawaii.com!

♦ May 30, 2015 Ironman 70.3 Hawai‘i Triathlon (Hawai‘i Island) – This triathlon is a qualifying event for the Ironman World Championship held in October. The Olympic distance race is comprised of a 1.2 mile swim at Häpuna Beach Park, 56 mile bike ride on the legendary Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway, and 13.1 mile run through Mauna Lani Resort’s beautiful grounds. Ironman.com !

-more-

Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – January–June 2015 Page � !7

♦ TBD World Fireknife Dance Competition (O‘ahu) – Skill takes center stage at the Polynesian Cultural Center as competitors from around the world showcase the art of Samoan fireknife dancing. The most exciting and daring dancers spin their fire-lit knives and attempt to avoid the flames while competing for the honor and title of World Fireknife Champion. Polynesia.com !

JUNE 2015 ♦ June 3-7, 2015

Maui Film Festival at Wailea – Equal parts film and lifestyle festival, this star-studded event pairs Hawaiian culture and film in the luxurious resort area of Wailea. Fabulous film premieres, gala parties, celebrity appearances, and Hawaiian music and dance highlight five days of cinema – Maui style. MauiFilmFestival.com !

♦ June 11, 2015 North Kohala Kamehameha Day Celebration (Hawai‘i Island) – Every June 11, thousands gather on the northern tip of Hawai‘i, the Big Island to honor Kamehameha I, the chief who united the Hawaiian Islands in 1795. Festivities include flower decorations of the original King Kamehameha statue, a floral parade, and a music festival with award-winning Hawaiian musicians at Kamehameha Park. KamehamehaDayCelebration.org !

♦ June 11-13, 2015 The Hawai‘i Songwriting Festival (Hawai‘i Island) – Kaua‘i Music Festival presents: The Hawai‘i Songwriting Festival. Held at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, learn songwriting from some of the best writers in America at this three-day celebration of the arts. Consult one-on-one with award-winning composers and producers, and top industry professionals. KauaiMusicFestival.com !

♦ June 11-14, 2015Kapalua Wine & Food Festival (Maui) – One of the most prestigious festivals of its kind in Hawai‘i, celebrating the art of fine food and wine with a four-day culinary extravaganza. Inspired by innovation and excellence, the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival explores some of the most exciting trends in the gastronomic world. The festival brings together world-renowned winemakers, top master sommeliers, celebrated chefs, and industry insiders in fun, themed tastings, seminars, and evening gala events. KapaluaWineAndFoodFestival.com !

♦ June 12-14, 2015 Pan-Pacific Festival (O‘ahu) – Matsuri (Japanese word for festival) in Hawai‘i began in 1980 as a cultural exchange between Japan and Hawai‘i. Visiting participants from Japan were able to enjoy the familiarity of Japanese music, crafts, traditions and foods, while Hawai‘i residents and other visitors would gain a deeper appreciation of Japanese sensibilities and cultural heritage. The festival features events throughout Waikïkï showcasing Japan’s pageantry with a ho‘olaule‘a (celebration) block party, art fair, hula performances, and culminating with a grand parade down Kaläkaua Avenue. Pan-Pacific-Festival.com !!

-more-

Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar – January–June 2015 Page � !8

♦ June 20-28, 2015 Kona Marathon & Family Fun Runs (Hawai‘i Island) – In addition to the usual marathon distance, the Kona Family Fun Runs offer half-marathon, 10K, and 5K courses for runners of all ages and abilities. Before the marathon, don’t miss The Health & Fitness Fair, a family friendly event, with over 45 booths, entertainment, speakers’ series, and food. KonaMarathon.com !

♦ June 27-28, 2015 Pu‘uhonua o Hönaunau Annual Cultural Festival (Hawai‘i Island) – The festival held at Pu‘uhonua o Hönaunau National Historical Park includes a royal court procession, hula performances, and cultural demonstrations in net fishing, weaving, and Hawaiian food preparation. NPS.gov/puho !

♦ June-September, 2015 Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series (Hawai‘i Island) – Hawai‘i is well known for its big-game fishing excitement as anglers from across the globe flock to the Islands in anticipation of snagging a prized marlin, yellow fin tuna, and other deep sea dwellers. The Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series captures the thrill with several events including:

♦ Kona Kick Off– June 27-28 ♦ Firecracker Open – July 4-5 ♦ The Kona Throw Down – July 7-9 ♦ Skins Marlin Derby – July 10-12 ♦ The Kona Classic – July 18-19 ♦ Big Island Marlin Tournament – August 21-23 ♦ September Challenge – September 18-20 !

For more information, visit KonaTournaments.com. !♦ TBD

Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival (O‘ahu) – One of the longest-running and well-respected LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) film festivals in the country, the Rainbow Film Festival presents documentaries, feature films, shorts, and animations from around the world, with special consideration given to Hawai‘i-based filmmakers. HGLCF.org !

-pau- !Special note to media: The Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) recognizes the use of the ‘okina [‘] or glottal stop, one of the eight consonants of the (modern) Hawaiian language; and the kahakö [ä] or macron (e.g., in place names of Hawai‘i such as Läna‘i). However, HVCB respects the individual use of these markings for names of organizations and businesses. !

-more-