Cruises spark up July 4 festivities

Two special cruises will allow Fourth of July revelers to view Waikiki’s fireworks show from the sea.

The Star of Honolulu fireworks dinner cruise is set for 6:15 to 9:15 p.m. July 4 and departs from Aloha Tower Marketplace, Pier 8. A cocktail cruise aboard the Hoku Nai’a leaves from Kewalo Basin, Slip D1 at 7:45 p.m. and returns at 9:15 p.m.

Dinner cruise rates for kamaaina and military are $95.38 and up with a valid Hawaii ID. The cocktail cruise costs $33.80 per person with a Hawaii ID.

For reservations or more information on both cruises, call 983-STAR (7827) or visit www.starofhonolulu.com.

Sign-ups start for hula gathering

Registration is open for the 4th Annual International Waikiki Hula Conference, taking place Nov. 19-21 at the Hawaii Convention Center.

The conference is open to hula enthusiasts of all levels of training and skill. IWHC’s format includes:

» bringing together a wide variety of hula teachers: seasoned elders to new kumu hula, representing differing styles or lineages of hula.

» offering public performance as part of the learning experience.

» providing a non-competitive environment.

» presenting unique seminars on hula-related topics, sometimes controversial, inviting discussion.

The 2010 Conference Package is available for $385 regular and $250 kamaaina. Online registration is available at www.waikikihulaconference.com.

Previous conferences have attracted conferees from Australia, Canada, China, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, Taiwan and more than 20 U.S. states.