It’s obon season

Buddhist temples across the islands are planning Obon events to mark the time when ancestors’ spirits are said to visit their relatives. The festivities are open to believers and nonbelievers alike, who can enjoy traditional Japanese dance and food.

Don’t miss our complete clip-out schedule of summer Obon dances in Friday’s Today section.

Aloha, China

Follow Hawaii slack-key master Jeff Peterson as he undertakes his first solo concert tour in China, providing daily blog posts and photos of his experiences at www.honolulupulse.com. In his first report, the Grammy- and Hoku-winning musician reveals a family connection to Shanghai as he prepares for Saturday’s near-sellout concert in the city’s main symphony hall.

WHAT’S IN STORE

Splash! Hawaii opens Splash! Hawaii Sport

Splash! Hawaii has launched Splash! Hawaii Sport at Ala Moana Center, just in time for summer. The new concept store addresses Hawaii’s active outdoor lifestyle, focusing on swimwear and active wear for surfing, paddling and other watersports.

The store also carries a wide array of boardshorts, SPF rash guards and active wear for volleyball enthusiasts, hikers and team sports.

Among the brands carried are Honey Girl, Volcom, Nike, Billabong, Roxy Sport, Xcel and Splash! Hawaii’s exclusive brand. The emphasis will be on comfort and durability, with mix-and-match separates including hard-to-find D and E cup bras.

Splash! Hawaii Sport is adjacent to the Splash! Hawaii store on the ground level, near the Makai Market.

Martin & MacArthur adds neighbor isle artists

Martin & MacArthur has added new wares by neighbor island artists to its product mix.

Included are Maui artist John Whittle’s culinary knives incorporating hand-ground, surgical-grade stainless-steel blades with hand-carved koa handles, and Kauai artist Rosalie Kaohelaulii’s Hawaiian handbags.

Kaohelaulii sews each of her handbags with tropical-print textiles sourced around the world. Her bags come in shoulder, large zippered tote and convertible handbag-backpack styles.

On Oahu, Martin & MacArthur can be found at Ala Moana Center, Ward Centre and Hilton Hawaiian Village. For more locations, visit MartinandMacArthur.com.