Dance a Day Away
With such rich traditions -- stone-disk money, lava-lavas and loincloths -- the Micronesian island of Yap needs two days to celebrate its culture, despite the singular name Yap Day (March 1-2). Join islanders in spear-throwing contests, narrative dance performances and basket-weaving races. But the focal point of the festival is the mit-mit, where villages host dance competitions that last for up to 10 hours. Each dance can only be performed once in the village and once in public before it is retired forever. Luckily, traditions never retire. visit-fsm.org
Conch Tunes
For one of the loudest island festivals anywhere, head to Key West for the Conch Shell Blowing Contest (March 7), otherwise known as the Conch Honk. The spiral-shaped shell is ingrained in the heritage of the Florida Keys, where Calusa Indians and sailors alike used its booming sound to communicate. See how your conch-honking skills compare by puckering up to the musical sea mollusk at the Oldest House on Duval Street, where you'll be judged on quality, duration and loudness. Don't worry: No previous musical experience is required. oirf.org
Honolulu Art
Every spring, Oahu's Kapi'olani Park fills with petroglyph silk screens, rice-bag clothing, and boxes made from kou and koa trees. At the Waikiki Artfest (March 14-15), don't just peruse the ceramics, jewelry, and stained glass on display; meet the 75-plus Hawaiian artists who created them. Grab a shave ice, watch the hula halaus, or dance groups, and learn the significance of each piece of art: One photographer and free-diver uses his images to protect monk seals. That meaning -- and the art -- can follow you home. gohawaii.com
