February Fun on Maui and the Big Island
February is shaping up to be a fun month with lots to see and do on the Big Island and on Maui! If you are local or will be visiting, you may want to check these events out!
BIG ISLAND
Every Wednesday morning, the historic Palace Theater in downtown Hilo presents a 45-minute cultural program called Hawai’iana Live! It begins at 11am and hostess Leilehua Yuen explores different facets of Hawaii island through traditional chant and storytelling, music, hula and video featurettes. Different shows are presented each week, so even if you’ve been here before you’ll want to go again! Admission is $5. www.hilopalace.com.
Feb 4 is the Annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival! Enjoy an all day lineup of Japanese and multi-cultural performing arts, plus hands-on demonstrations of bonsai, origami, traditional tea ceremony, and mochi pounding. There will be a host of colorful craft fairs, as well. This year, there will also be a Festival of Quilts display, featuring the handiwork of all six local quilt clubs. Enjoy free shuttle transportation among most venues held throughout the town of Waimea. A good place to start is at the Parker Ranch Center. FREE to the public!
Feb 11 marks the day Hilo celebrates Chinese New Year with its annual Festival. Head to Kalakaua Park downtown and enjoy Lion and Dragon dancers, great food, crafts, art, demonstrations and displays. You can also learn about Chinese astrology, history and culture. A favorite is the keiki costume contest! From 10a to 3p – FREE to the public!
Feb 11 The historic Palace Theater presents the annual Makaha Son’s Valentine Concert. What a treat! Call 934-7010 to purchase tickets with a credit card.
Feb 18 is the annual Laupahoehoe Music Festival at the oceanfront Laupahoehoe Point park, just 25 miles north of Hilo. Event begins at 8:30a and offers a full day of song, hula, school ukulele bands, great food and crafts. Tickets are $10 pre-event and can be purchased around Hilo town. www.laupahoehoemusicfestival.com
Feb 25 marks the 15th annual Hilo Heart Walk and Health Fair at Lili’uokalani Garden Park in Hilo. Opening ceremonies begins at 7am and the Health Fair runs until 11am. The event is FREE or you can sign up to raise money! www.hiloheartwalk.org
MAUI
Feb 3 enjoy FREE admission to the 5:30pm Jazz & Popp musical tribute to Martin Luther King Jr by vocalist Sheryl Renee & Friends accompanied by Brian Cuomo on piano at the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua.
Feb 4 is the Run and Walk for the Whales event at Makena Beach and Golf Resort in South Maui. This 5K or half marathon course is open to adults and children, residents and visitors and includes post-race festivities! www.mauiwhalefestival.org
Feb 18 Don’t miss one of Maui’s most popular festivals that honors the humpback whales that come to Maui waters each year. The Whale Day Celebration and Parade of Whales features live entertainment, great food, fun activities for keiki, and a huge “Made on Maui” artisans fair and will be held at Oceanside Kalama Park on South Kihei Rd in South Maui. The parade begins at 9am and the festival continues until 6pm. www.mauiwhalefestival.org
Feb 24 (through 3/11) See a live performance of “Grease” at the Iao Theater on Market Street in Wailuku. www.mauionstage.com
Feb 25 The Great Whale Count needs volunteers to assist the Pacific Whale Foundation’s research team at various sites along Maui’s shorelines. www.pacificwhale.org
Let us know if you participate in any of these – we’d enjoy hearing about your experiences! (Photos welcome too!)
