It’s February in the islands of aloha — here’s what not to miss!
February is peak whale season in Hawaii as well as Hawaiian Language Month (Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.) So there’s no better time to add the Hawaiian word for whale, koholā (“ko-ho-LAH”) to the ones you already know— like aloha, which comes in particularly handy for Valentine’s Day. “I love you” is aloha wau ‘iā ‘oe (“aloha vow yah oh-way.”) To get more practice, visit one of the Hawaiian language festivals at popular shopping centers on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island, which will also offer live entertainment, games and speech contests.
Feature Photo: Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay
Oahu
If you’ve already made your true-love vows, consider taking part in Hilton Hawaiian Village’s new Vow Renewal Package, debuting on Feb. 14, of course.
Held inside the glass-walled Akala Chapel in the resort’s garden, the package includes an officiant-led ceremony with exchange of fresh orchid lei and live music, followed by a sparkling wine toast in a gazebo. The $395 fee includes keepsake champagne flutes and a vow renewal certificate; if you can’t make Valentine’s Day, the ceremony will take place weekly on Fridays at 6:45 p.m., starting on Feb. 21.
Here are highlights of other events around Oahu in February:
February 19-23
To experience a different kind of tropical dance, check out the ninth annual Hawaii Salsa and Bachata Congress, Feb. 19-23. Top DJs and instructors will turn up the heat in the Sheraton Waikiki ballroom, Waikiki Beach and the District nightclub.
Every Wednesday
Combine hula with Hawaii’s cowboy heritage at the Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay, which presents “Paniolo — A Hawaiian Cowboy Luau” on Wednesdays at the resort’s beachfront stables. You’ll dine outside on the traditional roast pig and luau fare, but can also make S’mores over a campfire, learn to throw a lasso and enjoy songs and dances honoring the paniolo (cowboys) and Hawaii’s ranch culture.
Maui
Peek inside artists’ studios and exhibition spaces across the Valley Isle over the course of four weekends through March 2. Some 60 artists participate in Maui Open Studios, which kicks off Feb. 8 with a celebration and preview in Kihei and then features self-guided tours in Central Maui, North Maui and Haiku Feb. 15-16, in Upcountry Maui Feb. 22-23, and South Maui March 1-2.
Here’s what else to watch or nosh on the Valley Isle this month:
February 22-23
Gain a new perspective on the history and culture of Lahaina during the free Hui Mo‘olelo Film Festival in Kihei Feb. 22-23. The festival marks the debut of 10 animated short films based on the mo‘olelo (stories) of Lahaina elders, who will also share their reflections in person at the event.
Every First Friday of the Month
Wailuku First Friday brings food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and live music to Wailuku’s historic Market Street from 6 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. The family-friendly event is also a great excuse to check out local shops and restaurants.
February 9
You know that little thing called the Super Bowl? You can watch the game on big-screen TVs, order craft cocktails and appetizers (including spicy wings) and experience Maui’s sprawling new arcade and social entertainment center, Valley Alley, during Aloha Tailgate at the Westin Maui. The resort’s outdoor Hale Mo‘olelo and Hale ‘A (on the adults-only pool deck) also offer game-watching and special menus.
Hawaii Island
As the recent multi-phase eruption in Halemaumau crater shows, active lava flows are unpredictable. Nevertheless, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park always offers fascinating experiences, including daily ranger talks. The nature-inspired works inside the historic Volcano Art Center, which offers frequent classes and workshops, are also a must-see. Enjoy a gourmet dinner, the music of Kainani Kahaunaele and perhaps score a nifty item from a silent or live auction at the center’s Love the Arts gala fundraiser Feb. 15 at its Niaulani campus in Volcano Village.
Here are more highlights for February on Hawaii Island:
February 27 – March 1
The free Kona Steel Guitar Festival will go on hiatus after its third annual edition at the Outrigger Keauhou Resort, Feb. 27-March 1, so music lovers should try to make this one if they can. Featuring Alan Akaka, Malie Lyman, Bobby Ingano and other top guitarists, the events include a concert with songs and hula, workshop, jam session, vintage steel guitar exhibit, hands-on experience and open stage sessions.
February 15-16
Parker Ranch isn’t the only source of paniolos on Hawaii Island. The Panaewa Stampede Rodeo Feb. 15-16, showcases cowboys and cowgirls of all ages in competitive events, plus local vendors and entertainers. Bonus: It’s free to visit the nearby Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens.
February 8
The 14th annual Wiliwili Festival in the Waikoloa Dry Forest Preserve, named for its iconic — and endangered — native tree, includes guided and self-guided hikes, workshops, exhibits, pop-up thrift shop, food and drink vendors, and native plant giveaways. If you miss the Feb. 8 festival, you can sign up for a free guided hike on the first Friday of most months, or a half-day volunteer session two Saturdays of the month, including Feb. 22.
Kauai
Visitors and residents alike can get into the groove at E Kanikapila Kakou (“Let’s play music together”), which offers weekly concerts in February and March at the Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort. Top Hawaiian music artists perform and some shows start with a ukulele circle, while others include spontaneous hula or community performances led by kumu hula.
Here are other fun events on Kauai this month:
February 15-23
Ever wanted to see how fast you can eat Spam musubi, red hot dogs, kim chee or ice cream? You’re in luck at the Waimea Town Celebration Feb. 15-23, which besides speed-eating contests includes a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, long-distance canoe racing, a hat lei contest and a two-day Ho‘olaulea with kids rides, bounce houses, food and craft vendors, and evening concerts of contemporary Hawaiian music.
February 7-19
After being introduced to quilting by Western missionaries, Hawaiians created their own style of the artful sewing technique, stitching in wavelike patterns and featuring designs inspired by island flora and the Hawaiian flag, among others. The Kauai Quilt Show and Festival, Feb. 7-19 at KSA Gallery in the Kukui Grove Center, features more than 70 creations by Kauai quilters, workshops and sales benefiting local nonprofits.
February 15
The Kauai Island Crafters Fair on Feb. 15 has brought together top artisans from around the island for 15 years. “Talk story” with the makers and browse their handiwork at the Koloa Neighborhood Center, a short drive mauka (inland) from Poipu.
