Spotlight: Oahu
Feb. 20: Great Aloha Run. This 28-year-old tradition lures thousands of jogging buffs to the streets of Honolulu. The eight-mile, relatively flat course starts at Aloha Tower, winds its way past historic Honolulu Harbor, follows the Nimitz and Kamehameha highways and ends up at Aloha Stadium. Entertainment enlivens the entire course. Leading up to the race is a three-day health expo at Neal Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. 808-528-7388, www.greataloharun.com
Hawaii Island (Big Island)
Feb. 2-5: Hawaii Nature Photography Workshops. Award-winning photographer and wildlife biologist Jack Jeffrey leads inspirational sessions on how to take great photos of Hawaii’s natural environment. Participants learn how to photograph scenery, plants, flowers, insects and birds while finding out about equipment, exposure, composition, lighting and photo ethics. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. 808-985-7373, www.fhvnp.org
Feb. 11: Chinese New Year Festival. Now in its 10th year, this event celebrating the Year of the Dragon roars into downtown Hilo with lion dancers parading through town. Kalakaua Park is filled with arts, crafts, gifts, food booths and cultural information. Performances, calligraphy and martial arts demonstrations as well as free kids’ activities turn the park into a mini-Chinatown for the day. 808-935-8850, www.downtownhilo.com
Feb. 18-19: Panaewa Stampede Rodeo. Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) take to the corral for a rip-snortin’ contest sure to please rodeo fans. The amateur competition features young kids as well as adult riders who take part in tests such as bull riding, roping, barrel jumping, double mugging and a bull run. Panawea Equestrian Center, Hilo. 808-959-8932, www.hawaiirodeostampede.com
Kauai
Feb. 13: Waimea Historic Walking Tour. Each Monday, clients can join a stroll back in time in one of Hawaii’s most historic towns. Along the way, they see where Captain Cook first landed in Waimea, learn how the agricultural landscape changed and come to appreciate the fascinating history of this west Kauai hub. Waimea Visitor and Technology Center. 808-338-1332, www.kauaifestivals.com
Feb. 18-25: Waimea Town Celebration. Scattered over eight days and a two-mile area, the celebration includes an outrigger canoe race, a rodeo, a film festival, cultural events, a fun run and a basketball contest. Proceeds go toward funding civic improvement projects, the Waimea Main Street Program and other community efforts. 808-338-1332, www.wkbpa.org
Maui
Feb. 11: Kealii Reichel. Renowned as one of Hawaii’s most popular recording artists, Reichel is also hula master of a troupe that has brought home top awards from the Merrie Monarch Festival. Many consider Reichel’s music, chant and hula as the best in Hawaii. Maui Arts and Cultural Center. 808-242-7469, www.mauiarts.org
Feb. 18: World Whale Day. One of Maui’s most popular events, World Whale Day drew more than 18,000 guests in 2011. It begins with a parade and continues with free live entertainment by some of Hawaii’s top recording stars, hula performances, an artisans’ fair, environmental displays, activities, local food, bouncy rides for kids and more. Kalama Park, Kihei. 808-249-8811, www.pacificwhale.org
Feb. 25: Art Affair. The signature fundraising event of Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center, Art Affair, celebrates the importance of visual arts education on Maui. The evening features live music, dancing, a gourmet dinner and more. Proceeds go toward visual arts programming for all ages and artistic abilities. Kaluanui Estate, Makawao. 808-572-6560, www.huinoeau.com
Oahu
Feb. 18-19: Waikiki Artfest. Hawaii has a way of inspiring the creative spirit. Eighty of the islands’ most talented artists display and sell their work including jewelry, clothing, ceramics and wood products, with live music and food on hand. Kapiolani Park, across from the zoo entrance. 808-696-6717, www.gohawaii.com
