SPOTLIGHT: OAHU
2.20: Great Aloha Run. Walkers, joggers and sprinters of all ages join this annual fundraiser for Hawaii nonprofits. More than just an 8-mile foot race, it also features free training workshops, a children’s run, a wellness expo and a post-race party with entertainment and prizes.
www.greataloharun.com
HAWAII ISLAND
2.4: Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival. This upcountry charmer celebrates all things Japanese at several venues around town. Cherry trees with pink blossoms brighten festivities such as live performances, a tea ceremony, a sake tasting and hands-on demonstrations of origami and mochi-pounding.
www.waimeacommunityassociation.org
2.18-20: Panaewa Stampede. The paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) legacy lives on at this rodeo, now in its 25th year. Clients can see traditions including team roping, barrel racing and bull riding, plus events unique to Hawaii. Catch it at Hilo’s Panaewa Equestrian Center.
www.hawaiirodeostampede.com
KAUAI
2.3 & 5: Slack-Key Concerts. Hawaii’s distinctive style of guitar playing takes center stage during ongoing concerts on Kauai’s north shore. Each Friday and Sunday afternoon, Doug and Sandy McMaster pepper their family-oriented shows with conversation about island legends and lore.
www.mcmasterslackkey.com
2.18-25: Waimea Town Celebration. Community pride thrives at Kauai’s longest-running annual festival. Forty years strong, it exalts the island’s west side with cultural and recreational fun, Hawaiian music, a rodeo, films and an ice-cream-eating contest.
www.waimeatowncelebration.com
MAUI
2.3: Chinese New Year in Lahaina. Maui’s historic seaside town goes all out as it rings in the Year of the Rooster. Front Street is filled with lures such as martial arts demonstrations, crafts for kids, music, dance and Chinese food for sale.
www.lahainarestoration.org
2.18: World Whale Day. Kihei town makes a big splash in honor of the humpbacks that visit each winter. A parade features marching bands and floats. Live music, a carnival, local food and a fair with made-on-Maui products enhance the bash.
www.worldwhaleday.org
