The 7 Best Things to Do in February

Do something with your sweetheart this month, whether it’s a simple stroll through a garden or an intense sprint to Aloha Stadium.

February 1, 2015

Katrina Valcourt,

THEATER & ARTS

Pow! Wow! Hawai‘i

February 7–14

Photo: Katrina Valcourt

Some of this year’s artists we’re looking forward to seeing transform the neighborhood walls include Smithe, Maser, Defer, Hot Tea, Akut and Vincent Di Nguyen, plus local artists Richie Lucero of Black Cat Tattoo Studio and Katch 1. See the full lineup and schedule of events online.

Kaka‘ako, powwowhawaii.com.

THEATER & ARTS

The Flying Dutchman

February 13, 15 and 17

Photo: Karli Cadel/Courtesy of the Glimmerglass Festival

The legend of the Dutchman tells of a ghostly ship sailing the seven seas, never to make port. In this opera, the ship’s captain comes ashore every seven years to find love, which will break the curse and set him free. Though it’s hard to say what diva would tolerate the smell of a salty dog.

Blaisdell Concert Hall, $34–$135, hawaiiopera.org.

VALENTINE’S DAY

Rose Plant Sale

February 14

Established in 1989, this public garden hosts an annual plant sale and rose sale in February to kick off its monthly Second Saturday events. The Honolulu Rose Society will be there to make your Valentine’s Day extra special, but, if the roses sell out before you arrive, take your significant other through the pizza garden. Who doesn’t love pizza?

9 a.m. to noon, O‘ahu Urban Garden Center, honolulurosesociety.org.

ADOPTIONS

Doggie Speed Dating

February 15

Photo: Courtesy of the Hawaiian Humane Society

He’s loyal, cute, always happy to see you and super affectionate (albeit a little slobbery). Who needs a boyfriend when you can have a puppy? Get to know your new best friend and take him home for free on what will be known henceforth as the best Valentine’s Day EVER.

10 a.m. to noon, Hawaiian Humane Society Dog Park, free adoptions, hawaiianhumane.org/speeddating.

SPORTS

Great Aloha Run

February 16

Photo: Kelli Bullock

How do you know this race is “great”? Because it can get you out of bed at 4 a.m. on your day off.

$25–$38, Starts at Aloha Tower, greataloharun.com.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Hawai‘i Salsa and Bachata Congress

February 26–March 1

Like the House of Representatives, only with more dancing. A lot more dancing.

$250 all-access, day passes available, Hilton Waikīkī Beach, salsainhawaii.com.

MUSIC

Kings of Leon

March 1

Photo: Courtesy of Bamp Project

From southern punks to alternative rockers, this Grammy-winning band of brothers (and a cousin) is so much more than “Sex on Fire.” Get tickets now, if any are still available.

$59.50–$89.50, Blaisdell Arena, ticketmaster.com.

Change: 125 Years Through the Eyes of Bishop Museum

Through March 16

Look back on the past 125 years of Hawai‘i’s history through some of the most extensive archives and collections in the Islands. We’re talking then-and-now photos of famous local landmarks, interactive stations where you can listen to the music of yesteryear and much more.

Bishop Museum, bishopmuseum.org.

Did you know? James Buchanan was the only U.S. president never to marry. Think about that this Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) and Presidents’ Day (Feb. 16).