The Best Things to Do on O‘ahu in February 2023

It’s a big month for comedy, romance and comebacks.

January 30, 2023

Katrina Valcourt,

COMEDY

John Mulaney

Saturday, Feb. 4, 7 p.m.

Even if you haven’t seen his standup specials (The Top Part, New In Town, The Comeback Kid, Kid Gorgeous at Radio City), comedy fans might be familiar with John Mulaney’s work as a writer on Saturday Night Live or as the voice of Peter Porker/Spider-Ham in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. SNL buddy Seth Meyers called him “the funniest person in America”—see if you agree when he takes the stage this month with From Scratch. VIP packages include a tour poster, sweatshirt, mug, hat, tote and more.

$49.50–$149.50, Neal Blaisdell Arena, 777 Ward Ave., ticketmaster.com

Students helping serve food at the Punahou Carnival

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

FAMILY FUN

Punahou Carnival

Friday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, February 4, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Punahou School will welcome the public back this year, but be warned: There won’t be the usual big E.K. Fernandez rides or games—just kiddie rides. However, you can still pick up some malasadas, jams and jellies, haku lei, artwork and white elephant items and cheer on students in the variety show.

Family-Friendly Event, Free, Punahou School’s lower campus in Mānoa, 1601 Punahou St., punahou.edu, @punahouschool

Photo: Courtesy of The Hawai‘i Pacific Health Great Aloha Run

FITNESS

Great Aloha Run

Monday, Feb. 20, 7 a.m.

Hawai‘i Pacific Health’s Great Aloha Run is here to help you achieve that new-year-new-you. This will be Carole Kai’s 39th and final year as the lead promoter and organizer, so run by to say aloha.

$35–$50, Aloha Tower, 155 Ala Moana Blvd., greataloharun.com, @greataloharun

FESTIVAL

Pride Pā‘ina

Saturday, Feb. 11, 6 to 9 p.m.

This event by the Māhūi, the Education and Cultural Subcommittee of the Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation, celebrates queer ‘ohana and youth with entertainment, food trucks, a local māhū market and more.

Free, Suggested donation: $20, Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice St., hawaiilgbtlegacyfoundation.com, @honolulupride

OPERA

The Elixir of Love

Friday, Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m; Saturday, Feb. 19, 4 p.m.

If you don’t have Valentine’s Day plans yet, check out Hawai‘i Opera Theatre’s version of Gaetano Donizetti’s classic comedy, this time set in a quaint town outside a rum distillery.

$30–$135, Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave., hawaiiopera.org, @hawaiioperatheatre

BOOKS & TALKS

David Sedaris

Saturday, Feb. 18, 8 p.m.

The author is back for a reading from his newest book, Happy-Go-Lucky, along with a Q&A and book signing.

$52–$67, Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave., ticketmaster.com

Image of Jo Koy comedically combing his hair (he is bald)

Photo: Courtesy of Jo Koy

COMEDY

Jo Koy

Friday, Feb. 24, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m.

We’ve lost count of how many shows Jo Koy has sold out in Honolulu over the past few years. In 2017 we asked actress/comedian Kimee Balmilero to interview him for us. Read their conversation online here.

$59.50 and up, Blaisdell Arena, 777 Ward Ave., ticketmaster.com