Top 5 things to do this weekend (March 9-12) in Honolulu, Hawaii

This weekend, meet a Japan earthquake and tsunami survivor, learn about canoes and compete against world-class runners.

Photo: Courtesy Iris Fukunaga, City and County of Honolulu Kualoa Regional Park

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Kualoa/Hakippu Canoe Festival

Saturday, March 9

If you ever wanted to learn about the ancient art of canoeing—paddling, sailing and voyaging—here is your chance. Spend a day watching a canoe blessing, riding canoes and learning about the tradition from canoe builder and paddle maker Bobby Puakea. One tip: Festival organizers warn you’ll get wet, so bring extra clothes. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., free, Kualoa Regional Park, 49-479 Kamehameha Highway Campground A.

FUNDRAISER

Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand’s Red Party

Saturday, March 9

The Honolulu AIDS Walk happens on Sunday, April 14 to spread awareness about locals living with HIV/AIDS. The kick off party for the event though, is this weekend, and will raise funds for the Life Foundation. The hour-long variety show includes pole dancing, burlesque dancing and drag performances. 9:30-10:30 p.m. show, after party until 2 a.m., $10 donation at the door, Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand, 134 Kapahulu Ave., second floor, 923-0669, hulas.com.

LECTURES

Japan After 3/11: Change and Hope from the Center of Triple Disaster

Sunday, March 10

Two years ago, an earthquake, a tsunami and nuclear disaster devastated the northern coast of Japan. Survivor Yuko Nishiyama founded the support group “Minna no Te” (Everyone’s Hands) to help reunite family members from the disaster. Hear about her firsthand experiences to commemorate the anniversary of the devastation. 2 p.m., free, University of Hawaii at Manoa Center for Korean Studies Auditorium, 2500 Campus Road, manoa.hawaii.edu.

SPORTS

Hapalua Hawaii’s Half Marathon

Sunday, March 10

Compete solo against world marathon record holder Patrick Makau and Kenyan long-distance runner Nicholas Manza Kamakya in the running competition The Chase from the hills of Diamond Head to Kapiolani Park. If teaming up is more your style, you’ll need up to four people for a 12 mile run around Kapiolani Park. You’ll feel like a winner when you cross the finish line for malassadas, bagels and shaved ice. 5:35 a.m. Chase Women, 5:46 a.m. Chase Men, 6 a.m. Mass Start, $135 late entry fee, Duke Kahanamoku Statue at Waikiki Beach, thehapalua.com.

ENTERTAINMENT

“Story to Script/Script to Story” with Brave director/writer

Tuesday, March 12

If you are a fan of the Disney Pixar animated film Brave, then you’re in luck. The film’s writer and director Brenda Chapman will talk story about her Oscar Award-winning creation and Pixar’s first-ever female protagonist in this free lecture. Email ssussman@hawaii.edu to reserve a spot. 7-9 p.m., free, Kapiolani Community College Ohia 118, 734-9382, kcc.hawaii.edu.