Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend: February 10–12, 2017

This month's Weekend Picks are brought to you by:

Photo: Courtesy of ‘Ukulele Picnic In Hawai‘i

‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai‘i

Saturday, Feb. 11 and Sunday, Feb. 12

“My dog has fleas …” Even if your playing sounds more like fighting cats, it’s almost certain that if you grew up in the Islands, you learned this simple song to tune your ‘ukulele. Hawai‘i’s famous love affair with the jumping flea is well-known and continues with ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai‘i, this Saturday and Sunday. The event is divided into two parts: On Saturday, the Sixth Annual International ‘Ukulele Contest and Hula Show invites amateur players from across the globe to compete in hopes of winning a brand-new, top-of-the-line ‘ukulele. Taking place at the Royal Hawaiian Center’s Royal Grove Stage, all are welcome to watch competitors strum their stuff. One musician, deemed the competition’s best-of-the-best contender, will have the opportunity to play alongside a famous ‘ukulele musician at the ‘Ukulele Picnic on Sunday at Kaka‘ako Makai Gateway Park. Two stages with a lineup of local and international ‘uke performers, Hawaiian crafts, food and keiki activities offered from 9 a.m. until the sun goes down makes this a perfect celebration of Hawai‘i’s favorite instrument. Plus, enter the raffle for a chance to win a luxury ‘ukulele.

Free, Royal Hawaiian Center’s Royal Grove Stage, 2201 Kalākaua Ave. and Kaka‘ako Makai Gateway Park, 461 Cooke St. For more information, go here.

Grand Opening of Butterfly Ice Cream

Friday, Feb. 10, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

There are many perks of living in the Islands, but right now we only want to talk about one (and it’s kind of a big one, too): Hawai‘i’s temperate climate means that ice cream is always in style. The newest purveyor of the sweet treat enters the ring this Friday with a grand opening in SALT at Our Kaka‘ako. Butterfly Ice Cream, the newest kid on the Kaka‘ako block, will serve small-batch ice cream and sorbet made from scratch using fresh, local ingredients. Along with the classics, the menu’s 20 seasonal and rotating flavors will feature Island-minded flavors such as spiced ginger, sesame and lehua honey. While you’re there, check out SALT’s other new merchants, including Happiness U, the island’s only business offering a variety of classes to foster personal growth, self-development and positivity; Milo, a trendy new surf boutique; full-service camera shop Treehouse, aka your new favorite photography resource; and Bevy Market, where convenient to-go bites and local goodies are ready for purchasing.

SALT at Our Kaka'ako, 324 Coral St., Suite 103. For more information on Butterfly Ice Cream, go here. For more information on Our Kaka‘ako, go here.

Photo: courtesy of The Hawaiian Humane Society

Doggie Speed Dating and Free Adoptions

Saturday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m. to noon

Love doesn’t always come in the form of tall, dark and handsome—sometimes it’s knee height, spotted and a tiny bit bow-legged. Hey, we don’t judge! We love dogs, too. On Saturday, Hawaiian Humane Society holds a doggie speed dating event, where you’ll have the opportunity to find your new best friend and lifelong partner—and with more than 100 pets eagerly awaiting forever homes, Hawaiian Humane Society is confident you’ll find a puppy-love match. When you do, don’t wait! The Humane Society will waive all adoption fees from 10 a.m. to noon. Pop-ups from Whiskers & Wags and Hawai‘i Doggie Bakery will be at the event to offer fun pet and people gear and delicious pet treats for your new bae.

Free, Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Wai‘alae Ave. For more information, go here.

Gear Up for Valentine’s Day

Maybe you’re a romantic at heart, but in practice, well, it’s the thought that counts, right? With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this weekend is quite possibly your last chance to find a sweet gift for that special someone. But if the thought of Valentine’s Day shopping increases your heartrate and causes your cortisol levels to skyrocket, don’t fret. Lei Chic’s handy guide will steer you in the right direction, with five picks that range from copper roses to stylish, customizable stamped necklaces. If the way to your valentine’s heart is through the stomach, read this Biting Commentary guide for five suggestions that will impress any food lover. Tip: When in doubt, go with flowers. Just, you know, not the one lonely remaining bouquet of wilted yellow roses at Safeway.

Single? Consider going beyond Tinder and match.com for something a little more face-to-face: HIspeedating takes place Thursday, Feb. 16 at Bar 35. Spots can fill up fast, so sign up this weekend for a spot in the event—and, perhaps, in a future someone’s heart?

$30, Bar 35, 35 N. Hotel St. For more information and to purchase tickets, go here.

Looking for more things to do this month? Click here for more events

READ MORE STORIES BY MARISA HEUNG