From looking for fossilized shark teeth in Waipahu to learning about Joseph Kekuku — the inventor of the steel guitar — in Downtown Honolulu there are a variety of events happening on Oʻahu this weekend. Ready to plan some weekend fun? Aloha State Daily has you covered with events at all price points.
FRIDAY, FEB. 20
“Two Nails, One Love.” Kumu Kahua Theatre is bringing its final performances of “Two Nails, One Love” to the stage. The story, written by Lee A Tonouchi, who was recently named the Hawaiʻi Poet Laureate, is based on a novel by Alden M Hayashi. It follows Ethan Taniguchi, a recently single gay man in New York City who gets an unexpected visit from his estranged mother who is from Hawaiʻi. The show runs through Feb. 22. Tickets start at about $20. Details.
SATURDAY, FEB. 21
“Joseph Kekuku and the Voice of the Steel Guitar.” Honolulu Theatre for Youth will host its final performance of “Joseph Kekuku and the Voice of the Steel Guitar” at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21. The event includes a talkback with creators and additional guests. It was created by actor Moses Goods in collaboration with Kealaki Center for Pacific Strings and shares the story of Joseph Kekuku, who invented the steel guitar. Tickets start at $15 for keiki and $30 for general admission with discounts for seniors and military. Get tickets.
Celebrate Lunar New Year. Waikīkī Beach Walk will host a pole-jumping performance and the Royal Hawaiian Center will have an acrobatic lion dance from the Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association at The Royal Grove. Read more about activities and food that are part of Lunar New Year celebrations across Oʻahu.
$1 shave ice. Looking for a tasty snack? Matsumoto Shave Ice is celebrating its 75th birthday with a sweet deal: $1 shave ice. Toppings are extra. There will also be anniversary t-shirts for sale for $10. Enjoy a taiko drum performance at 10 a.m. and a lion dance at 11 a.m. as part of Lunar New Year celebrations. Details.
Shop local and prepare hōʻiʻo. Shop value-added products from Hawaiʻi farmers and learn how to handle and prepare hōʻiʻo, a large fern endemic to Hawaiʻi, at the Wahiawā Market Day. The event, hosted at Leeward Community College’s Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center, will include an interactive cooking demo by Chef Joe McGinn. The event starts at 9 a.m. Details.
Whale watching wahine. Join an all-women captain and crew as they set off on a two-hour whale watching cruise. Complimentary Irish coffee or mimosas, as well as non-alcoholic refreshments, are available. The whale watching trop is a collaboration between Honolulu Snorkel Co. and Oʻahu Boat Cruises. The boat departs at 7:45 a.m. from Kewalo Basin Harbor. Tickets cost $45 plus fees and taxes. Details.
Shark teeth fossil find. Ready to hunt for fossils? All ticket purchases for this event include a drink and a chance to find fossilized shark teeth and other treasures at The Boba Room in Waipahu. Tickets cost $35, plus fees and taxes. Details.
Talk story with Wahi Pana artists at Kahe Point. Head to Kahe Point to see a new community mural at the beach pavilion. The artwork was created by artists Meleanna Aluli Meyer and Solomon Enos in collaboration with more than 30 community members. This is the latest art activation through Wahi Pana: Storied Places, a public art project of the City and County of Honolulu’s Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts, which is a winner of the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Public Art Challenge grant. This event, which starts at noon, is a chance to talk story with the artists about mele, moʻolelo and food. The mural uses the form of an ʻupena, or net, to symbolize the gathering of people and resources. Free. RSVPs are requested. Details.
SUNDAY, FEB. 22
Dedication of Wahi Pana artwork at Haleʻiwa Beach Park. Join for the dedication of a new work of art, created by artists Amber Khan and Jordan Souza, which is part of Wahi Pana: Storied Places, a project of the City and County of Honolulu’s Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts. The artwork features dozens of wooden and painted fiberglass sculptures rising above the ruins of the pavilion at Haleʻiwa Beach Park. It shares the moʻolelo of Laniwahine, a benevolent moʻo, or water guardian, who resides in the sacred ʻUkoʻa and Loko Ea fishponds. Free. RSVPs are requested. Details.
Enjoy more Lunar New Year fun. Oriental Dance Studio will share traditional Chinese folk dance as part of Lunar New Year celebrations at The Royal Grove within the Royal Hawaiian Center. Ala Moana Center will host calligraphy demonstrations and pole-jumping performances by the Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association, as well as more than 100 lion dancers who will visit stores and restaurants across the center, as part of all-day activities. Details.
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Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
