Ready to celebrate the weekend? This weekend, there are opportunities to run, practice yoga, and listen to new music from Bruno Mars. You can also immerse yourself in culture with the new Kaula Lūʻau at Ko Olina and the Black Business & Culture Expo in Kapolei, plus continued Lunar New Year celebrations. Here are some of the events happening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday:
Friday, Feb. 27
Kaula Lūʻau. A new immersive cultural performance that is a partnership between Hawaiian Council and Ko Olina Resort will debut on Friday, Feb. 27, at Ocean’s Edge at Ko Olina Resort in West Oʻahu. Kūhiō Lewis, president and CEO of Hawaiian Council, shares how the idea for the production started with a lunch meeting. Tickets start at $119 for adult standard and $249 for VIP. There are discounts for kamaʻāina, active-duty military and seniors. Tickets for shows through March 31 can be purchased for 50% off using the code: FIRSTWAVE 50. For more information, go to: luaukaula.com.
Celebrate Lunar New Year. Head to the Honolulu Museum of Art to celebrate Lunar New Year by playing mahjong with the Bad Luck Club, exploring centuries of Chinese art, and eating biang biang noodles made by Guest Chef Andrew Pressler. There will be a lion dance and live music. The event runs from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. General admission is $28. Members and keiki receive discounted admission. Details.
Shake-out run by Lululemon. Ready to get rid of some pre-race jitters ahead of the King’s Runner 10K? Meet a brand ambassador for a shake-out 5K run and win some prizes, plus improve your confidence ahead of the race on Sunday. Meet at 5:30 p.m. in front of the stairs at Kakaʻako Waterfront Park. Free. Details.
Listen to Bruno Mars’ new album. Bruno Mars, who graduated from Roosevelt High School on O’ahu as Peter Hernandez, plans to release his newest album, “The Romantic,” on Feb. 27. Bruno Mars recently helped his nephews, Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm, who are based on the North Shore, produce the song, “Burning Love,” which was part of the soundtrack for Disney’s live action “Lilo & Stitch.” Listen to Bruno Mars' new music on Spotify or Apple Music and pre-order at BrunoMars.com.
Bruno Mars look-alike contest. In celebration of the new album release, The Lei Stand at Romer House Waikīkī will hold a Bruno Mars look-alike contest. Contestants are encouraged to dress as any era of Bruno Mars from his early throwback suits to his Silk Sonic-inspired style. There will be themed drinks, food, a live DJ and special surprise guests. Prizes include a $500 gift card to The Lei Stand Waikīkī. The event starts at 8 p.m. Contestants and attendees must be at least 21 years old. Free. Details.
Aloha State Daily found some of Bruno Mars’ yearbook photos from his junior and senior years at Roosevelt.
Peter Hernandez, now Bruno Mars, in his senior picture for Roosevelt High School, where he graduated with the Class of 2003. (Aloha State Daily Staff) 
Peter Hernandez, now Bruno Mars, was dancing even in high school. He led the Boys Pep Squad to victory as a junior at Roosevelt High School. (Aloha State Daily Staff)
Saturday, Feb. 28
Lei Court competition. Five candidates for the 2026 Lei Court will display their lei-making abilities, hula performances and poise and personality, speaking in English and ʻŌleleo Hawaiʻi from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mission Memorial Auditorium. The winners of the contest will be announced in mid-March. The Lei Court will preside over the 98th Annual Lei Day Celebration festivities, which will take place on Friday, May 1, at Kapiʻolani Regional Park. Details.
Black Business & Culture Expo. Put on by the Hawaiʻi Black Chamber of Commerce, this family friendly event includes food and craft vendors and live music in honor of Black History Month. Stop by the Kapolei Heritage Center between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Attendees can enjoy opportunities to connect with local entrepreneurs, artists and professionals. Admission is free for keiki and $5 for adults, if purchased in advance. Tickets at the door are $10. Details.
Celebrate Lunar New Year. Enjoy the Explore Asia Fest at Palama Settlement or catch calligraphy demonstrations at the Royal Hawaiian Center. These are just a few of the events happening in honor of Lunar New Year. Check out Aloha State Daily's guide for What to do for Lunar New Year on Oʻahu: parades, lion dances, and more.
"Pā Ka Makani." Catch this show from Honolulu Theatre for Youth, which shares one young woman’s journey to find her place in her culture and features hula, oli and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. The production is by Lokomaika‘i Lipscomb, Marques Hanalei Marzan, and Annie Cusick Wood. It is back by popular demand after a tour in Italy and Portugal. The event has performances at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28; 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 1; and 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 14. General admission is $30 for adults and $15 for keiki. Admission for seniors and military is $25. Details.
Crochet a lei. Ready to stay indoors and pick up a new craft during a day with forecasted rain? Learn to crochet a Puakenikeni lei through this workshop at HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts at the Market City Shopping Center in Honolulu. Students taking this class must have a basic understanding of how to crochet as making a flower requires knowledge of multiple stitches. Students will learn how to make flowers but will not complete a lei during the workshop as the process of making a single flower can take a seasoned crocheter at least 15 minutes. Open to students who are 18 years old or older. Tickets for the intermediate class are $35, plus fees and taxes. The class is offered Saturday and Sunday. Details.
Sunday, March 1
King’s Runner 10K. The race starts and finishes at Thomas Square in Honolulu. Participants take home a race shirt, finisher medal and on-course and post-race refreshments, plus bragging rights! The race starts at 6:45 a.m. Online registration is closed but runners can do late registrations at the packet pick-up, where runners get their bibs, at Salt at Our Kakaʻako (691 Auahi Street in Honolulu). Details.
Oceanside yoga. Quiet your mind and stretch your body with this outdoor yoga class with Over the Rainbow Yoga along Oʻahu’s coast. Listen to the ocean and stand beneath palm trees as you practice. General admission is usually $23, plus taxes and fees. There is a buy-one, get-one deal where two tickets for the price of normal admission. Details.
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Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
