Already thinking about the weekend? Aloha State Daily is here to help you make plans for the entire ʻohana. From live music at First Friday at Capitol Modern on Friday, March 6, to free admission to ʻIolani Palace for kamaʻāina on Sunday, March 8, there are lots of events on Oʻahu this weekend.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6
Try a new Downtown lunch spot. U-Kitchen Hawaiʻi has open a new spot in Downtown Honolulu. The new location at 700 Bishop Street — next to Komala Curry and in the same building at Bar Leather Apron — offers bentos and musubi, as well as chicken katsu. Details.
Watch the Ballet Hawaiʻi Performing Ensemble. The Ballet Hawaiʻi Performing Ensemble will share classical and contemporary ballet in these performances, which run Friday through Sunday, at the Ballet Hawaiʻi Honolulu Studio. Tickets are $24. Details.
Listen to music at First Friday at Capitol Modern. Enjoy live music from Keahi Delovio and Aolani and browse art galleries at Capitol Modern, the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum. This family-friendly event starts at 5 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. Performances start at 6 p.m. There will also be opportunities to purchase food. Free. Details.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7
Whale watch. Back by popular demand, this all-women captain and crew will 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 trip 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.
Paddle at Kualoa/Hakipuʻu Canoe Festival. The event is organized by the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Parks and Recreation along with a number of nonprofits including the Polynesian Voyaging Society, which operates Hōkūleʻa. The festival starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. at Kualoa Regional Park. There will be lots of hands-on activities, including a chance to jump in and paddle. Mark Ellis, the education director for the PVS, shared some of the activities that ocean-goers of all ages can participate in at the one-day festival. Details.
Free yoga in the park. This Vinyasa yoga session is donation-based or free. All levels are welcome. Bring a mat and towel to the Kakaʻako Waterfront Park. Details.
SUNDAY, MARCH 8
Mele Haliʻa: Maelia Carter & Ka Pā Hula O Ka Ua Noe O Waʻahila. Kumu Hula Maelia Carter brings her award-winning hālau, Ka Pā Hula O Ka Ua Noe O Waʻahila, to the Waikiki Beach Walk stage. Watch the performance at 5 p.m. Free. Details.
Kamaʻāina Sunday at ʻIolani Palace. Kamaʻāina are invited to take a free tour of ʻIolani Palace, available in English or ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. Enjoy hands-on activities such as lauhala weaving with Keoua Nelsen and Kōnane lessons. There are also opportunities to make a floral kūpeʻe with Maxeen Shea and more. Naomi Nascimento will offer lauhala earring workshops at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Sign-ups for those workshops start at 8:30 a.m. at the Kīnaʻu Gate on Richards Street. There will also be performances from Hālau O Nā Pua Kukui with Kumu Hula Ed Collier, Ke Kula Kaiaupuni ʻo Ka Waihona o ka Naʻauao and ʻOhana Krug. Details.
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Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.