Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: Feb. 13–19, 2025
Witness a turtle release, relax at a reggae festival, compete in the Great Aloha Run, shop sustainably for Valentine’s Day and more.
Photo: Courtesy of Sea Life Park Hawai‘i
Keiki Day at Sea Life Park
Sunday, Feb. 16, Turtle Release 9:30 to 10 a.m., Park Festivities 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
To celebrate the marine animal park’s 60th anniversary, you’re invited to attend a turtle release and party in the park. First, witness the release of six Hawaiian green sea turtles into the ocean at the beach in front of the park. Then enter the park for keiki hula performances, kapa demonstrations, face painting, live music and fun treats from local vendors.
Free to attend the turtle release, $29.99 adult kama‘āina park entry, $49.99 adult online advance purchase park entry, one free child admission with purchase of each adult ticket, free for keiki under 4 years old, Sea Life Park Hawai‘i, 41-202 Kalaniana‘ole Hwy., Waimānalo, sealifeparkhawaii.com, @sealifepark
SEE ALSO: Your Insider Guide to the Hawai‘i Triennial
Photos: Courtesy of YG Marley, Ja Rule and Hawai‘i Fest
Hawai‘i Fest
Saturday, Feb. 15, and Sunday, Feb. 16, 2 to 10 p.m.
This two-day concert honors the late reggae legend Bob Marley’s birthday, Hawai‘i’s culture and our island music scene at the iconic Moanalua Gardens. Jam along to all-day music from Sean Paul, YG Marley, Ashanti, Ja Rule, Kolohe Kai and many more, see hula performances, visit the health and wellness zone, shop the merchandise village and enjoy local food vendors and pop-up bars. Don’t miss the highlight on Saturday: a Marley family collaboration tribute featuring J Boog, Julian, Ky-Mani and Mystic Marley.
$99–$420, Moanalua Gardens, 2850-A Moanalua Rd., hawaiifest.com, @officialhawaiifest
SEE ALSO: Valentine’s Day Menus at O‘ahu Restaurants and Bakeries
Photo: Courtesy of Great Aloha Run
Great Aloha Run
Monday, Feb. 17, 7 to 10 a.m.
Run, walk or jog the 8.15-mile course from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium and enjoy live music and giveaways along the route. Now in its 41st year, the event raises funds for dozens of local charities. Register online through Friday, Feb. 14, or in person at the pre-race expo on Saturday, Feb. 15, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall.
Family-friendly, $70 adult online registration, $40 child and senior online registration, $85 adult in-person registration, $40 child and senior in-person registration, route from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium, greataloharun.com, @greataloharun
SEE ALSO: Things to Do on O‘ahu in February 2025
Photo: Courtesy of The Filipino Community Center
Filipino Bandang Kawayan Class
Saturday, Feb. 15, 9 to 11 a.m.
In the first of a series of hands-on workshops, learn to play this traditional Filipino bamboo instrument from the accomplished Maestro Rafael “Pike” Velasco. Don’t worry, no musical experience is necessary! Also, check the Filipino Community Center’s spring course catalog for more cultural classes, ranging from Filipino language to dancing to music and more.
Ages 8 and up, $25 program fee, Filipino Community Center, Consuelo Courtyard, 94-428 Mokuola St., Ste. 302, Waipahu, filcom.org, @thefilcomcenter
SEE ALSO: Where to Take Fun Classes on O‘ahu
Aloha ‘Ale‘Ale
Thursday, Feb. 13, 5 to 8 p.m.
Purchase with a purpose this Valentine’s eve at a unique event mixing sustainability and shopping. Browse the new regenerated swimwear collection from Onepa‘a Hawai‘i, buy locally grown flower bouquets, sip locally sourced ‘awa and teach keiki about responsible shopping in The Ripple Zone.
Family-friendly, $10 online advance purchase VIP ticket with early entry (3 to 5 p.m.) and 20% off Onepa‘a Hawai‘i’s new collection, $5 online advance purchase general admission (5 to 8 p.m.), $10 at the door general admission, free for keiki ages 12 and under, Waiwai Collective, 1110 University Ave., alohaaleale.eventbrite.com, @waiwaicollective
