5 Free Events in Honolulu in February 2019

Watch as Kakaʻako gets its annual mural makeover, ring in Chinese New Year and enjoy the best ʻukelele virtuosos in the world this month.

By Marisa Hartzell

Chinese New Year Celebration 2019

Feb. 1–2

Photo: Courtesy of Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaiʻi​​

Get ready to see all red and gold in the Chinatown Cultural Plaza as the Chinese New Year celebrations begin in Honolulu. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i will hold a two-day family-friendly event with street food, craft booths, and lion and dragon dances throughout the day. Load up on dumplings, rice cakes and longevity noodles at the restaurants in the plaza for a prosperous new year.

Feb. 1 from 5 to 10 p.m., Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Chinese Cultural Plaza, 100 N. Beretania St., chinesechamber.com

Punahou Carnival 2019: “The Greatest Show on Earth”

Feb. 1–2

Photo: Courtesy of Punahou Carnival

The annual Punahou Carnival is back for “The Greatest Show on Earth” with E.K. Fernandez rides, the highly anticipated white elephant sale and, of course, the crowd-favorite fresh malassadas. The O‘ahu tradition that dates back to the 1930s will offer the best in carnival food with a local twist, from fresh-off-the-grill teri burgers, corn on the cob and a hearty Portuguese bean soup. Don’t miss the variety show featuring Punahou’s senior class and a live auction with prizes, from hotel stays to professional sports tickets. Bring the whole ‘ohana for a weekend of carnival fun with the opportunity to support the financial-aid program at one of Hawai‘i’s most prestigious schools.

11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Punahou School, 1601 Punahou St., punahou.edu

11th Annual ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai‘i 2019

Feb. 10

Photo: Courtesy of Josh Tatofi

Watch the best ‘ukulele virtuosos from Japan and Hawai‘i strum all day during the ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai‘i event at the new location in Honolulu’s newest open-air garden, Victoria Ward Park. Island favorites Josh Tatofi, Kapena and Ku‘uipo Kumakahi are some of the many artists that will take the stage for a lineup that can’t be missed.

9 a.m. to sunset, Victoria Ward Park, 980 Auahi St., ukulelepicnicinhawaii.org

Pow! Wow! Hawai‘i 2019

Feb. 9–16

Photo: Courtesy of Pow! Wow! Hawaiʻi

If you’ve ever marveled at the striking murals throughout Kaka‘ako, here’s your chance to watch them come alive during Pow! Wow! Hawai‘i. Watch as talented local artists as well as those from all over the world give Kaka‘ako’s walls a colorful makeover and get a chance to talk story and party with the artists at the many Pow! Wow! events throughout the week. Starting with a concert with artists from Kāhala Records at the ‘Alohilani Resort and a block party in Kaka‘ako, immerse yourself in the artistry and culture of this art festival.

Check the schedule for daily events, Kaka‘ako, powwowworldwide.com

Volunteer in a Lo‘i Kalo at Keiki O Ka ‘Āina

Feb. 19

Photo: Courtesy of Keiki O Ka ‘Āina

Get a chance to get a little muddy in the lo‘i patches with Keiki O Ka ‘Āina and plant kalo on the group’s site. Learn the importance and history of taro throughout Hawaiian history at an event the whole ‘ohana can enjoy. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and a change of clothes for after.

9 to 11 a.m., Keiki O Ka ‘Āina, 3097 Kalihi St., register online at eventbrite.com.