Have a Heart

Erin's Valentine's Day Tips and Events for February 2009

Just as the year-end holidays have faded and you are settling back in your normal routine, February rolls around, bringing with it one of my very favorite holidays.

I know that some people are skeptical about Valentines Day, but I maintain that having a special day during which people go out of their way to show their loved ones how much they care about and appreciate them can never be a bad thing (personally, I love the pink, red, hearts, and glitter factor of the whole day, but that’s neither here nor there). Whether you have an official Valentine or not, take the extra time to show someone in your life how much they mean to you this month.

If you are a Valentines Day enthusiast, here are a few ideas to help make this heart day a special one:

• Instead of spending so much money going out to eat (only to find yourself in an overly crowded restaurant), save money and create a more intimate/romantic experience by cooking at home. This way it reflects you totally (whether it’s mac and cheese from the box or hand-rolled sushi), and nothing says love like putting in a little bit of elbow grease.
• Cut flowers are my very favorite, but try going for a beautiful plant like an orchid instead…it will last longer and is just as beautiful as a bouquet of roses.
• Get away for the weekend…Valentines Day falls on a Saturday this year, and President’s Day is Monday, giving you an extra day to spend with your sweetheart.
• Go to Snapfish and create something home-made and personal using your favorite photos. A few ideas include posters, albums, mugs, cards and more.

If Feb. 14th isn’t your thing (and even if it is), there are a ton of other great events going on throughout the month that you should definitely take advantage of.

Oahu

• The NFL Pro-Bowl has been held in Hawaii since 1980, a mere week after the Super Bowl each year. Teams are made up of the very best players (determined by players, coaches and fans) from the AFC and the NFC. We went last year for the first time and it was a blast. I highly recommend getting dropped off at the stadium however, because parking proved to be quite a hassle. Visit www.nfl.com/probowl for more information, tickets, vacation packages etc. – Just make sure you don’t miss it! Next year the Pro Bowl will be held in Florida the week before Super Bowl 2010.
• February 16th put on your sneakers and head on down to the Aloha Stadium for the Hawaiian Telcom 25th Anniversary Great Aloha Run, benefiting numerous local charities. The 8.15 mile run will begin at Aloha Tower and end back at the Stadium. Whether you are in a wheelchair, a competitive runner, or have a baby stroller in tow, literally everyone under the sun is welcome to participate. Also, don’t miss the fun expo events happening the 3 days prior to the run. For more information visit www.greataloharun.com.
• Add some spice to your life at the Hawaii Salsa Festival being held from February 5th through 8th at the Pagoda Hotel. There will be parties, lessons, shows and much more to take in over the course of the weekend. Visit www.hawaiisalsafestival.com for more information.
• When was the last time you went to the Honolulu Academy of Art? On the last Friday of every month, a young group of volunteers who are dedicated to exploring the arts throw a fantastic themed party (which changes monthly) at the museum. The courtyards of the museum are morphed to fit the theme with food, drinks, bands and DJ’s, and all of the exhibits in the museum are open, giving you a chance to peruse the art as well. Held each month from 6-9 p.m., Art After Dark is a dynamic event bringing together an eclectic crowd of people ranging from their early twenties and upward, and in my opinion is well worth checking out. Admission is $10 at the door unless you are a member, in which case it is free. For more information go to www.artafterdark.org.
• Feathers, masks and beads oh my! Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday falls on February 24th this month and there are a number of celebrations happening on Oahu between now and then: o Feb 8th head downtown to the 5th annual Mardi Gras block party that will be happening from 6:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. between Pauahi and King streets. Free to the public, come for the sure to be great live music, costumed characters, palm readers, jugglers, and parade and even a costume contest to be held at 9 p.m. Hungry? Stop in for some new Orleans style cuisine at Hank’s Café, Tea at 1024, Dixie Grill, Indigo, Murphy’s, North Shore Farms and Starpoint Café. Proceeds to benefit the Nu’uanu Merchant’s Associations efforts to beautify the neighborhood as well as the Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation. o Oceans 808 at restaurant row will be hosting a party from 4:30 p.m. until 4 a.m on the 24th. For only $10 ahead of time or $15 at the door you can enjoy Djs, a live band, go-go dancers, food and more all night long.

Kauai

• Hanapepe town has always been an art haven, but now they host Art Night every Friday night. Come down to browse the galleries on the quite streets between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., and re-discover one of Kauai’s hidden gems. http://kauai.net/hanapepe/intro.html
• Waimea town is the first place that Captain James Cook stepped foot in Hawaii, and has been an important part of our state’s and Kauai’s history ever since. Commemorating that history and providing a chance for local groups to fundraise, the West Kauai Business and Professional Association hosts the annual Waimea Town Celebration. 2009 marks the festivals 31st year and with everything from canoe races to ice cream eating contests and everything in between, everyone young and old is sure to enjoy themselves. This year it is being held February 20th and 21st, beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Friday and at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with free live entertainment until 11 p.m. each evening. http://www.wkbpa.org/events.html
• Bask in the rich culture of Hawaii at Kumu Hula Leilani River Bond’s Halau Hoike (recital) being held Saturday, February 7th. Doors to the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall open at 5 p.m. giving you two hours to peruse the arts and crafts stands and grab some dinner before the show starts at 7 p.m. The show will feature Leilani’s new songs as well as the hula that she has choreographed to go along with them. Adult and children groups will perform both hula and Tahitian numbers, sure to awe and inspire. For tickets contact Leilani at 808-651-0682, Darryl Low at 808-651-0863 or email darryl.leilani@hawaiiantel.net.
• So how does YOUR garden grow? If you have anything less than a stellar green thumb you want might to consider attending Gardening 101 being taught by Matt Field Saturday February 7th from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. in Kekaha. Part of Malama Kauai’s “Do It Yourself” workshop series, everyone from the beginner to experienced gardener will learn something. Matt will teach you about site selection, design criteria, irrigation, composting and fertilizing, preparing your soil, crop selection, pest control, and whatever else comes up! No need to RSVP, just bring your own lunch and a donation for the instructor would be much appreciated. For more information call Matt at 808-651-1084. The workshop will be held at 4640 Auku’u Road, Kekaha.

Maui

• The last time I was in Lahaina I noticed how many fantastic art galleries there are along the main walk by the ocean – did you know Lahaina has more art galleries per capita than any other American town??? Head down there for dinner (they have great restaurants too!) and then for Art Gallery Night in Lahaina, with special displays, featured artists in action, and free refreshments from 7-10 p.m. every Friday evening.
• Head outside February 14th through the 21st for the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational, as artists capture the natural beauty of Maui. Over the course of the week, 25 of the finest plein (French for painting outdoors) artists from Hawaii and the mainland will spread out over Maui capturing its various people and places on their canvases. For more information visit www.hawaiipleinair.com.
• On Maui, February is a whale of a month! February 7th all runners and walkers are invited to Run for Whales from Wailea to Makena. Enjoy the scenery and participate in either a 2K or 5K run or walk or a 2K children’s race, with a bunch of free food and goodies as well as prizes for the top finishers! Call 1-800-942-5311 for more info and to register.
• February 13th-15th head down to Kapalua Resort to learn more about the gentle giants that visit our waters each year. Take in a lecture by a marine expert, peruse the art, photos and interactive displays, or head out on a whale watching tour. Admission is free, so call (808) 665-9160 for more information.
• Dine on a “Sustainable Seafood Dinner” under the starts at Kalama Park in Kihei February 20th in support of marine education programs for Maui’s keiki. Tickets are $75 and dinner will include fresh, locally caught seafood, Maui Cattle company steaks, local produce, local beers and wine as well as live entertainment. Make sure to reserve your seat early by calling (808) 249-8811 ext. 1.
• February 21st come back to Kalama park for the all-day, free Whale Day Celebration. Packed with live entertainment from some of Hawaii’s finest, ono food from local restaurants, a craft fair, environmental displays, a parade at 9 a.m. and much more, the day is looking to be exquisite!

Big Island

• Do you “Amour des Arts?” If you do (love the arts that is), make sure you don’t miss this years French themed fundraiser for the Volcano Art Center happening February 7th from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in front of the Great Room fireplace. Tickets are $35 and will include gourmet pupus and wine, live music, as well as silent and live auctions. Funds raised are used for additional educational facilities at the Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, located in Volcano Village. Call (808) 967-8222 for more information and tickets.
• Don’t have plans to go to Japan this spring? If you are in Waimea on February 7th, be sure not to miss the 16th annual Cherry Blossom Festival, showcasing the yearly blooming of the cherry trees along Church Row Park in Waimea. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. enjoy all things Japanese from the arts and crafts to delectable food and entertainment. For more information call Roxie at (808) 961-8706.
• February 14th do something different and bring your sweetheart down to the 7th annual Hilo Chinese New Year Festival happening from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Lion dancers will parade from downtown Hilo to Kalakaua Park to begin the festivities and to kick off a great day of celebration in honor of the Year of the Ox. The arts, crafts, food and entertainment of the day will all honor the influence the Chinese people and their culture have had on Hawaii. Go to www.poshfestivals.com or call (808) 933-9772 for more information.
• Looking for a “hot” new hobby? Sign up for salsa dance lessons with renowned, World Championship winning dancers Charlene Rose and David Nieto. A 2 hour workshop will be held at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort February 21st from 1-3 p.m., and will be followed by a performance and concert later that night from 7 p.m. until midnight. The dance workshop is $30 per person and the show that evening is $40 in advance, and $50 at the door. Space is limited for both events, so be sure to visit www.djkonadance.com or call (808) 990-0737 for more info.