Things to Do in West Hawaii February 2020

February is one of the busiest months in West Hawaii and there are MANY festivals and fun things to do! PERSONALLY-I am putting on the Best of Kona Festival on February 8 and the chocolate and wine tasting at Gertrude’s on February 4, so I hope you will join me, say Aloha, and have some fun!

WHAT: ANNUAL WAIMEA CHERRY BLOSSOM HERITAGE FESTIVAL

WHEN: February 1, 2020 from 9am-3pm at different venues around Waimea

WHERE: Waimea 

The festival showcases the 60+ year old cherry trees planted at Church Row Park and the Japanese tradition of viewing them – hanami. The festival includes a variety of activities during the day at venues throughout Waimea – look for pink banners identifying site locations from the Parker Ranch Historic Homes on Mamalahoa Hwy. 190 to the Hawaiian Homestead Farmer’s Market on Hwy. 19. Enjoy an all day lineup of Japanese and multi-cultural performing arts, plus hands-on demonstrations of bonsai, origami, traditional tea ceremony, and mochi pounding, and a host of colorful craft fairs. The Cherry Choo Choo will again be running at the cherry tree-lined Church Row Park; keiki rides are $3 each. Tree climbing is prohibited. Roberts Hawaii provides free shuttle transportation among most venues, though walking is encouraged. For more info, please call 808-961-8706. 

WHAT: WINE AND CHOCOLATE TASTING 

WHEN: Tuesday February 4, 2020 5:30-7 pm 

WHERE: Gertrudes Jazz Bar 

Enjoy tasting locally produced chocolate along wtih bubbly pink rose, beautiful reds and tasty whites as Gertrude’s starts the Valentine’s Day celebration early. Cost: $20 for five tastes, a plate of paired pupu’s and chocolate tasting 

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at on EventBrite. 

WHAT: FIRST FRIDAY CELEBRATION  

WHEN: Friday February 7, 2020 from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Holualoa Village 

Holualoa Village galleries will feature new art and artists, tasty street eats and music all along Mamalahoa Highway through town during the monthly Art-After-Dark event The village block party features art and artists in over a dozen galleries and shops, as well as free live music and a great selection of local food vendors. This community event is free, and for all ages.

WHAT: “UNDER THE KONA MOON” TALK STORY AND HULA 

WHEN: Friday February 7, 2020 

Seating starts at 5pm; Talk Story from 5:30-7pm

WHERE: On the lawn of the West Hawai’i Community Health Center–74-5214 Keanalehu Dr. 

Free. Coolers welcome. Free Parking. Bring your own chairs.

WHAT: KAILUA-KONA PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK SALE

WHEN: February 8, 2020 from 9 am to 1pm

The Friends of the Libraries, Kona (F.O.L.K.) is holding their next book sale on the lanai of the Kailua-Kona Public Library. Proceeds from book sales help support special programs and the needs of the Kona libraries. Teachers will receive special discounts with their official school ID, and F.O.L.K. members receive a 20% discount. As always, volunteers are welcome. Book donations are accepted at the library. If you wish to see our book sales continue, please help. For more information, call 808-322-0077, email [email protected] or visit www.folkhawaii.com.

WHAT: BEST OF KONA FESTIVAL 

WHEN: Saturday February 8th from 12 – 6 pm 

WHERE: Keauhou Shopping Center Center Courtyard 

New to the Big Island of Hawai is the “Best of Kona Festival”. This free lifestyle festival invites visitors and residents alike to taste, see, and enjoy all that the Kona District has to offer all in one place for one day! Guests will taste locally grown food, discover local services, enjoy non stop dance and music performances, beer garden, FREE activities for children, real estate education, take advantage of free health screenings, and shop local artisan vendors. The event is free to attend with food trucks and booths selling a wide range of food and beverages and more! For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.bestofkonafestival.com.

WHAT: 14th ANNUAL AVOCADO FESTIVAL – KAILUA-KONA

WHEN: Saturday February 8, 2020 from 9am-7pm 

WHERE:  Hale Halawai on Alii Drive.

A free community event with non-stop entertainment for the entire family, featuring a full day of avocado delights! Avocado grafting demonstration; avocado food preparation and tasting; growing, maintenance, and pruning advice; varietal choice and pruning discussions; local artists, crafts and delicious vegan foods available – and much more! www.avocadofestival.org.

WHAT: 9th ANNUAL WILIWILI FESTIVAL – WAIKOLOA VILLAGE

WHEN: Saturday February 8, 2020 from 9am-3pm

WHERE:  Waikoloa Stables

The Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative will be hosting the annual Wiliwili Festival a fun, free, educational event for all ages and a great opportunity to learn more about the unique environment of Hawai’i island. This year, guided tours of the Waikoloa Dry Forest Preserve, on-site workshops, educational talks, music, food, vendors, and a silent auction will be offered. Celebrate Hawai’i island’s beloved wiliwili trees! Free to the public. For more information, call (808) 494-2208, email [email protected] or visit waikoloadryforest.org.

WHAT: 2nd ANNUAL “MY FURRY VALENTINE” EVENT 

WHEN: Sunday February 9, 2020 from 2-6 pm

WHERE: The Shops at Mauna Lani

“My Furry Valentine” is a dog-friendly event benefiting Hawaii Island Humane Society, at the only dog-friendly shopping center on the Big Island. Featuring pet-related pop-up shops, dog groomers/trainers, a beer garden, Valentine-themed doggie costume contest, canine demonstrations, a photo booth, food booths for both you and your pet, and pet adoptions. Free to the public. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1684718951714012/.

WHAT: HEIVA I HAWAI’I TAHITIAN DANCE COMPETITION

WHEN: February 14-16, 2020

WHERE: Kekuaokalani Gym and field (Kona Community Gym, next to the pool).

Free cultural event featuring Tahitian groups and soloists competing in dance, drumming and pageant. There will be food and craft vendors, a kids fun zone with inflatable bouncers, and much more. The event begins with the Mr. and Miss Heiva I Hawaii Beauty Pageant on Friday night from 6-9pm. The Tahitian dance competition in solo, couple and group categories will be held from 10:00am to 3:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. Free to the public. For more information, call (808) 937-8214, email [email protected] or visit heivaihawaii.com.

WHAT: AFTERNOON AT THE PALACE CONCERT/HULA AND VILLAGE STROLL

WHEN: Sunday February 16, 2020

WHERE: Kailua Village 

Hawaiian music and hula on the grounds of Hulihe’e Palace on Alii Drive from 4-5pm. Bring your own beach mat or chair. Before and after the Palace performance, stroll thru historic Kailua Village (the Stroll starts at 1pm & goes till 6pm), enjoy over 100 vendor booths, plus oceanside restaurants, local musicians & artists. For more info about the Palace event, email [email protected]. For more info about the Stroll, email [email protected] or visit historickailuavillage.com.

WHAT: SOKO 6th ANNUAL ARTISTS STUDIO TOUR – SOUTH KONA

WHEN: February 22 and 23, 2020 – 9 am – 4 pm. 

WHERE: Throughout South Kona 

Visit 20 artists in their studios at 12 locations along the winding and scenic Mamalahoa Highway, from Keauhou throughout South Kona, to Honaunau. Plan on a full day of learning and talking with the artists about their inspiration and techniques. A wide range of fine art, smaller items and gifts are available for sale. Cost: Free to the public. For directions, see map at  http://sokoartists.com/studio-tour/. For more information, email [email protected].

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