Every Wednesday, one of our awesome HPR besties will keep you posted on happenings across our Islands that we're most stoked about. While each of us has a different perspective and set of interests, we all share a goal of helping you stay curious and connected across our Hawaiian Islands. Not yet subscribed? Subscribe today to se what's on around town, and to learn about our Social Club contributors.
This week, we hear from Kyla Herrmann, HPR's On-Air Campaign & Community Events Producer.
HPR’s Social Club — it's your guide to unique, can't-miss events across the islands. Sign up for the HPR Social Club.
Have an event to share? You can submit it to our HPR Community Calendar for consideration. We might feature it in a future newsletter or on the air!
Hey Social Clubbers!
I’ve been taking a little break from doomscrolling since NYE, and honestly, it’s been great. Instead, I’ve been reading, reading and more reading! There's something about reclaiming time that isn't swallowed by screentime... my brain thanks me, my heart thanks me and my Libby app has never felt more loved.
This weekend feels like a full-on love letter to books. First up, the inaugural Oʻahu Indie Book Festival is happening at the Hawaiʻi State Library in Honolulu on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's a chance to meet authors and illustrators, snag signed books and maybe stumble across a hidden treasure during a "blind date with a book." There will be scavenger hunts, small-group sessions on writing and publishing and goodie bags packed with local treasures. Basically, it's a celebration of local stories and the incredible people who bring them to life. Don't forget to try to carpool!
That's not all! If you’re looking to take it a step further and dive into conversation, the Small Kine Book Club kicks off the same day at da Shop: books + curiosities in Kaimukī.
Every six weeks, they'll explore queer stories across many genres — memoir, oral history, fiction, poetry, graphic novels — you name it. Their first read is "The Mahele of Our Bodies: Nā Moʻolelo Kūpuna Māhū/LGBTQ", a powerful oral history from ten Kānaka Maoli kūpuna who identify as LGBTQ or māhū. The book club is free to attend and just a few spots remain. RSVP today!
Yes, I want to hear all the books you've been loving lately!
So whether you’re wandering the festival aisles, finding a story that sticks, or curling up with a book and a new community, this Saturday is all about celebrating stories and the people who tell them. Let's read together, support local and maybe find a few new favorite worlds to get lost in.
Keep scrolling for more events. If you have something you'd like to share with the HPR team, submit it to our community calendar. We might feature it in a future newsletter.
Bookworm out,
Kyla
HPR Social Club's Picks of the Week
SOUL, STORIES & A GOLDEN VOICE: ProArts Presents: Soul of America — The Soul of Music
ProArts Presents: Soul of America — The Soul of Music
ProArts Theater
1280 South Kihei Rd. at Azeka Plaza Makai in Kihei
Maui
Thursday, Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Tickets available online
Celebrate Black History Month with an unforgettable evening honoring the profound influence of African American artists on the world's music stage. Award-winning vocalist Sheryl Renee, known as "The Lady with the Golden Voice" leads this powerful 90-minute performance alongside special guests Rod Antoon on keys and Estaire Godinez on percussion. Tickets available online
HISTORY THAT MOVES: Ain't No Back to a Merry-Go-Round (Film Screening)
Ain't No Back to a Merry-Go-Round (Film Screening)
Honolulu Museum of Art's Doris Duke Theatre
900 South Beretania St. in Honolulu
Oʻahu
Friday, Feb. 20, 2:00 p.m. & Saturday, Feb. 28, 7:00 p.m.
Tickets available online
This powerful documentary offers a rare, intimate look at a pivotal yet often overlooked Civil Rights protest. Through never-before-seen footage and immersive storytelling, "Ain't No Back to a Merry-Go-Round" traces how a 1960 carousel sit-in sparked cross-racial solidarity, shaped future Freedom Riders and helped push the movement forward. HoMA is hosts the screening in honor of Black History Month. Expect to leave moved, informed and inspired to heed the call to think deeper. Tickets available online
OLD HAWAIʻI, BIG HEART ENERGY: Waimea Town Celebration
Waimea Town Celebration
Various locations in Waimea Town
Kauaʻi
Ongoing until Feb. 21, multiple events & times
Event admission varies; learn more and purchase tickets
Step back into old Hawaiʻi, where community care, shared joy and cultural celebration take center stage. This 8-day festival features concerts, competitions and cultural events beginning Valentine's Day weekend, inviting everyone to contribute to the fun and reconnect with the spirit of togetherness. Event admission varies; learn more and purchase tickets
ROOTED IN COMMUNITY: NIU Festival
NIU Festival
Haili St. and Palace Theatre in Hilo
Hawai‘i Island
Sunday, Feb. 22, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Free to attend, RSVP for the 2 p.m. film screening is requested
Spend the day immersed in niu, the tree of life, through hands-on cultural practice, food, learning and community connection. The morning transforms Haili Street into a shared space for ʻike kupuna, stewardship and celebration, while the afternoon at the Palace Theatre features the "Niu Forever" film screening at 2 p.m. with filmmaker Alex Cantatore and a Ho‘opono book talk with Dr. Manulani Aluli Meyer and community practitioners. The festival is free, family-friendly and deeply rooted in relationship and care. Free to attend, RSVP for the 2 p.m. film screening is requested
SEWN WITH ALOHA: Kauaʻi Quilt Show & Boutique 2026
Kauaʻi Quilt Show & Boutique 2026
Kaua‘i Society of Artists at Kukui Grove Center
3-2600 Kaumuali‘i Highway in Līhu‘e
Kauaʻi
Ongoing through Wednesday, Feb. 25
Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Free and open to all
This free 21st annual celebration of quilting showcases more than 70 quilts made by Kauaʻi residents, with many available for purchase. Browse the pop-up boutique of locally handcrafted goods, vote for Viewer’s Choice 2026, attend workshops and meet the artists. Free and open to all
Celebrate Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi with HPR
Tickets are selling quickly for our final performances celebrating mele Hawaiʻi in our cozy Atherton Performing Arts Studio in Honolulu. Seating is limited—advance ticket purchase is strongly suggested.
- Kamakakēhau Fernandez — Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. - GET TICKETS
- Ei Nei added on a matinee — Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. - GET TICKETS
Get tickets at hprtickets.org
Live from the Atherton is sponsored by HMSA.
📻 "After Hours" Love:
If you missed it, listen on demand to a carefully curated "Lover's Rock Special," heard last Friday on "After Hours — Mundo Reggae with Lulú Solares."
Mundo Reggae is a two-hour journey through the global culture of reggae, spanning foundation roots, dub, steppers and more. Listen on demand to last week's show (available until 10 p.m. on Feb. 20).
Also on demand: DJ Lulú spoke to "The Conversation's" Maddie Bender about the ins and outs of reggae music as one of the hosts of HPR's new nighttime music programming, "After Hours." Listen to the interview.
🔊 Last-minute listen:
Dave Lawrence hits a milestone on Road Stories, welcoming his fifth son of Bob Marley: Julian Marley! Hear about the London-born Marley and his fascinating life as he returns to the islands at the Blue Note. Listen on demand
