WAHIAWA
Cherry blossom festival events start on Saturday
Wahiawa will host Sakura Matsuri, cherry blossom festival, over three weekends beginning from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Wahiawa Hongwanji, 1067 California Ave.
The event, sponsored by the Wahiawa Nikkei Civic Association, includes entertainment, an appearance by the Cherry Blossom Court and a chance to win a cherry blossom tree.
The cost is $5.
Residents can see Wahiawa Town sakura trees on a guided trolley tour from 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 7 starting at Wahiawa Ryusenji Soto Mission, 164 California Ave.
Sakura Safari-Hana Mi, sponsored by the United Japanese Society of Hawaii and the Wahiawa Nikkei Civic Association, departs at 9 and 11 a.m., takes 90 minutes and costs $18. An additional $5 will purchase a bento lunch.
Reservations are required. Call 306-1876.
The final event is a cherry blossom tree planting at 1:45 p.m. Feb. 7 at Wahiawa Botanical Garden, 1396 California Ave.
The Gifu Cherry Blossom Group has donated 35 trees to the city as part of the group's mission to promote peace and friendship throughout the world by planting cherry blossom trees.