OCT 2
2011
The first annual Moku O Keawe Kapa Festival will be held at the Bishop Museum next weekend, from Oct. 7 through 9. The festival is designed to celebrate Hawai’i’s natural diversity and native spirit by informing attendees about kapa tools, crafts, and general lifestyle. The event will also include food, music, and lighthearted hula demonstrations.
The museum is open from 9am to 5pm, and admission is $17.95 for non-member adults and $14.95 for non-member seniors and children.
SEP 29
2011
The first ever Hawai’i Food and Wine Festival starts tonight and is hosted by renowned chefs Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong. The festival will feature a number of tasty events, including a Fast Pitch competition for food entrepreneurs and table talk about modern Hawai’ian cuisine, held at various locations across Honolulu. Over two dozen internationally recognized chefs, food personalities, and culinary critics will be present.
Tickets are selling fast, so reserve your place quickly at www.hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com.
SEP 28
2011
Welcome October to 2011 this Friday at the annual Octoberfest Street Festival, hosted by the ARTS district and the Boston Beer Company, on Nu’uanu Avenue and Hotel Street. The event will include performances by several live bands, including the Royal Elephant Oompah Band, Professor Pandemonium, and Capoeira Besouro. Although the festival will include a salute to traditional German challenges, beer, and cuisine, the music will present a distinctive Latin flair.
The Octoberfest Street Festival will last from 6 to 10 pm.
SEP 25
2011
Next Sunday is the annual inter-tribal powwow held in Thomas Square in downtown Honolulu from 10 am to 5 pm. The event will provide a comprehensive look into local Native American culture, featuring a range of activities, including traditional song and dance, food, arts and crafts, and general entertainment. This is a great way to explore Hawai’i’s rich Native American heritage.
The powwow is hosted by the American Indian Pow Wow Association and is open to the public. Admission is free.
SEP 22
2011
For the most intimate view of Hawai’i’s tidal pools and and undiscovered marine life, join the expert marine biologist staff from Living Art Marine Center this weekend for a safe and informative reef walk. The program includes knee-deep wading in the Ala Moana area to get the closest look at the beautiful coastline. Reef walking shoes and flashlights are available for a low price.
The cost is just $6.50 per child and $10 per adult. Register online at http://www.livingartmarinecenter.com/rwres.htm or by phone at (808) 841-8080. Visit the Discovery Zone after your reef walk for more hands-on interaction with coastal invertebrate animals!
SEP 1
2011
Ko Olina Taste at Kapolei Set for Sept. 10If you’re in Ko Olina, be sure to check out the 12th Annual Ko Olina Taste at Kapolei. The event is set for next weekend Saturday, Sept. 10, and includes 19 tasting tents planned for the one-day extravaganza. The fundraising event has secured more than 20 restaurants with chefs ready to dish up island favorites. Plus, look for a margarita bar from the restaurant Just Tacos for preferred-seating guests.
Proceeds go to scholarships for aspiring college students from West Oahu. The event has raised an estimated $1 million for the cause over the past decade. Awesome food that gives back to students… a definite “must attend” event!
AUG 28
2011
Looking for something totally different to do this week near Ko Olina? The Food Network is hosting an open casting call in Honolulu for Season 8 of its popular “Food Network Star” on Tuesday, August 30, from 10 am to 2 pm. They’re looking for passionate, charismatic individuals with a culinary background to attend the event.
Head on over if you have:
— Strong culinary skills
— A personality that pops
— Passion for cooking
— Extensive food knowledge
— Lots of energy and enthusiasm
Honolulu is one of only eight cities offering an open casting call. And if you’re not a chef, just seeing a casting call is fun!
For more info and an online application, visit http://www.foodnetworkstarcasting.com/
AUG 24
2011
AUG 21
2011
Looking for a break from the everyday? Check out the Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail, a nice 2-mile loop within the Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline with outstanding views of Oahu’s southeastern coastline (including Koko Head and Koko Crater.)
From the trail’s destination at Makapu‘u Head look for the historic red-roofed Makapu‘u Lighthouse built in 1909, which makes a stunning picture against the deep blue sea below. (Unfortunately, the lighthouse itself is off-limits.) On a clear day, you may even see Moloka‘i and Lana‘i.
The offshore islets are wildlife sanctuaries for Hawaiian seabirds, such as the ‘iwa, frigate bird, and tropicbird. This portion of the island tends to be hot and dry, and the vegetation includes low-growing kiawe and panini (cactus). The trail is exposed and is usually quite sunny and warm. So be sure to bring along sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
Give yourself about 2 hours to enjoy this hike and its wonderful views. More info at the Hawaii State Park’s website.
AUG 18
2011
I love seeing an eclectic mix of things to do near Ko Olina, and this week takes you from ballet to fun local products made in Hawaii at the Blaisdell Center in Honolulu.
First up — Romeo & Juliet with a twist as a ballet. This ballet interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet is choreographed by Robert Weiss, the Artistic director of the Carolina Ballet.
Show times: Saturday, August 20 at 7:30 pm & Sunday, August 21 at 2:00 pm
Tickets can be a bit pricey ($100 for best seats, if you feel like splurging), but you can find nice $35 seats for the show too.
Next up — Made in Hawaii Festival is all weekend from Friday, August 20 to Sunday, August 21 and only costs $4 for general admission. (Kids 6 years and younger get in free with a paid adult.) Looks like some awesome local food, books, gifts, fashions, plants, art, crafts, produce… the list keeps going!
The Festival attracts over 35,000 visitors, including buyers from around the world. Plus, the Festival will showcase multiple award winners on the Entertainment stage and Cooking Demonstrations by Hawaii’s top culinary artists provide on the stage in the Arena.
Definitely sounds perfect for a family and for only $4 a person!
