See Hawaii as We Locals Live

If you’re going to be on the island of Oahu over the Labor Day weekend, there’s a festival just outside of Downtown Honolulu that local people love and you will be fascinated by.

The 5th Annual "I Love Liliha" Town Festival will take place on Saturday, August 30th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Prince David Kawananakoa Playground and Kawananakoa Middle School (at the corner of Nuuanu Ave. and Kuakini St.).

The Festival provides a venue for showcasing all the things unique to the Liliha community and features performances by the Royal Hawaiian Band, a special appearance by the Honolulu mayor, savory treats from local food vendors, (including Liliha Bakery’s world famous Cocoa Puffs, which you must sample while you’re here) and much, much more.

The ubiquitous saimin was born here, and is offered throughout the area in dozens of plate-lunch palaces, drive-ins, and ethnic restaurants.  Beautiful Oahu Cemetery is the final resting place of royalty, national figures and local legends.  Virtually every religious denomination is represented in the area.  The purple pigeons of Puunui fly at sunset.  While Kunawai Springs Park once housed an ancient natural healing center where bubbling mud carried elements of revitalization, the area now is home to medical facilities that represent all disciplines and traditions of health care.

Keiki (kids) can participate in fun activities, games and play in bounce houses, and your kids can interact with the local kids.   Food booths will offer local staples, and there will be learning exhibits and a health fair for seniors.

It’s a terrific way to indulge in local Hawaii, have a good time, and even learn some of the lesser-known lore of this Paradise.

Posted by Jim Winpenny

Add comment August 19th, 2008