The science of chocolate making begins with these football-shaped cacao pods.

This Sunday's Cacao Festival featured such chocolate geniuses, who gave public demonstrations on how chocolate's made and free samples (!!) of the savory sweet treat to those wandering past their shady white-topped tents in the Hale‘iwa heat.  

You could just feel the chocolate buzz about to burst through the roof of Madre Chocolate's tent. Nat Bletter gave an interactive demo to the group huddled underneath, allowing them to taste each step involved in the process (from seed to chocolate); people took notes and asked questions. I felt like I was in school again, except with a bunch of chocolate nerds! David Elliott had his own group of interested chocolatiers, asking questions as they let each divine piece of chocolate melt away on their tongues. Both co-founders of the local company cradled the earthy-yellow and red cacao pods as they spoke, their eyes lighting up as if they were proud fathers talking about a child…a brain child of the chocolate that results from the pods, more like. Nat and David are one of the leading experts in Hawai‘i's chocolate industry today.

VIDEO: Learn more about how chocolate's made from Madre Chocolate co-founders.

"There's sort of a chocolate boom going on in the U.S. now," explained David, referring to the antioxidants in dark chocolate as being a major factor. "Hawai‘i is really this great place for chocolate because we have a lot of microclimates. It's the only tropical place in the U.S. and the only state…that can grow cacao."

The pair has been working with and studying cacao deep in the jungles of South America for years, before coming to Hawai‘i to start Madre Chocolate, a "bean-to-bar company." They buy cacao from local farmers on O‘ahu and the Big Island, taking the bean and doing "the artisan process of crafting it into delicious dark chocolate (bars)," as David put it. Bean to bar, get it?

That means more sciencey stuff, which involves a tedious process of carefully roasting the cacao beans, shelling them and stone grinding them for four to five days before creating the silky smooth and delicious dark chocolate we all know and love. Madre Chocolate takes it to another level by adding a touch of Hawai‘i to the mix. Coconut milk and locally-grown organic ginger, as well as Hawaiian tea make for unique chocolate flavors. Their vegan and soy-free bars can be found throughout Hawai‘i, the U.S. and as far as Belgium. 

And remember those chocolate nerds I mentioned earlier? Nat and David meet a whole bunch of them whenever they teach courses at Lyon Arboretum, Kāpi‘olani Community College and the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. That's the collegiate level of chocolate. They also offer classes to locals and visitors, which include Valentine's truffle making, beer and chocolate pairing and chocolate designing.  

Madre Chocolate co-founder David Elliot in his happy place of cacao and chocolate.

And because the cacao comes before the chocolate, the Cacao Festival served as a nice prelude to the upcoming Chocolate Festival on Feb. 25 at Dole Cannery. There'll be a chocolate-inspired spa, a chocolate garden and some chocolate pearls for all you chocolatiers out there interested in learning more about the art of chocolate making and eating more, too.

VIDEO Photo Credit: Nat Bletter (cacao pods); David Elliott (amaranth chocolate bars)

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

MADRE CHOCOLATE / www.madrechocolate.com / Check their site for locations and classes

Huh? …

That’s exactly the question many people who aren't from around here find themselves asking when they come to Hawai‘i. Wait, what did he just say? I have to hum with the bugs, or I will lose my money?

As good as that guess is, it’s nowhere near what’s being said. But good try! It's Pidgin English you're hearing, which comes from various ethnic groups that have worked on Hawai‘i’s plantations in the 1800s. So think of it as an imaginary bag of words that the Hawaiians, Chinese, Filipinos, Puerto Ricans, Portuguese (the list goes on) contributed to over time. And today that imaginary bag is still around, except now the words are all jumbled up and have become what most locals use today when speaking – Pidgin English. 

Make sense? Or as most locals might ask, You get ‘em or what? And don’t be confused by one of Hawaii 5-0’s episodes from last season. An actor made a very strange reference to the language: “Eh! You speak bird?” That has got to be the weirdest question in Hollywood.

Pidgin 101 creator Lanai Tabura helps clear up any language barriers for those not from here.

Most tourists visiting a new place use their smart phones to get around. Googling this; GPSing that. Now with even more help from the tech gods, Hawai‘i visitors can look up Pidgin words that once baffled them. Download the Pidgin 101 app to your iPhone or Android for 99-cents, and be befuddled no more! It’ll be your hand-held interpreter when exploring the islands. In fact, the app has already been downloaded by people from around the world – Japan, Germany and Cuba, to name a few.

Local comedian and radio personality Lanai Tabura created the app to translate some of the popular Pidgin words and phrases locals grew up saying. The app provides an alphabetized list of 175 words that users may "tap" to get a definition. Each definition includes a pronunciation and an example. Lanai plans to release a Pidgin 102 version, which will have an additional 150 words while the Pidgin 103 version will provide the audio on how to pronounce the words. (I’m sure any of my uncles could easily help Lanai with that one!)

The Pidgin 101 definitions looks something like this.

Lanai, who's real name is Grant, grew up on a Lana‘i plantation. He comes from a long line of pineapple pickers; his grandparents did it, followed by his parents and – inevitably – he ended up picking pineapples, too. But little did he know, he picked up a lot more than the tropical fruit. He also picked up loads of Pidgin there that he spoke daily. I'd say that makes him pretty well-qualified to create the Pidgin app!

Today, however, you won't find Lanai still speaking Pidgin 24/7; in fact, he's actually very articulate and has become a well-known radio and television personality in the islands. I talked story with him at Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park last week and asked him how he eventually transitioned from straight Pidgin to perfect English…He laughed and responded with, "That's a good question!" But the real reasoning, he said, is that he traveled a lot as a kid and ended up living in California during part of his upbringing, shaking off his old Pidgin-speaking habits.  

VIDEO: Lanai gives us a few lessons in Pidgin 101.

Growing up here, I think I’ve learned to turn the Pidgin ON and OFF. I definitely wouldn’t talk Pidgin during a job interview, but if I’m on the beach, sure, why not! It’s an instant connection we make with our friends and even people we’ve met for the first time. I can credit my exquisite Pidgin vernacular to my relatives. It’s something I grew up hearing and learned to communicate with over the years. Pidgin definitely sounds weird to an untrained ear, but it is what always reminds me that I’m home. Walking off a plane after a long trip away from Hawai‘i, I can’t help but smile when I hear the flight attendants on the tarmac talking story in Pidgin. It’s almost as refreshing as the crisp Hawaiian air I just stepped into.

So the next time you call the hotel’s housekeeping, and the lady tells you, Bumbye, we going come up and fix your beds. You can look it up! Or if the surf instructor tells you, Da water stey small kine cold, yeah? You can look it up!

K den! 

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

This sort of says it all: Mainland winter grey to Hawai‘i color.

LEG 1: ILM -> CLT This is about an hour’s flight time from Wilmington NC International Airport (ILM). I’ve had trouble getting to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in the past and found this very first flight of the day to be more reliable, as it arrives before delays start multiplying across the east. CLT is a major hub in the east, so many flights ending in HNL start here. CLT airport is a nice one. It is large, but feels small and friendly, is airy and light, has good free wireless, and has rocking chairs spaced around for travelers to rest in. Nice touch. But let me warn you, a change in concourse for your next gate means you will be hoofing it if you have a connection in less than an hour. I had just less than that, and that meant I barely had time for a restroom stop, and NO time to stand in a long Starbucks line. I literally ran right into the departure line where my next flight had already started boarding.

LEG 2: CLT -> PHX Now I had time to relax for about four hours. The flight to Phoenix Airport (PHX) was completely full (as usual), which spread the attendants rather thinly. But it was a flight with only one tummy-turning turbulent event, and the travelers were serious and silent. I was hungry and needed coffee. I travel with only protein bars, fruit and water. When we made it to PHX, I was ready for more hydration and food, and I was concerned about making my connection. For the former, I was disappointed. The water vending machines were broken, the lines at food counters were long, the selection of restaurants was limited and not to my liking, and the free WIFI was not connecting. For the latter, even though my layover was over an hour, and I did not have a concourse change.

An airport restroom sign in Honolulu let's you know you've made it to Hawai‘i, along with some other island things you might see.

LEG 3: PHX -> PARADISE The captain comes on the intercom and announces the six hour flight time to the Honolulu International Airport (PARADISE), and I gotta tell you, I’m already about done in (and hungry). From my window seat, I do enjoy watching the changing topography 30,000 feet below me. The plane is full of travelers who are obviously excited

and ready to start a vacation. And FINALLY! I see it below me – my beautiful Hawai‘i. The plane slowly cruises over the windward side of the island. And truthfully, my jaw dropped down as far as the visitors in the seats next to me, as we looked out my little window. After three weeks of grey, I honestly had almost forgotten how gorgeous this island is. And when I got off the plane, not only did it feel wonderful, but it smelled wonderful, too. With perfect weather, the Honolulu terminal is open air and let's you experience Hawai‘i as soon as you deplane. You know you have reached your destination.

VIDEO: Watch as the colors of Hawai‘i become even more vibrant as you approach the beautiful islands.

Posted by Katherine Finch Follow me on Twitter @kfinches

Golden shores await. One of the many hidden beauties of the west side.

Ha‘a Keaulana hopes to change that stigma. Born and raised on the west side, this 20-year-old can attest to the true beauty of this place and its people and hopes to share some of the unseen and untouched gems of the Leeward coast through her photography. 

"I'm proud of where I'm from and try my best to show that to others," said Ha‘a, who will shoot anything and everything but especially enjoys shooting stuff that's ocean related. 

Ha‘a's photography takes her around the island and in the sea.

After seeing her underwater shots, I instantly fell in love with them – turtles, dolphins and fish come to life in each and every frame. There's just something about the clarity of the photos, purity of the colors and uniqueness of the moments she captures on camera that leaves you wanting to see more. Only a handful of local photographers can successfully encompass such beauty. Ha‘a is definitely one of them; someone you should make sure to check out while in the islands. 

Ha‘a captures some of the many living treasures under the sea on the west side.

Coming from a well-known family of Hawaiian surfers and a surfer herself, it's no surprise that another chunk of her collections includes just that – surfing. She's got shots of longboarders, shortboarders, bodyboarders and stand-up paddlers, mostly from her homebreak of Mākaha. 

Her timing, framing and intuition for lighting are those of an experienced photographer. When I asked her how long she'd been taking photos, I couldn't believe her answer: a little less than three years. Could've fooled me!

(Top) Ha‘a catches the late Andy Irons doing what he did best. (Bottom) Fins out! A surfer gets air.

"With social networks, like Tumblr, I'm amazed at how many people are able to see and comment on my work. I get comments from all over the world," remarked Ha‘a. You can find her on Instagram and Tumblr (joyfuldancingsea).

A lot of visitors come to Hawai‘i looking for a photographer who can help them with engagement, maternity or wedding photos. Every time I'm in Waikīkī, I'll see a couple of newly-weds still dressed in their wedding attire – tux, tiara and all – having their photos taken with the beautiful ocean backdrop. Ha‘a extends her professional photography services to such visitors, especially those who are looking for a gorgeous sunset…because, let me tell you, the west side (of any island in Hawai‘i) will always have the most vibrantly flaming sunsets, period.

Like this one…a blazing sun about to meet its counterpart – the ocean.

While she hopes to one day travel the world for her photography, Ha‘a will always be happiest with her initial inspiration, what started it all – her own backyard. 

Photo Credit: Ha‘a Keaulana

HA‘A KEAULANA PHOTOGRAPHY / Check out her work on Tumblr: joyfuldancingsea.tumblr.com 

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

According to an inside source, Kahana will be one of those backyards seen on The River, which will follow the story of a wildlife expert who goes missing in the Amazon. (I hear there will also be a few zombies wandering around the island for the making of this show.) And while Kahana has already appeared in other shows and movies, it's important to note the historical past still entwined in the majestic valley and its people today. 

Kahana Bay is one of the most historic places on the Windward side of O‘ahu. 

The valley, located between Ka‘a‘awa and Punalu‘u, is the only place in Hawai‘i that has been established by the state as a "living park." This means it must embrace, teach and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture. The 31 families who currently live in Kahana assist with such programs that share the values and lifestyle of old Hawai‘i days.

In ancient times, the ahupua‘a (land division) provided a plethora of natural wealth for the Hawaiian people, who fished the thriving fishponds and farmed the fertile lands. And not uncommon to the Hawaiian way of thinking, they made sure to use such resources to their fullest, which included growing kalo in the lo‘i (ponded fields) and irrigating rain water from the Ko‘olau mountains. From atop a lookout, a fish watcher would signal to the community whenever he spied schools of fish approaching the bay.

But since Western contact, the population rapidly declined. The valley became a site for sugar cultivation and WWII jungle warfare training, both of which heavily changed the valley's natural environment. 

Today, remnants of the valley's past can be found in the heiau (religious temple) and Huilua Fishpond, which is currently being restored. Locals and visitors continue to frequent Kahana for hiking, camping, sunbathing and on glassy, windless days, the residents will most likely be surfing the long rolling lefts. Otherwise, the water in the bay is usually pretty calm for swimming. 

So next time you catch a glimpse of Kahana on your favorite television show, keep in mind the ancient past that continues to thrive in the present of this valley today.

KAHANA VALLEY / Kahana Valley Road, Ka‘a‘awa, HI 96730 (Map) / Visitor center, camping (by permit only), hiking, outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic tables & drinking water

Sources: Hawaii State Parks

Photo Credit: Haunani Kane

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

Those in the local Japanese community know better. Take this older Japanese woman I recently met there, for instance; she has been coming there for years and knew exactly where to find the collection of antique Japanese dolls, which were hidden on the top shelf in the back room of the gift shop. 

Although it may not look it, this building houses Hawai‘i's rich history of Japanese Americans in the islands.

We were looking through the rack of kimonos when I felt a gentle tap on my right elbow. I turned around only to find a tiny woman, wearing royal blue eye shadow and a pair of those Japanese wooden slippers, peering up at me. I felt like a giant; she must have been a foot shorter than me even with the added inch from her slippers, and I could see the top of her head! Then, in an even tinier voice, she politely asked me if I could reach for one of those dolls up there. Tippy toeing, the old woman pointed toward the doll with the pale snow face and an elaborate kimono as blue as her eye shadow.

She proudly told us about her extensive collection of dolls and how she has been collecting them since she was a young girl in Japan. Although we couldn't quite understand all of her broken English, we could just see in her smiling eyes the passion she had for, which to her was, such a precious commodity.

Have fun trying on traditional Japanese kimono.

Located in the heart of Mō‘ili‘ili, the JCCH is the hub of Japanese American history and culture in Hawai‘i. It celebrates such history with a small museum gallery, a Kenshikan martial arts dojo and a traditional Japanese tea house. From Japanese tattoos to the history of karate, the museum offers rotating exhibits during the year that share the Japanese American experience through photography, woodblock prints and sculptures. Special guest speakers come to talk about the exhibits on display, helping to enhance the exhibit.

A more permanent exhibit called "Okage Sama De: I am what I am because of you" is especially meaningful to the first wave of Japanese immigrants, who are still scattered throughout the islands. This exhibit goes through the multi-generational history of the Japanese in Hawai‘i – from their first hesitant steps onto a foreign land to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It's like stepping back in time to experience an era so crucial to present-day Hawai‘i.

The dojo (a place where people go to discipline themselves) has become one of the premiere practice spaces for learning martial arts. JCCH originally created the 2,500 square feet area to promote the practice of kendo (the way of the sword), but it has since broadened its focus to include karate, aikido, naginata and dance. 

The gift shop sells all things Japanese – tea sets, paintings and this cute little guy on the right.

And on the fourth floor of that massive concrete building, you'll find a peaceful Japanese tea house and garden. The Omotesenke Hawaii Shibu, a traditional Japanese group, currently practice tea ceremony there while JCCH offers tea classes to the public. Tea has become a growing interest in Hawai‘i, with places like Wai‘oli Tea House and the Tea Farm. But this particular tea room offers an authentic Japanese tea experience like no other.

The JCCH is a must-see when you're in Hawai‘i, especially if you're at all interested in Asian cultures. Look for that old Japanese woman I was telling you about. She has an interesting story worth hearing!

JAPANESE CULTURAL CENTER OF HAWAII / 2454 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96726 (Map) / 808-945-7633 / Opens Tues-Sat 10am-4pm; Resource Center: Wed-Fri 10am-4pm / $7 Adults, $5 Children; $3 Military; Second Saturday FREE / Parking available; Near a bus route

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

Waimea town is nestled between the Kōhala Mountain range and Mauna Kea.

Kamuela, otherwise known as Waimea, is a homey upcountry town on the north side of the Big Island. Part of South Kōhala, Waimea invites all those who pass through its rolling green hills, which rests on the base of the Kōhala Mountains, to take time to relax and unwind.

There are other communities with the same name on other islands: Waimea on Kauaʻi and Waimea Bay on Oʻahu. The postal service needed a name that would be locative of the Big Island’s Waimea, so it was settled on Kamuela. "Kamuela", which is the Hawaiian for Samuel, was selected, honoring a prominent resident, Samuel Palmer Parker. "South Kōhala” was adopted for the larger geographical region.

It is the original name, "Waimea," however, has remained the heart-bound and designate for the town and surrounding area. The literal meaning of Waimea, wai being water, and mea being reddish or reddish water, refers to the tint of the streams after filtering through the hapuʻu forests in the Kōhala mountains.

Kamuela also has fantastic skies during the winter months.

Waimea’s rich history started with the arrival of Europeans in the 1820's. The native population in Waimea at the time had dwindled to slightly more than 2,000. Fields were striped of sandalwood as Hawaiians harvested the fragrant wood for trade. In place of the trees became hundreds of acres of grazing fields and cattle. Samuel Palmer Parker began the United States’ biggest private ranch: Parker Ranch. Cattle became a booming industry. There became a need to have caretakers look after the thousands of head of cattle. Vaqueros, Spanish cowboys, came to train Hawaiians on how to ranch and the Hawaiian Cowboy, the Paniolo was born.   

The Hawaiian Style Cafe is a favorite spot for locals and visitors.

Waimea now has a population of 7,500 and still growing. Farmers and ranchers are joined by educators, employees of a string of seven world class hotels and nine golf courses, astronomers and technicians from two major telescope facilities, clergy from 14 or more religious groups and health professionals for the North Hawaii Community Hospital, Lucy Henriques Medical Center and various dental and doctors' offices. The town hosts realtors, contractors, architects, bankers and entrepreneurs. Kahilu Theater anchors a cultural center for artisans and craftsmen. The expansive Hawaiian Homes Land attracts a substantial number of native Hawaiians.

Welcome to Waimea, a country that is truly kept country.

Posted by Dylan-Sage Wilcox Friend him on Facebook

KAMUELA, HAWAI‘I / Northern upcountry town on Big Island (Map) / www.kamuela.com

Otto can bake like no other man can bake. This is him with a fruit loop concoction.

The first Otto Cake was made more than 22 years ago (today marks the 22nd anniversary!) when Otto’s mother's favorite brand of cheesecake was discontinued at a store. Otto then concocted his own cheesecake recipe, summoning his kitchen experience with his father and grandmother, to create the perfect cake good enough for Mama’s taste buds.

It was a hit with Mom, and a little while later, he brought it to a potluck where he received eight orders on the spot. Through the coconut wireless, word spread and orders kept coming, until Otto’s cheesecake was being sold in more than 15 local coffee shops island wide.

VIDEO: On a lazy Sunday morning, Otto and Serena talk cheesecake..duh!

With all these orders coming in, Otto had to get a commercial kitchen to supply all of the demand and rented a spot in the warehouse district by the airport. I first met Otto a little over 10 years ago at this bakery, where he hosted punk shows and his band, The 86 List, would often play (In 2011, The 86 List was the first genre of its kind to get a Nā Hōkū Hanohano award nomination!). I would see little slices of free cheesecake getting passed around amidst the mosh pit, and after the first bite, I was hooked. 

A few years ago, Otto changed locations and decided to open up a retail bakery in Chinatown. Once a sketchy and sometimes dangerous area, Chinatown has recently cleaned up its act and is the new hot spot for up and coming local businesses and boutiques. You can find Otto Cake behind its red doors on Smith Street, where a display case of cheesecake slices awaits you. 

So many flavors, so little time. The Bacon and Maple cheesecake goes quickly! 

Now boasting over 86 flavors of deliciousness, you never know what flavor might be waiting for a taste. Some of the concoctions include: Acai bowl, Maple bacon, Liliko‘i, Rootbeer Float, Black Forest, Red and Blue Velvet, Amazing Plain, Mexican Chocolate, Pineapple Macadamia Coconut Cream, Kahlua, Blueberry, Big Island Lehua Blossom Honey, Caramel, Cherry, Fruit Loops, Green Tea, Rocky Road, White Chocolate Raspberry (my favorite), Chocolate Chocolate Chip (Otto’s favorite), Orange Chocolate Chip (Otto’s other favorite), Strawberry Basil, Butterfinger and Chinese Almond Cookie…just to name a few. Hungry yet?

Otto makes all cheesecakes by hand, averaging about eight cakes a day in the store's kitchen, which is tucked behind what looks like stage curtains. He claims that he can make any flavor of cheesecake and takes special orders for whatever customers are fancying. Some orders have included cilantro and wasabi flavored cakes! At the store, he doesn’t stop at cheesecake. Otto Cake also offers coffee cake, carrot cake, cheesecake sandwiches, cupcakes and the best iced coffee you’ve ever tasted.

Simply put, Otto Cake cheesecake will knock your socks off. The reason why it’s been around for 22 years is because people love it and because Otto loves what he does. If you’re in town and want to treat yourself, then make your way over to Chinatown to have a little slice of heaven, as sweet and unique as the man who makes it.

Video Credit: Alyssa S. Navares

Photo Credit (second photo): Otto

OTTO CAKE / 1160 Smith St., Honolulu, HI 96817 (Map) / 808-834-OTTO / Opens Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-3pm / www.ottocake.com / Street parking or municipal parking available; Near bus route

Posted by Serena Kaldi Follow me on Twitter @Serena_Divina

Hawai‘i welcomes Hollywood to its shores once again for another TV series.

Last Resort is set in the near future, when the world is (still) on the brink of nuclear war. The crew of a nuclear submarine, the USS Nevada, refuses to execute direct orders to fire nuclear missiles issued under “suspicious circumstances.” In return, the sub is fired upon by its own allies. The captain and crew find refuge on an island with a NATO listening station. There they declare themselves to be the world’s smallest nuclear nation, independent and in possession of 24 nukes.

The hour-long pilot for ABC is created by Shawn Ryan, who also was executive producer of The Shield on FX, The Chicago Code on Fox and The Unit on CBS. While most of the mentions of the pilot so far have named these gritty series, Ryan was also a producer on Angel and Nash Bridges. I see a common theme: no shortage of testosterone. (Not that I’m complaining!)

According to TV Guide, Ryan will executive produce the series. He co-wrote the pilot with Karl Gajdusek, who created four episodes of the Showtime’s Dead Like Me. Martin Campbell will direct the pilot. Campbell also directed Casino Royale with Daniel Craig as in his first appearance as James Bond and GoldenEye, the first Bond outing for Pierce Brosnan, along with The Mask of Zorro and The Legend of Zorro, both with Antonio Banderas.

Writers on The Legend of Zorro included some names familiar to fans of Hawaii Five-0: Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman (executive producers on 33 episodes). Neither is associated with the new pilot; it’s just some fun trivia. Hawaii Five-0 also brought in a big-name action director for the pilot, so maybe this will be good luck for Last Resort.

The island that becomes home for the renegade sub and crew is called “Sainte Marina," so Hawai‘i is not playing itself in a leading role this time around. The stars are expected to be from the mainland, but local actors are being cast as co-stars, supporting and featured background roles, according to Hawaii Actors Network.

Posted by Cindy Scheopner Follow me on Twitter @Scheopner

The UH Warriors defended their home turf against the University of Colorado Boulder last season.

And as the popular sports chant goes, "We will, we will, ROCK YOU!" The Aloha Stadium has been rocked, all right. Since 1975, Hawai‘i's largest outdoor arena has hosted a multitude of events including soccer matches, car shows, concerts, fairs and the popular Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace. It replaced the aging Honolulu Stadium on King Street in Honolulu, which was later demolished. Up to 50,000 people can be seated in the Hālawa stadium, which is also home to the University of Hawai‘i Warriors football team and hosts the Hawai‘i Bowl, the Hula Bowl (1975-1997 and 2006) and the Pro Bowl (1980-2009 and 2011-2012). Aloha Stadium even had its share of Hollywood fame, appearing on Magnum, P.I., Lost and the original Hawaii Five-0. 

It's amazing how versatile a facility can be. I remember going to a football game one week, then the Michael Jackson concert the week after. I didn't even recognize the place, with all the colorful flashing lights and rows of seats on the field. In fact, the field had no resemblance to anything sports whatsoever, and instead of being oval shaped for football games, the stadium was triangular. 

As the first stadium in the U.S. with this feature, Aloha Stadium could once be reconfigured into various formations depending on the different functions. The four moveable sections were changed into a diamond shape for soccer and baseball, an oval for football or a triangle for concerts. But in 2007, the stadium was permanently locked into the football configuration because of high cost and maintenance issues.

In addition to sporting events, the stadium is home to the 50th State Fair, which attracts thousands every year to its carnival rides and games.

Inevitably, after 37 years, the Hawai‘i stadium has no doubt shown its age. Rust, broken seats that need to be replaced and restrooms that need to be expanded have become serious concerns for the stadium. A study estimated that it would cost the state more than $200 million to restore and maintain the facility. Recently, state legislature proposed to build a new facility as a more cost-effective alternative to restoring the current one, which would only last another 20 to 30 years. 

Until then, we can always count on our dedicated Hawai‘i sports fans and concert-goers to rally amongst each other in the Aloha Spirit, at our beloved Aloha Stadium…rain or shine!

Photo Credit: Noa Myers (first photo); Ariel Navares (second photo)

ALOHA STADIUM / 99-500 Salt Lake Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96818 (Map) / 808-483-2500 / www.alohastadium.hawaii.gov

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87