If you are looking for a great family friendly event this weekend – head to the “I Love Kailua” Town Party, on Sunday April 27th. This annual community event on Oahu is in its 16th year and is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Started by the Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle, this group has been devoted to keeping Kailua clean, green and beautiful. They will even be offering a "bicycle valet service." So it makes sense that this event is held close to Earth Day and features some of the areas best farmers market produce, flowers and local products. The event proceeds go back into beautification projects for the Kailua community.
This is truly a “non-tourist” experience where you can mix with local residents that live on the Windward side and all over Oahu. It is a huge, fun block party where you can see your neighbors, old friends and bring the dog. There is something for everyone, music, food, hula, local arts, native Hawaiian plants and orchids.
The cost is $3 for adults, children 12 and under are free. Buttons for entry are sold at 30 local establishments in Kailua. The buttons are always very cute and people collect them year after year. And even better the buttons will get you a discount when presented at participating stores. (Posted by CM – images SOET & Star Bulletin)
The folks at NPR really wanted to spin the Hawaii market negatively, but I wouldn’t let them. if you read the paragraph below you would think Hawaii is out of your price range, but it’s not!! Hawaii is a real value right now as the hotels start to offer great deals!! I was on the NPR show Day by Day click here to listen to what ii had to say about this issue.
NPR - Day by Day - If you’re dreaming of a spring vacation on the sandy beaches of Hawaii, think again. Rising fuel costs are making that sort of vacation a lot more expensive. And travel agents are seeing a slowdown in vacation bookings. Madeleine Brand speaks with Bruce Fisher, owner of the Hawaii Aloha Travel Company in Honolulu.
Oh the irony, I just blogged about Hawaii’s fine restaurants being cited in “Food & Wine” magazine and today all I can think about is a burger. Let me clarify, as I really love good food and here in Hawaii we have so many amazing options – Pacific-Rim, authentic Chinese, Japanese and Regional Cuisine – but sometimes you just want a burger.
I often get asked by family and friends on the mainland, “so what do people eat in Hawaii?” And yes the 808-state does consume more rice, sushi, pork hash, SPAM and Asian inspired foods then people living in Nebraska. But we also eat all sorts of other stuff too like hamburgers! So imagine my glee when I learned that “The Shack” will be opening a new store in Waikiki.
“The Shack” is a fun neighborhood style sports bar and restaurant with four locations on Oahu – Mililani, Kailua, Hawaii Kai and now Waikiki and also one on Kauai in Kapa’a. While not everyone may know your name, these relaxed establishments are similar to “Cheers” in that they attract a wide range of local residents. The food is inexpensive, the service is good, informal and if you want bar food – this is the place. The Hawaii Kai store has great views of Koko Head and you can sit outside by the water.
The new location will be in the WaikikiTradeCenter on Kuhio Avenue, where “Legends Seafood” currently stands. At 9,000 square feet, this will be the largest of the “shacks” and is slated to open this July. If I have offended any vegetarians or vegans, I am truly sorry. What can I say – sometimes you just want a burger. And yes, you can order that burger with pineapple on top. (Posted by CM -images web).
Hawaii Airport Officials say the closures of Aloha Airlines and ATA are so far not affecting expansion plans. April arrivals by air to Hawaii to date have topped 300-thousand but that’s down 13% from this point last year. The Norwegian Cruise Line ship Pride of Aloha made a mercy mission to help rescue a puppy marooned on Fanning Island. weather and Hawaii Celebrity News
Let’s face it – most people first think of Hawaii’s great beaches, surf and Waikiki when they think of the AlohaState. Yet we have been consistently recognized for having some amazing cuisine.
Recently, gourmet bible, Food & Wine cited eight local restaurants for their outstanding culinary delights. This year’s picks are all returnees to the list. “Alan Wong’s” and “Chef Mavro” on King Street and “Vino” at Restaurant Row make it a three-peat - recognized for the 3rd year in a row. The establishments are noted as “classics” on the list, offering amazing service and a vast wine list to satisfy any wine connoisseur.
Two other notables are “Kaiwa” and “Matsugen” located on the new hip and happening Waikiki Beach Walk. Cited in part for it’s’ location, “Kaiwa” was named one of the “World’s 10 Best Restaurants with a View” this year. Now that is impressive, anyway you slice it.
So as an amateur “foodie” myself, I am eager to check out these noted culinary delights. It makes me happy to see Hawaii recognized in this prestigious arena - as a culinary Mecca covering all genres from SPAM to 5-Star food. (Posted by CM – image Food & Wine )
Talk to any music lover here in Hawaii and you will hear the same thing, “are you going to the Kokua Festival this weekend?” Unless you have been living on Mars, everyone knows that the Kokua Festival is the hottest music ticket in town…if you can get one! This year the tickets sold out in ten minutes.
Top selling musician Jack Johnson, dedicated to environmental awareness and sustainability, created the Kokua Festival back in 2003 to help raise awareness for his NorthShore based “Kokua Hawaii Foundation”. The concert, this weekend April 19-20th features an eclectic blend of musicians such as Dave Matthews, local favorites like songstress Paula Fuga and ska and reggae band, Go Jimmy Go.
My friend Sally Anne is lucky enough to attend both days of the festival. I asked her how she got these highly prized tickets - beach clean ups she replied. In keeping with his commitment to the environment, Johnson gave tickets to volunteers participating in his beach clean ups. One was held on the SouthShore with over 450 people and the other was on the NorthShore with 400 volunteers. So in this case it is true – a good deed is rewarded. (Posted by CM – images Jack Johnson website).
Today marks the one year anniversary of the death of much beloved Hawaii icon – singer and entertainer Don Ho. Ho passed away after a well documented battle with heart disease. Ho dazzled audiences performing for over 40 years entertaining in Waikiki and all over the world.
Made world famous in 1966 with a fun song about champagne, Ho’s “Tiny Bubbles” continues to still be a well known favorite. Another tune linked to Ho was his hit “Pearly Shells” which he performed at his Waikiki showroom known as “Hoku Hale” at the Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. The location now is under construction and being transformed into Jimmy Buffet’s new restaurant slated to open this November. Also sadly, Ho’s AlohaTower restaurant “Don Ho’s Island Grill” will be closing its doors the end of 2008.
There will be a free “Don Ho Tribute” Tuesday April 15th at Ala Moana’s Center Stage 6pm. The concert will showcase some great local performers like Wally Vincent, Dino Guzman and Joey V.
Along with Ho, we tragically lost several other great Hawaiian entertainers over the past months with the passing of Aunty Genoa Keawe, Aunty Nona Beamer and most recently Nani Lee Meadow. While this may seem like the end of an era, Ho’s musical legacy and lifetime of aloha will continue to live on. There are plans to construct a bronze statue of Ho in Waikiki at a small park on the corner of Kalakaua and Beach Walk. (Posted by CM – images Wikapedia)
This Saturday April 12th I had the pleasure of attending a party for the Cambodian New Year. It was an eclectic group of people gathered to celebrate Khmer food, dance, music and culture. While the Cambodian community here in Hawaii is small, they are an important part of our island.
Looking around the event, there were monks, families with children and seniors, all types of people. It got me thinking about how multi-cultural the state of Hawaii is. And it is that blending of cultures that makes Hawaii so unique and unlike any other place.
Have a look as you drive around and you will see a true melting pot of images and activities; Buddhist and Mormon temples, people performing martial arts and hula in the parks right along archery and tennis. Where else can you have a shave ice, SPAM musubi and amazing Greek and Thai food all in the same neighborhood? I think it is those contrasts that make Hawaii so interesting and a great pace to live. The mix of cultures and traditions of many different places converging on our island grants residents and tourists alike the opportunity to try new foods and experience things outside our own personal culture.
Now I am not advocating that you try something totally extreme like scorpions or monkey brains, but having an open mind and trying new things makes us more receptive to new experiences which are vital to better understanding one another. A vacation is the best time to be flexible and try something new. Whether it is art, music or food I encourage you to try at least one new island treat while in Hawaii.So in closing I leave you with something new I learned this weekend aloha and “soowa sdey chenam tmey” that’s Cambodian for Happy New Year. (Posted by CM – images Star Bulletin & Wikapedia)
Hawaii’s Waikiki aquarium is one of the first aquariums in the country to conduct coral research as a primary focus. It’s part of the Coral Reef Outreach Network. Fitting since today a lot of the living coral in U.S. aquariums actually comes from Hawaii. 2008 is the "International Year of the Reef," so year long global efforts have been made to raise awareness about the importance of coral reefs and threats to their sustainability. The aquarium is hosting a variety of programs as well as a summer concert series. So keep in mind the following reef saving tips, the next time you are swimming here in the waters of Hawaii: 1) Don’t touch it, stand on sand 2) Don’t pollute 3) Don’t feed the fish 4) Eat what you catch
Passengers holding American Airlines tickets for Hawaii do not have to worry about the recent AA cancellations. The planes that were grounded, MD 90’s are smaller commuter planes that usually fly between hubs. This is great news for some folks have been calling us concerned that their flights might be canceled especially in the wake of all the recent cancellations we’ve had. Over 500 flights have been canceled yesterday and today leaving over 100,000 people stranded in airports all over the country.
If you are looking for a great family friendly event this weekend – head to the “I Love Kailua” Town Party, on Sunday April 27th. This annual community event on Oahu is in its 16th year and is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
The folks at NPR really wanted to spin the Hawaii market negatively, but I wouldn’t let them. if you read the paragraph below you would think Hawaii is out of your price range, but it’s not!! Hawaii is a real value right now as the hotels start to offer great deals!! I was on the NPR show Day by Day click here to listen to what ii had to say about this issue.
Oh the irony, I just blogged about 
“The Shack” is a fun neighborhood style sports bar and restaurant with four locations on Oahu – Mililani, 
Let’s face it – most people first think of 
Talk to any music lover here in 
My friend Sally Anne is lucky enough to attend both days of the festival. I asked her how she got these highly prized tickets - beach clean ups she replied. In keeping with his commitment to the environment, Johnson gave tickets to volunteers participating in his beach clean ups. One was held on the 
Today marks the one year anniversary of the death of much beloved 
There will be a free “Don Ho Tribute” Tuesday April 15th at Ala Moana’s Center Stage 6pm. The concert will showcase some great local performers like Wally Vincent, Dino Guzman and Joey V.
This Saturday April 12th I had the pleasure of attending a party for the Cambodian New Year. It was an eclectic group of people gathered to celebrate Khmer food, dance, music and culture. While the Cambodian community here in 
Now I am not advocating that you try something totally extreme like scorpions or monkey brains, but having an open mind and trying new things makes us more receptive to new experiences which are vital to better understanding one another. A vacation is the best time to be flexible and try something new. Whether it is art, music or food I encourage you to try at least one new island treat while in 
Hawaii’s Waikiki aquarium is one of the first aquariums in the country to conduct coral research as a primary focus. It’s part of the Coral Reef Outreach Network. Fitting since today a lot of the living coral in U.S. aquariums actually comes from Hawaii. 2008 is the "International Year of the Reef," so year long global efforts have been made to raise awareness about the importance of coral reefs and threats to their sustainability. The aquarium is hosting a variety of programs as well as a summer concert series. So keep in mind the following reef saving tips, the next time you are swimming here in the waters of Hawaii: 
Passengers holding American Airlines tickets for Hawaii do not have to worry about the recent AA cancellations. The planes that were grounded, MD 90’s are smaller commuter planes that usually fly between hubs. This is great news for some folks have been calling us concerned that their flights might be canceled especially in the wake of all the recent cancellations we’ve had. Over 500 flights have been canceled yesterday and today leaving over 100,000 people stranded in airports all over the country.