Mall food - Looking for a nice restaurant at Pearlridge

Mall food - Looking for a nice restaurant at Pearlridge

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Scion photo from the First Hawaiian International Auto Show

Here is a photo of one of the Scion cars that’s on display at the show.

WickedbB 2005 Scion xB

FIRST HAWAIIAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

When:               March 26 - 28, 2010
Where:              Hawaii Convention Center
Time:                Saturday, March 27: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 28: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Admission:        $7.00 (Adults 13 & over)
$4.00 (Children 7 - 12)
FREE (Children 6 & under)

There are hundreds of the newest cars, SUVs, trucks and hybrids housed under one roof.

There are also specialty displays, as well news on the latest automotive technologies and trends.

Representatives from dozens of manufacturers will be on-site to answer your questions and provide up-to-date information. Visit HiAutoShow.com for more information.

Where to go to celebrate Easter?

Where to go to celebrate Easter?

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Hawaii's Plantation Village celebrates Puerto Rican heritage

Hawaii’s Plantation Village (HPV) is hosting “Puerto Rican Day on the Plantation” on Saturday, April 10,
from 10 am – 2 pm as part of it's on-going Relive the Plantation Days cultural program

“My ancestors emigrated to Hawai‘i in 1900 and worked on a sugar plantation in Maui,” said Faith Evans, HPV Board President. “On April 10, HPV will celebrate our heritage and distinctive contributions which add to Hawaii’s unique multi-cultural society.”

During the festival, Hawaii’s Plantation Village will be highlighting the following Puerto Rican and plantation activities:

• Entertainment: Puerto Rican dance and music
• Country Story: Cultural items (such as handicrafts), plants and books for sale including De Borinquen a Hawaii Nuestra Historia: From Puerto Rico to Hawaii
• Authentic Puerto Rican plate lunches on sale for $8.00: featuring Pastele and Gandule Rice
• Tour of La Casita (Puerto Rican plantation house)
• Puerto Rican Genealogy

Free admission. Lots of free on-site parking.

Recruited as families, Puerto Ricans emigrated to Hawaii expecting to establish a new community when their own sugar industry was devastated by two hurricanes and the demand for sugar from Hawaii was on the rise. Starting in 1878 until about 1913, approximately 5,200 Puerto Ricans came to Hawaii to work on the 30+ sugar plantations throughout the Islands.

“There are many notable Puerto Ricans living in the Islands who have distinguished themselves in the community,” remarked Jeff Higa, HPV Executive Director. “HPV is lucky to have a number of tireless Puerto Rican volunteers, including Faith Evans, sharing their time and expertise with our members and visitors. Furthermore, we are extremely proud of Faith. She’s very low-key about it but, in her previous life, Faith was a state legislator and the first woman in the United States to serve as a U.S. Marshall.”

Hawaii’s Plantation Village “Puerto Rican Day on the Plantation” is sponsored by the Puerto Rican Heritage Society of Hawaii and Hawaii's Plantation Village.

For more information please contact the Village at 677-0110 or visit our Website at www.hawaiisplantationvillage-info.com.

Easter Specials from d.k. and Sansei

Excellent Easter Specials are offered at d.k. Steak House and Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Waikiki

• d.k Steak House will be open for Easter Sunday brunch from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

• Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Waikīkī will be offering its regular Kama‘āina Early Bird special on Easter Sunday from 5::30 to 6:00 p.m. (please note, orders must be in BY 6:00 p.m.)

• d.k Steak House and Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Waikīkī will be open for dinner from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. on Easter Sunday, April 4th, offering specials as well as their full a la carte menus.

For reservations, call Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Waikīkī  - phone 931-6286 and d.k Steak House - phone 931-6280.  Both restaurants are located in the Waikīkī Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, 2552 Kalākaua Ave.

FREE 3-hour self parking with validation.

Here's a peak at the dinner menus (hope you can make it out)

Up-comng events and activities taking place on Hawaii Island (aka Big Island)

Hawaii Island (also called the Big Island) is the youngest (and largest) of all the Hawaiian Islands.  It has the lowest population density of the Islands with an estimated population of 155,000 spread out over about 4000 square miles The island is still growing as lava from Kilauea crater continues to flow into the ocean creating additional land mass.  There are many wonders to see here including Mauna Kea - the tallest mountain in the world, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the southern most point in the United States - Ka Lae (aka South Point) and more.  But, in addition to the natural wonders, there are also great events and activities taking place all the time.  Here is a short list of what's happening in the coming months.



Kokua Kailua Village Stroll Concert
• One Sunday each month from 1pm-6pm, Alii Drive in Historic Kailua Village becomes a festive pedestrian-only marketplace with music, artists, shopping and restaurants. There is a free Hawaiian music concert honoring Hawaiian royalty at 4pm on the lawn at Hulihee Palace and a free chair check pre & post concert so you can stroll Alii Drive unencumbered.

• Remaining dates in 2010: (Sunday) March 21, April 18, May 16, June 13, July 18, Aug 22, Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 21, and Dec. 12

• For more information, visit … www.kvbid.org


Celebration for Native Hawaiian Arts (see full story here)

• Native Hawaiian artists will once again display their work near the Edith Kanakaole Stadium on the corner of Kalanikoa and Piilani Streets (in Hilo on Hawaii Island) beginning April 2 through April 10.

• Opening ceremony will start at 12:00 noon on Good Friday April 2, 2010 followed by entertainment. The exhibition will open daily at 12:00pm and will continue simultaneously during the Merrie Monarch Festivities.

• For more information contact: Terri L. Napeahi, tnapeahi@yahoo.com


2nd Annual Kau Coffee Festival, May 1 – 2, 2010 (see full story here )

• The second annual Kau Coffee Festival invites everyone to celebrate Kau's coveted crop over May Day Weekend, May 1 and 2.

• Most events are free, and will be held at the Pahala Community Center.

• For more information, visit www.kaucoffeefestival.com


“Mama … My Mama I Love You” (see full story here)
• Halau Kalaakeakauikawekiu, Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa’s adopted halau (hula group), will be showcased on Saturday, May 8 at 5:00 p.m. when the oceanfront resort hosts the halau’s “Mama … my Mama, I Love You” Mother’s day celebration.

• Tickets are $40 per person and include live entertainment and a silent auction with opportunities to bid on fine Hawaiian art, crafts and island adventures. Hawaiian food plates and beverages will be available for sale throughout the evening.

• For reservations and information or to donate to the silent auction, call (808) 322-6141 or (808) 989-4616.


Humane Society Tropical Paws Benefit slated for May 14, 2010

• Hawaii Island Humane Society’s 14th annual Tropical Paws benefit event scheduled for Friday, May 14, 2010.

The gala affair returns to the elegant Four Seasons Hualalai Resort and will begin at 6:00 p.m.

• A silent and live auction, Four Seasons-style buffet dinner, live entertainment and dancing are all part of the festive evening. Tickets, $100 per person or $1500 for a reserved table of ten, will be available soon at HIHS’s Keaau, Waimea and Kona shelters, select island retail locations, and online at www.HIHS.org.

• Visit www.HIHS.org or call 808-329-1175 for more information.


For more information about Hawaii Island, visit their website here.

Images and logos from - BIVB, HIHS, PIHA

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival

Coffee lovers have one more festival to add to their calendar – the Ka‘ū Coffee Festival, May 1 - 2.

The Ka‘ū District is located on the southern side of Hawai‘i Island … about 2 hours from the Kona airport and about 1 hour from the Hilo Airport.  It is a vast, dry, rural region of fertile soil that produces exceptional coffee beans … thus Ka‘ū Coffee.  This relatively new specialty coffee has been placing among the top dozen of the finest coffees in the world at the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s (SCAA) Roaster's Guild International Coffee of the Year Competition.

The second annual Ka'u Coffee Festival invites everyone to celebrate Ka'u's coveted crop over May Day Weekend, May 1 & 2. Most events are free, and will be held at the Pahala Community Center. Pahala Village is ideally located between Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and Punalu'u Black Sand Beach.
 

On Sat., May 1, events start at 9 a.m. and last until 5 p.m., including a ho'olaule'a (celebration) with food, Hawaiian music, hula, vendors, Ka'u Coffee tastings, a Ka'u Coffee recipe contest, farm tours, and appearances by Miss Ka'u Coffee and Miss Peaberry, who will be crowned after a competition on Mar. 27.

On Sun., May 2, sign up for the Ka'u Coffee College, free for Ka'u coffee farmers and $25 for the public. Meet the farmers (currently, Ka'u has nearly 50 coffee farms growing on approximately 400 acres), tour the farms and learn more about the art and science of coffee growing and processing. The new Ka'u Coffee Mill will also be open for tours.  Visit the festival website for tour schedules and more details.

Attendees can plan a fun weekend getaway in Ka'u, one of the most historically significant areas in all of Hawai'i. A selection of accommodations ranging from luxury inns to affordable B and B's and cottages, restaurants featuring local products, and lots of outdoor adventure await travelers. 

For more information, visit www.kaucoffeefestival.com or contact info@kaucoffeefestival.com. 

Images - Ka‘ū Coffee Festival

Win a 3-night hotel stay from Aqua Hotels

Win a 3-night hotel stay from Aqua Hotels & Resorts

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Everyday Hawaii Deal - Hawaii’s biggest, week-long shopping event starts in one week

Hawaii’s biggest, week-long shopping event starts in one week

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Kaua‘i Beach Resort celebrates new identity with introductory special and calendar of cultural activities

Located on the eastern coast of Kaua‘i, the oceanfront Kaua‘i Beach Resort is celebrating its new identity (sans Hilton) with several specials and a slate of cultural events.

• Best Available Rate starting at $99* per night for a mountain/garden view room.
• Snooze -n- Crooze starting at $119 per night.  Includes a compact rental car.  Driver  must be 25 years of age or older.
• Room & Breakfast starting at $119 per night.  Includes breakfast for two, per room, per day

The above specials are available until December 21, 2010.  Rates quoted are for single or double occupancy, plus taxes, based on availability.  There is no minimum night requirement. The specials cannot be combined with any other offer and are subject to change without notice.  A current driver’s license will be required to pickup the rental car.

The current calendar of cultural events at Kaua‘i Beach Resort includes:

• E Kanikapila Kākou 2010 – a Garden Island Arts Council event, January - April
• Learning To Chant Your Genealogy Workshop – a Hālau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai / Mālie Foundation event, March 6, 201
• 1st Annual F.A.M.E. Festival,  March 20, 2010
• Na Lei Hiwahiwa ‘Ekolu Concert – a Mālie Foundation event, April 30
• ‘Ohana (Family) – a Mālie Foundation event, May 1, 2010
• Kaua‘i Music Festival Songwriter Conference – a KKCR Radio event, July 28 - 31
• Kaua‘i Mokihana Festival – a Mālie Foundation event, September 22 – 25
• 28th Annual Slack Key Festival – a Kīhō‘alu Foundation event , November 14

Kaua‘i Beach Resort offers excellent venues for the cultural events and activities.  Most will take place in the Jasmine ballroom.   

* kamaaina discount is available.

For reservations, toll-free from Hawai‘i, continental U.S. and Canada at 1-866-406-2782. 

For more information on Kaua‘i Beach Resort, click here.

For information on the Island of Kaua‘i, click here.

Wildlife in Waikiki

Exotic and not so exotic wildlife can be enjoyed when strolling the grounds of Waikiki's Hilton Hawaiian Village.  There are penguins, flamingos, ibises, turtles and more, oh my.

Excellent zoo/aquarium-like activity for kids (and adults too).

Photos taken by Sandi Yara during a stroll through the Village.

“Mama … My Mama I Love You” Celebrates Mothers with Hula and Music

The talents of Halau Kala‘akeakauikawekiu (of Kona), Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa’s adopted halau (hula group), will be showcased on Saturday, May 8 at 5:00 p.m. when the oceanfront resort hosts the halau’s “Mama … my Mama, I Love You” Mother’s day celebration.

The 5^th annual event takes place in the Keauhou Convention Center Ballroom. Mistresses of ceremonies will be long-time radio personality and co-founder of the Na Hoku Hanahano awards, Skylark Rossetti, and Waimea’s own Penny Keli‘i Vredenburg.  Entertainment will feature the award-winning Halau Kala‘akeakauikawekiu led by Kumu Hula Kenneth “Aloha” Victor along with Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning performer Weldon Kekauoha, Lorna Lim, Napua Greig, Natalie Ai Kamauu and special surprise guests.

Kumu Hula and halau founder Victor feels privileged and blessed to be able to honor mothers in true Hawaii tradition.  He said, “This year perhaps more than ever, we believe it is important to gather and celebrate all the women who are so important in our lives. Through Hawaiian chant, dance, and music, we present a wonderful way to enjoy a special evening with friends, family, and most especially, with mom.”

Tickets are $40 per person and include live entertainment and a silent auction with opportunities to bid on fine Hawaiian art, crafts and island adventures. Hawaiian food plates and beverages will also be available for sale throughout the evening. 

For reservations and information or to donate to the silent auction, call (808) 322-6141 or (808) 989-4616.  Funds raised will help underwrite expenses for the keiki of Halau Kala‘akeakauikawekiu to participate in the Queen Lili‘uokalani Keiki Hula Competition on O‘ahu, deemed the “Junior Olympics of Hula.” 

Keiki Wahine image provided by Current Events

Free Hawaii Desl - Free entertainment and activities in the heart of Waikiki

Free entertainment and activities in the heart of Waikiki

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21st Annual Maui Onion Festival

The 21st Annual Maui Onion Festival, a fun and FREE family event, returns to Whalers Village Fine Shops & Restaurants in Kā‘anapali, Maui on Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 9 am – 9 pm.

This is Whalers Village Fine Shops & Restaurants’ signature event, and it honors of Maui’s most famous export, the Maui Kula Onion.

The fun, family event is open to the general public featuring a full day of celebrity chefs demonstrating cooking techniques followed by food sampling for the audience, best onion recipe contest, keiki and adult ‘raw’ Maui Onion eating contest, food and product booths, island music and entertainment, and more.

Special shopping promotions start April 26 at the more than 90 shops & restaurants at Whalers Village.

The 2010 celebrity chefs include Mark Ellman of Malaʻs Ocean Tavern in Lāhaina and Wailea, Roy Yamaguchi of Royʻs Restaurants, D.K. Kodama of Sansei Restaurants and Cane & Taro (Maui), James McDonald of PacificʻO and iʻO Restaurants, and the 2009 Maui Onion Festival Chefs Recipe Contest winner Chef David Paul of David Paulʻs Island Grill in Lāhainā.

Whalers Village is located at 2435 Kāʻanapali Parkway in Kāʻanapali Beach Resort.

For more information visit www.whalersvillage.com or call 808-661-4567.

For information about Kaanapali, visit Kaanapali Beach Resort Association.

Photos by Sandi Yara

Free Waikiki Deal - Entertainment program in Waikiki every Sunday afternoon

Each week, a free Sunday Showcase is presented by Outrigger Enterprises Group. The popular afternoon tradition continues at the Waikiki Beach Walk stage plaza every Sunday afternoon (weather permitting) from 5:00pm to 6:00 pm.

The weekly performances draw both locals and visitors who gather on the lawn at Waikiki Beach Walk to relax and enjoy some of the islands best island performers as well as up-and-coming artists, with shows ranging from Hawaiian, to jazz, to local island folk songs, contemporary, R&B and much more.

Valet parking for up to four hours is available for $6.00 at the Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk (201 Beachwalk) and the Wyndham Vacation Ownership-Waikiki Beach Walk (227 Lewers Street), with any same-day purchase from any Waikiki Beach Walk merchant.

Entertainment Line-up for March and April


remaining MARCH SUNDAY SHOWCASE dates
March 14 - Sean Tiwanak Band
March 21 - Royal Hawaiian Serenaders
March 28 - Hula Halau O Nawahine with Kumu Hula Marlene Kuraoka


APRIL SUNDAY SHOWCASE
April 4 - Indigineous
April 11 - Hula Halau O Kawaiaha’o with Kumu Hula Ardis Gomes
April 18 - Beachwalkers (Brickwood Galuteria, Zanuck Lindsey, Gordon Freitas)
April 25 - Hula Halau O Kehaulani

For more information, visit Waikiki Beach Walk

Free concert on Sunday April 18 at Ward Warehouse

SUNDAY April 18 ....Special Na Mele Nei Concert @ 1 pm 

Celebrate new CD Release with: Kamehameha Schools Children’s’ Chorus followed by Live Hawaiian Music by special guest artist

(No Concert on Easter Sunday April 4, 2010)

The 2010 Na Mele Nei Concert Series presents live music at 1 pm every First Sunday of the month at the Ward Warehouse Amphitheater.

Na Mele Nei Concert has been showcasing island performances by Hawaii's musicians  since 2003.  Every First Sunday of the month promises a delightful island style afternoon of music presented by Native Books Na Mea Hawaii.

For more information: 596-8885  www.nativebookshawaii.com

To read more about more Hawaii deals and specials visit Hawaii FYI and Hawaii Travel Marketplace.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at RumFire

Wednesday, March 17

Located in the Sheraton Waikiki hotel, RumFire will be raging on St. Patrick’s Day with special drinks and tapas.

Happy hour takes place from 4 – 6 p.m. with two specialty drinks created to celebrate
St. Paddy’s Day. Regular selection of cocktails, beers, wines, bombs and shots are also available.

• Sham-Rocked $5, Midori Melon Liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream, Bushmills Irish Whiskey

• Irish Car Bomb $6, Baileys, Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Pint of Guinness Beer


Special Tapas include:

• Kona Crab Corn Fritter $13 (pictured here)
Cucumber Avocado Crème Fraiche, Tomatillo Meyer Lemon Salsa  

• Chipotle Guinness Braised Short Rib $16
Pearl Onion Cumin Fava Bean Ragu, Orange Jam

• Crispy Goat Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms $13
Kahuku Corn Puree, Hamakua Tomato Vinaigrette, Clover Sprout

RumFire’s regular menu items will also be available:

• Edamame, $4
• Garlic or smoked sea salt pomme frites $3
• Chips and salsa $3
• Braised beef nachos $8
• Jerk seasoned chicken wings $6
• North Shore baby romaine Caesar $7
• RumFire BBQ burger $8
• Seared kalua pulled port quesadilla $6
• RumFire’s signature ‘kim chee fried rice’ $8
• Kalua pork enchilada $7
• Chipotle BBQ rum baby back ribs $6
• Fish taco – Pier 38 market fresh $10


Entertainment by Beach 5 Duo – Christian Yrizarri from 5 – 8 p.m.


Photo - courtesy of Sheraton Waikiki 

FREE Kuhio Beach Hula Show

The popular and FREE Kuhio Beach Hula Show is available for residents and visitors to enjoy 4 nights a week, weather permitting (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) from 6:30 – 7:30* pm on the Kuhio Beach hula mound, located beachside at Uluniu and Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki.

The hula mound is near the Duke Kahanamoku statue which was blessed in a Hawaiian ceremony and dedicated to hula in 2000.

What’s important to note about the Kuhio Beach hula shows is that they feature only the Hawaiian hula, both kahiko (ancient hula style) and auwana (modern style), with live musical accompaniment. A variety of hula numbers, with and without hula implements, are presented and the halau (hula schools) that are featured throughout the week are a representative cross-section of the hula community, from Merrie Monarch Festival winners to non-competitive traditional groups.

Visitors watching the show will learn about the history, costume and instruments and translations to the songs are provided. Once you know what the song is about, you will see it come to life in the gifted hands and motions of the hula dancer.

Since the performances take place in an outdoor setting, with seating on the grass, beach chairs and mats, it’s best to be dressed comfortably. Cameras are welcome.

The Kuhio Beach Hula Show is presented for the enjoyment of all by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, City & County of Honolulu and Waikiki Improvement Association with support from a variety of visitor industry partners.

It’s a great way to start (or end) any Hawaii vacation.

For information, call 808-843-8002.

*the time changes to 6 – 7 pm during November-December-January.

Image courtesy of Waikiki Improvement Association





For more Hawaii deals and updates, visit www.hawaiitravelmarketplace.wordpress.com