Kupuna Hula Fest - Hawaii Island Festival

As part of the 30 days of Aloha celebration, the Hawaii Island Festival is proud to extend its warm Aloha the whole month of October in a celebration of the history, culture, food, dance and sports throughout Hawaii island.

One of the most popular sold-out events is the Kupuna Hula Festival held at the Sheraton Kona resort and spa at Keauhou. The three day event starts on Wednesday Sept 11th and continues through the 13th. The highlight is the Kupuna hula and competition (seniors over the age of 55). Some of Hawaii Island’s most experienced and talented kupuna or elder hula dancers will perform at 5:00 p.m. at this event. This year's theme is titled Noho Ali`i Ka Lani or "The Heaven Reigns Above." For the compeition each halau (hula school) will choose a song that incorporates natural elements including: the heavens, sky; stars, moon, wind; air, or clouds.

Along with the Kupuna Hula Festival at the Sheraton Keauhou, there will be a local arts and crafts fair every day of the festival from 8-4pm.

For information call (808) 323-4340 or visit http://www.hawaiiislandfestival.org/ purchase tickets for the September 11- 13th shows.

Mealani's Taste of the Hawaiian Range 2013

It's almost that time again with Mealani's Taste of the Hawaiian Range at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, it's a foodie extravaganza that you don't want to miss. Coming up this October 4th, this annual event showcases the isle’s grass-fed beef industry while bringing together local ranchers, farmers, restaurateurs and eager eaters to celebrate a bounty of locally produced food.

Over 30 of the state’s top chefs dazzle diners 6-8 p.m. with delectable dishes using grass-fed beef, pork, lamb, goat, mutton and wild boar—plus a cornucopia of fresh island fruit, veggies, honey, spices and beverages.

Culinary adventure seekers can taste and enjoy all the cuts of grass-fed beef—everything from tongue to tail—prepared expertly by Hawai‘i chefs. Enjoy familiar cuts like sirloin tip and ribs, plus beef cheek and the infamous “rocky mountain oysters” or bull testicles. While “tasting,” festival goers can meet Hawai‘i’s food producers at gaily decorated vendor booths and talk story with the ranchers and farmers who make a living growing our food. Taste also affords local food producers the opportunity to hookup with isle chefs, wholesale buyers and consumers.

Here is a post from last seasons event showing some of the most delicious bites from the evening. If this years Taste of the Hawaiian Range is anything like last, you'll want to come early to sample some of the most amazing dishes from the top chefs in Hawaii. For more information and to purchase tickets directly, visit their website here.

First Fridays in Hilo

First Fridays in Hilo are really a fun event in town, considering....

     that Hilo is usually a sleepy place after 8pm, but look -
                 *** everyone is out and enjoying the evening,

                                    entertainment
                                                and of course
                                                        the food trucks


 

Lots of great choices - the food vendors were lined up by the bandstand....it's great to have a fun venue to check out all the ono (delicious) foods in one spot.

       How about some wood fired pizzas?





I just love watching  food actually cooking by a fire, don't you?






I had to try some of the meat on a stick from Mister 'D', it was pretty good and the sauce - finger lickin' good BBQ!










Mr. D giving the shaka (hang loose) Hawaiian style...








You have to try these in Hilo, they are not just ice snow cones, they are flaky soft snow globes, almost like soft flaky sorbet....This one below is liliquoi (passionfruit) with Li Hing Mui topping, also ono!







Walking around was an interesting parade of quirky, corny but fun, hey it's Hilo anything goes and the entertainment is free.



There's always a dog dressed up for the party, don't ya love the polka dots?





Everyone is into yoga here in Hawaii....of course there's always the 'Latest' trend and this time it's called Acro-Yoga (self explanatory)










Lots of art galleries open with all the new work from local artists on display - some good, some strange....I actually like the street graffiti that's just starting.

 

 




This one was free standing....I think it's made of jelly bean, want to sample?







More acrobatics, but this time the adult version...anyone want a free lesson?





Okay time to stick to G-rating, lots of families out for First Fridays, here's a little circus performance just for the kids....

Gotta take some of these home for breakfast, lunch and dinner - Hawaiian mangoes are oh soooooo gooood...

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 Lets check out the bandstand, there's always some cool and funky local bands playing, besides I like watching the crazy people dance in the dance floor!

 

 

 

 

 

 

That's it nights over, it was fun, my friend Atma and I had fun at First Fridays and bumping into so many friends. That's Hilo, a friendly small town in Hawaii, just the way we like it!