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December
05 January 06
It’s Whale watching time
These great views of whales can be experienced from
Waikiki! One of many boats is the Star of Honolulu.
Their premier whale watch cruises from through April 30
11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. from Aloha Tower at Pier 8. The
Star has panoramic walkways, a 60' high observation /
sun deck and watts-type stabilizers. Guests enjoy the
most outdoor deck space and a smooth voyage out to
Diamond Head to view Humpback whales. Plus, you can
participate in educational and fun whale activities with
the crew of Certified Naturalists and Hawaiian cultural
activities. Whale sightings are guaranteed (12/23/05 -
4/30/06) or receive a free return cruise ticket until a
whale is spotted. For reservations or more information,
please call 983-STAR (7827) or visit
www.starofhonolulu.com.
Waikiki Community Center
presents the
21st Annual Ala Wai Challenge
January 29, 2006
The Ala Wai Challenge is fun filled Sunday
January 29, 2006, featuring outrigger canoe racing and
ancient Hawaiian Makahiki games at the Ala Wai
Neighborhood Park and Clubhouse near Waikiki. It
promotes teamwork and friendship, as well as being a fun
day for the whole family.
There are also a variety of handmade
Hawaiian crafts, free entertainment, and a food tent at
the event. You can also learn more about “Lomilomi”
(Hawaiian massage) and “La’au Lapa’au” (Hawaiian medical
herbs) at the gathering.
The outrigger canoe race is a ¼ mile race
along the Ala Wai Canal, which is open to all skill
levels. The race is a sight to see! The race is a double
elimination, having winners and consolation brackets so
all teams race twice.
The Hawaiian games feature the ‘Ulu Maika
(bowling a round stone through pegs), O’o Ihe (spear
throwing), Moa Pahe’e (dart sliding), Pohaku Ho’oikaika
(stone throw) and Huki Kaula (tug of war). This is one
of the few events on Oahu where you can experience the
ancient sports of Hawaiian culture known as Makahiki.
The event kick offs with a double-hulled
canoe procession, in oli’ (chant) and Kahiko (ancient
hula and song) by the Kamehameha Schools Hawaiian
Ensemble class. Following the opening ceremonies, there
is a special line-up of entertainment.
The event also honors one of Hawaii’s water
sports legends each year. Past honorees included
“Rabbit” Kekai, Henry Ayau, Rell Sunn, and Myron Pinky
Thompson. You will also find a variety of famous Hawaii
figures such as Nainoa Thompson at the event.
EVENT SCHEDULE
8:00 am Official Welcome and Blessing
Double-Hulled Canoe Procession
9:00 am Canoe Races Start
Makahiki Games Start
11:30 am Lunch
12:00 pm Completion of Canoe Races and Games
Begin Huki Kaula (tug of war) Event
12:30 pm Award Presentations
A limited number of parking will be located
at the Park and in the surrounding neighborhood. From
Waikiki, you have a variety of options. It is about a
20 -30 minute walk from Waikiki to the event since you
will have to walk around the famous Ala Wai canal. The
organizers have also set up free “Canoe Taxi Service” in
specially marked double-hulled canoes. Look for the pick
up areas near the Kalaimoku and Olohana streets crossing
Ala Wai Boulevard. The free canoe taxi service is from
9:00 am – 12:00pm.
The event benefits the Waikiki Community
Center, a private not for profit organization that began
in the late 1960’s as a ministry project for the Hawaii
Council of Churches. The mission of the center is to
meet the diverse needs of Waikiki and to provide a warm,
refreshing and stimulating environment that will enhance
the lives of its participants. For more information,
call 923-1802.
Aqua Palms Awarded AAA
Three Diamonds
Open since just September, the 260-room
Aqua Palms hotel was recently awarded a three-diamond
rating by AAA.
"The AAA professionally-trained evaluator
completed the property inspection in October and awarded
us the three-diamond rating," said Robin Harlow, Aqua
Palms general manager.
Aqua Palms underwent extensive renovations
and sports a stylish, retro-Hawaiian motif. Spacious
studios and one-bedroom suites feature private lanai,
central air-conditioning, FREE high-speed internet
access, a Waikiki kitchenette (microwave oven and
refrigerator) or full kitchen, coffee maker, in-room
safe, tub with shower combination, flat-screen color TV
with DVD player, clock radio, telephone with data port
and more.
Other amenities include daily continental
breakfast, daily newspaper, FREE wireless internet
access in the lobby, AquaFit - featuring a treadmill,
StairMaster and Universal Fitness machine and AquaSpa -
offering a variety of massage therapies, body scrubs and
facial services.
"The AAA designation is valid for one year
and it's a rating that we will work hard to uphold,"
added Harlow. "There's a lot of competition in Waikiki
and Aqua is fully aware of AAA's prestige and importance
to travelers."
Aqua Palms is located at 1850 Ala Moana
Boulevard, across from Hilton
Hawaiian Village.
Sheraton starts
Laughing… er.. comedy
Comedian and radio personality, Augie Tulba,
affectionately known as "Augie T.," joins the Sheraton
entertainment family with a weekly performance in
Sheraton Waikiki’s Esprit Lounge beginning January 4,
2006. Laugh your rubbah slippahs off every Wednesday
from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., while enjoying weekly drink
specials and pupus. Admission is $10 per person at the
door.
Tulba has spent the past nine years diligently working
the local comedy circuit. He has won two Na Hoku
Hanohano Awards and was named "Comedian of the Year" by
Midweek and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin in 2002. Tulba
is the only comedian, locally and nationally, to sell
out Hawaii Theatre. He was voted “Best Comedy Show” in
2005 by Honolulu Magazine.
Tulba was born in Kalihi, grew up in Waianae
and currently resides in Ewa Beach. He can be heard
each weekday on Island 98.5 radio with one of the
funniest morning shows in the market!
Validated parking available in the Sheraton Waikiki
Parking Garage.
McDonald’s closes Waikiki
outlet
McDonald’s® of Kalia has been closed. The
restaurant, located at 2164 Kalia Road, inside the Ohana
Royal Islander, has been owned by McDonald’s Restaurants
of Hawaii® and managed by Tracy Kono.
“We appreciate the many loyal customers who have
supported the McDonald’s of Kalia over the last 20
years,” said Alton Montera, operations manager. “But we
know it’s not a final farewell. We look forward to
seeing them at our other restaurants, especially nearby
McDonald’s of Kuhio, McDonald’s of Lemon Tree and
McDonald’s of Discovery Bay.”
Montera said there are no plans to replace the
restaurant. Its 35 employees are being reassigned to
McDonald’s other restaurants throughout Oahu.
McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawaii has 84 restaurants and
more than 3,500 employees in Hawai‘i, Guam and Saipan.
The company spends approximately $150 million annually
in Hawai‘i, the economic impact of which creates nearly
10,000 jobs in the community. McDonald’s prides itself
on offering career opportunities to employees with most
managers staying with the company about 17 years.
McDonald's USA LLC is the leading foodservice provider
in the United States and serves a variety of wholesome
foods made from quality ingredients to millions of
customers daily. More than 80 percent of McDonald's
13,700 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and
operated by local franchisees. More information on
McDonald's can be found at
www.mcdonalds.com
JANUARY Events at The
ARTS at Marks Garage:
Every Wednesday in January 4:00-5:30pm
Youth Speaks Hawaii
Free slam poetry writing and performance workshops
for teens (13-19 years old).
Underwritten by The George P. and Ida T. Castle Trust.
January 4 – 29
Two conceptual exhibitions:
Vince Hazen: The Transfigured Pedestrian
Elevating the banal to high art:
paintings made with slug tracks, dog hair and mold.
san shoppell: running with scissors
an exploration of intermedia
Friday, January 6, 5-9pm, FREE
First Friday Honolulu
Downtown-Chinatown Gallery Walk
A self guided tour of more two dozen art spots
Opening Reception for The Transfigured Pedestrian
and running with scissors.
Saturday, January 7, 8pm, $10/7
Smashbox Productions presents:
On the Spot
Outrageous Improv Comedy
January 14 & 15, 9:30-2:30
Hawaii Watercolor Society presents:
Watercolor Painting Workshop by Rita Argen Auerbach
pre-registration required call 521-9799 for more info.
Friday and Saturday at 8pm
Smashbox presents:
Loose Screws 13th Anniversary Show
tickets available thru Honolulu Box Office,
550-TIKS(8457)
or
www.honoluluboxoffice.com, $12 general $10 students
Saturday, January 21, 3:30-5:00pm, FREE
Youth Speaks Hawaii and HawaiiSlam present:
Youth Speaks Hawaii: Monthly Poetry Slam
Doors and poet sign in at 3:00, show starts at 3:30.
All ages welcome to attend but the mic is reserved for
poets 13 to 19 years
old.
www.YouthSpeaksHawaii.org
Tuesday, January 31, 2006; 8-10pm, $5
The ARTS at Marks Garage and Poetry Hawaii presents:
re:VERSES
An evening of featured poets, open mic, and jazz music
by DJ Mr. Nick. This
all-ages event takes place on the last Tuesday of every
month. B.Y.O.B.
The ARTS at
Marks Garage
808-521-2903 fax:521-2923
info@artsatmarks.com
www.artsatmarks.com
1159 Nuuanu Avenue, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, 96817
Filipino Festival March
19
WAIKIKI - “Tayo ay Nagkakaisa! Together We
are One!” This bilingual slogan – in English and
Filipino – is the main theme of the 2ND Annual Fil-Am
Festival honoring the unique bond between Filipino and
American cultures scheduled for Sunday, March 19, 2006
at Kapiolani Park from 10 am to 5 pm.
The first ever Fil-Am Festival held back on
March 20, 2005 drew huge success by offering a unique
chance to experience Filipino foods and culture as well
as entertainment from local and national
Filipino-American artists and established celebrities
from the Philippines. The event received a turnout rate
more than double what organizers projected as thousands
came out to enjoy the music, entertainment and
activities of the day.
“The first year was such a success that we
are hoping to make this an annual tradition for families
to enjoy themselves together and experience Filipino
culture at its best.” says Candice Fajardo of B2B
Promotions, one of the organizers for the event.
The 2nd Annual Fil-Am Festival hopes to
again find huge success in this second running by
establishing itself as an annual tradition among
Filipino-Americans here in Hawaii. Entertainment for
the day will be provided by local and national
Filipino-American artists as well as celebrities from
the Philippines. There will also be booths for food and
cultural exhibits as well as a special area for children
to enjoy themselves.
The Fil-Am festival is free and open to the
public from 10 am to 5 pm.
For more information about the 2nd Annual
Fil-Am Festival, including exhibitor information and
other
Newcomer taking jazz
scene by storm
She doesn’t look much like a high school
algebra teacher. Or a genetics researcher, one of many
jobs she sought on the artists journey. Flight
attendant living in Hong Kong or singing waiter for
Max’s Opera Café and studying at the San Francisco
Conservatory of Music were closer to her image.
If you want to see a slim, sexy singer
trained in opera who likes theater and sings jazz, slip
on down to Jazz Minds Art & Café sometime. Sherry
Shaoling teams with the Noly Pa’a Connection Fridays at
9 p.m. She is a newcomer on the Honolulu jazz scene.
Shaoling is one of those artists with a long
twisted trail, and maybe lots more to come.
She started with piano at age 5, but it was
a struggle. She switched to violin at 10 because all
her friends were in orchestra.
“When I auditioned they said I had no
potential, but I wouldn’t give up. They put me on
probation and I practiced and practiced.”
It paid off. Shaoling later made the
symphony orchestra and was only one of five freshmen to
go on tour to New Zealand and Australia. It wasn’t at
that point that her mom told her to look for a real job.
“My mom always told me to do what I liked.”
But oddly, the thing that Shaoling liked was
biology. She earned her degree in biology while under a
full scholarship for the University of Hawai‘i Symphony
as a violinist.
Then she began her day jobs. High school
teacher and genetics researcher for the Human Genome
Project. At that point, she never thought about
singing, had never sang. Then she got involved as a
dancer in Flower Drum Song, where her dad was singing
the lead role. Apparently, the light went on.
While working as a flight attendant for
United Airlines, she ended up living in San Francisco
and Hong Kong.
It was in San Francisco that she began
learning to sing. She quickly went from school to
singing waitress at Max’s Opera Café, which is just next
door to the San Francisco Opera House.
When she came back to Hawai‘i, she went back
to UH to study singing, then got involved in local
theater and opera.
Today she performs with the Royal Hawaiian
Band as a freelance singer, appears in The Forbidden
World of Don Tiki, sings Wednesdays at the O Lounge,
performs at Dave and Buster’s Murder Mystery Theatre,
coaches voice at Chaminade University, sings for
weddings and travels to schools with the Opera Outreach
Education performing mini-operas to foster appreciation
at the school level.
Whew! Busy lady.
It’s all part of making a living as a
performer.
Next, she would like to get more involved in
movies and television.
She has credits roles in both theatre and
opera, including Tuptim in "The King and I," Hana-Ogi in
"Sayonara," Chah Li in "Song of Singapore," Barb in
"Romance, Romance," Lexie Lexus in Joe Moore's "Dirty
Laundry," Shelley in "BatBoy the Musical," La Tasse
Chinoise in "L'Enfant et les Sortileges, Gretel in
"Hansel and Gretel," and Papagena in "The Magic Flute."
Jazz Minds is located at 1661 Kapiolani near
Atkinson Boulevard not far from the Hawai‘i Convention
Center. It is the only club in Honolulu dedicated to
jazz six nights a week.
HT Hayashi
Waikiki Entrepreneur
Herbert Takami Hayashi,
fondly known as H.T. Hayashi, passed away on Sunday,
November 6, 2005, at The Queen's Medical Center in
Honolulu. The renowned island businessman and founder of
one of Hawaii's largest hospitality industry companies,
HTH Corporation, was 85 years old.
Hayashi is survived by his daughters Corine
Hayashi and Gina Hayashi-Lazo and son Lance Hayashi.
Donations may be made to the Blood Bank of
Hawaii, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Queen's Medical
Center, and Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center.
Hayashi rose from humble beginnings to
become a respected leader in Hawaii's hotel industry as
owner of the Pagoda Hotel and Floating Restaurant, the
Pacific Beach Hotel and King Kamehameha's Kona Beach
Hotel. In 1972, Hawaii Business Magazine named him
Businessman of the Year.
"My father was a visionary who loved Hawaii
very much," said daughter Corine Hayashi, president and
chief executive officer of HTH Corporation. "He grew up
on an Oahu sugar plantation and learned to work hard for
a living, but also to be grateful for the opportunities
given him. He scratched and scraped to pay for college,
sometimes with very little left for food, hoping that
one day he might be able to give back to the community.
He reached his goals and exceeded them, then continued
to create and to provide opportunity for others. I'm
very proud of him," she added.
Born in Makaweli, Kauai, Hayashi moved with
his immigrant parents to the Ewa Mills Camp on Oahu,
where he was raised. He relocated to Japan to attend
college and then returned to Hawaii to work as a navy
construction superintendent, eventually founding his own
residential construction company in 1946.
During the early 1960s, his desire to create
inspiring and affordable lodging resulted in the
development of Honolulu's Pagoda Terrace and the Pagoda
Inn, now known as the Liona Apartments. He also
developed the commercial building called King Center.
He was a man of many passions. In addition
to his fascination with building, Hayashi was also
interested in koi, Akita dogs, homing pigeons and
orchids.
Hayashi also recognized the need for a hotel
between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki that would offer
respite from the crowds, yet close proximity to shopping
and other attractions. His deep appreciation for nature
and talent for design led to his development in 1964 of
the Pagoda Hotel and Floating Restaurant, built around
elegant koi (carp) ponds and Japanese gardens still
treasured today by both islanders and visitors. Buffet
dining at the Pagoda Floating Restaurant has become an
island family tradition.
In 1970 Hayashi purchased the Pacific Beach
Hotel, with a clear view of the world-class Waikiki
Beach. He transformed it by adding a second tower and
creating a popular attraction for both local residents
and visitors with the landmark, three-story
280,000-gallon saltwater Oceanarium, which continues to
be the largest in the state. The views of the tropical
fish and sharks from the three restaurants --Shogun,
Neptune's and Oceanarium -- continue to attract diners.
In 1991 he also acquired the historic
beachfront oasis King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel on
the island of Hawaii, and was dedicated to preserving
its native artifacts and archeology and its nostalgic
structural features. The three HTH hotels employ
approximately 1,300 people. A simple man leaves his mark
on the state. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy
continues.
Forget the sleigh rides;
Santa sails by canoe,
For Outrigger Waikiki/Reef
Waikiki, Hawaii -- Forget the sleigh rides.
This holiday season, pull on shorts and swimwear instead
of a snowsuit and join Santa Claus in Hawaii as he sails
into Waikiki Beach via outrigger canoe or catamaran.
This December, guests of the Outrigger
Waikiki on the Beach and Outrigger Reef on the Beach can
greet the world's jolliest elf as he makes his annual
pilgrimage to Hawaii, as well as enjoy fun
family-friendly holiday activities and events, many of
which are free.
Santa Arrives on the Beach
On December 10, 2005, at 9:30 a.m. to 11:30
a.m., Kris Kringle is scheduled to arrive at
world-famous Waikiki Beach, right in front of the
Outrigger Waikiki hotel. Open to the whole family, this
free event includes hula dancers on the beach to greet
Santa Claus, live piano music in the Outrigger Waikiki's
upper lobby, and picture-taking with Santa for the
kids. For more information, contact Ethan Chang,
Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, 808-921-9731.
December 12 to 16, 2005, 10:00 a.m.,
travelers staying at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach can
learn to make Hawaiian ornaments, a free and fun
activity.
On December 19, 2005, 6:00 p.m., the
Honolulu Boys Choir will light up the Outrigger Waikiki
on the Beach with a beautiful holiday performance.
On December 21, 2005, from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m., guests staying at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach
can take part in a series of holiday activities
especially appropriate for families. Keiki (children)
can join Santa on a 30-minute sail along Waikiki Beach
on the Outrigger Catamaran, followed by holiday
storytelling, goodies, and ornament-making for children.
Events are free.
For the Santa sail, children must be at
least 5 years old, and sign-ups are taken on a
first-come, first-served basis; space is limited. Guests
may sign up for the sail at the hotel's "Hookipa Desk"
in the lobby. For more information, contact Luana
Maitland, Outrigger Reef on the Beach, 808-924-6007.
Through Dec. 22
Art Sale
The ARTS at Marks Garage, its partners and invited
artists present: Elves Can't Make This Stuff: A Special
Shopping Experience. You can¹t find these items at the
North Pole. November 30 - December 22, 2005, Tues - Sat
11-6.
Dec. 10-11
Craft Fair
HAWAII KAI – Koko Marina Center will host
its annual Pre-Holiday Craft Fair on December 10th
and 11th from 9 to 3 p.m. Enjoy
Holiday Creations of Hawaii Shopping at its finest with
hundreds of unique, hand crafted items that include
jewelry, pottery, clothing, art objects, gifts, Hawai’iana items and much more!
Koko Marina Center Craft Fairs are famous
for their unique handmade items, made by the best island
crafters. Shop early and find that perfect gift for the
Holidays, or if you want something special just for
yourself. Please plan to join more than fifty crafters
at Koko Marina Center.
Located in East Oahu, 7192 Kalanianaole
Hwy., Koko Marina Center features a variety of water
sport activities, specialty and gift shops, personal
services, fine dining restaurants, casual eateries, fast
food and snack bars as well as a grand 8-plex theater.
Visit
www.Kokomarinacenter.com for more information.
Dec. 10, 11 Koko Marina Center will host its
annual Pre-Holiday Craft Fair on December 10 -11th from
9 to 3 p.m. Enjoy hundreds of unique, hand crafted items
that include jewelry, pottery, clothing, art objects,
gifts, Hawai’iana items and much more!
Located in East Oahu, 7192 Kalanianaole Hwy.
Dec. 11 Opihi Pickers, 4 p.m. Borders Ward
Centre 591-8995
Dec. 11, 13
Christmas Concert
A stunning group unlike
any other…absolutely electrifying!” —Garrison Keillor, A
PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION
If You Only Have Time for One Concert This
Holiday Season... University of Hawai‘i Presents: KITKA
in Concert, performing "Wintersongs." A frequently
occurring symbolic word in Balkan women’s folksong
lyrics, "Kitka" means "bouquet" in Bulgarian and
Macedonian.
The Wintersongs
repertoire showcases material ranging from rousing
Slavic folk carols and lush, meditative Eastern Orthodox
sacred choral works, to pre-Christian incantations for
the longest nights of the year and Hebrew folk songs for
Chanukah. Highlights include an ancient Latgalian
This program is an Outreach College
presentation and is supported in part by Alliance for
Culture and the Arts, Cooke Foundation, National
Endowment for the Arts, Performing Arts Presenters of
Hawaii, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts through
appropriations from the Legislature of the State of
Hawaii and Western States Arts Federation.
December 11 • Sunday • 4:00pm • Orvis Auditorium
December 13 • Tuesday • 7:00pm • Kauai Community College
Performing Arts Center
Tickets on sale beginning November 14: $25 general, $20
students/senior
citizens/military/UH faculty and staff, $10 UH Students
with valid id
Purchase at any UH ticket outlet, order online at
www.etickethawaii.com, or charge-by-phone, (808)
944-2697. For disability access and other information
call (808) 956-8246.
“Simply amazing harmonies…truly this is the most
wonderful singing I
have ever heard.”—David Crosby, CROSBY, STILLS, AND
NASH
“Kitka’s power and energy is exotic and exhilarating,
showcasing the
beauty and vitality of female voices.” — NATIONAL PUBLIC
RADIO
Dec. 17 Sneak preview of new dance production
Electric Blue 5:30-6 p.m. during Sunset on the Beach at
Queen’s Surf. The dance draws from the Scottish myth of
Selke sirens who dance with destiny. The performance is
by IONA Contemporary Dance Theater, which will perform
it in community beach settings through February.
Dec. 17 Ho’okena, 8 p.m., Borders Ward Centre
591-8995
Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve
Sheraton Waikiki Poolside, dance in 2006 with The
Krush 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. for $35 per adult
(include a glass of champagne, party favors) and $20 per
child 12 and under payment in advance. The Krush has
received five Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. Enjoy the whole
evening which includes a free concert by The Ka`ala Boys
6 – 8:30 p.m. Call 921-4600.
Star of Honolulu, enjoy the fireworks at Aloha
Tower and along the Waikiki coastline, 10:30 p.m. –
12:30 a.m., dinner, dancing, from $120 up,
www.starofhonolulu.com
1-800-334-6191
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel in Waikiki,
Hawaii's favorite spot for New Year's Eve celebrations.
Three choices: attend the hotel's exhilarating "Creation
- A Polynesian Journey" show, $125 inclusive per adult,
$85 inclusive per child (5 - 12 years); or opt for a
leisure evening with family and friends while enjoying a
bountiful buffet including Hawaiian seafood
bouillabaisse in a fennel tomato broth at Pikake
Terrace, $58.95 per person. If it's authentic Japanese
cuisine you crave, Momoyama restaurant offers a New
Year's Eve special set menu at
$60 per person. Call 921-4600
Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Monarch Room
black-tie dinner and dance with Nueva Vida one of
Hawai‘i’s most popular bands, jazz, swing, pop, soul,
rhythm and blues, 7 p.m.-12:15 a.m., a romantic way to
greet the New Year. Call 921-4600.
Sheraton Waikiki, concert of Hawaii's premier
entertainers and ukulele virtuosos including The Makaha
Sons, Kapena, Robi Kahakalau, The Opihi Pickers, Herb
Ohta, Jr. and Kanilau, $225 per adult, $135 per child
(5-12 years) includes the concert, a buffet dinner, two
drinks, unlimited juice and soft drinks for children and
party favors. Cabaret tickets (buffet and drinks not
included) are $85 per adult and $55 per child (5-12
years). Call 921-4600
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