News from Waikiki

HOME

NEWS

DATELINE

BUSINESS BRIEFS

MOVERS & SHAKERS

VENUES

COLUMNS

REAL DEALS

THINGS TO DO

Aloha News Back

October November 2006

Hotelier Andre Tatibouet’s

Mansion to Be Auctioned

Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties (CBPP) in co-operation with Kennedy Wilson, announced the sealed bid auction of Pualeilani, the 12,799-square-foot private estate owned by Andre Tatibouet, founder and former owner of Aston Hotels & Resorts.

The property, designated “House of the Week” by The Wall Street Journal in January 2005, will be open to the press (date to be announced.) Prospective bidders may take tours by appointment only.

The 19th–century plantation-style mansion, located at 3131 Noela Drive, was finished in 2001 and sits on a 68,052-square-foot lot. The oceanview property is located at the highest point of Noela Street, at the base of Diamond Head, the 750-foot-high extinct volcano, and offers spectacular 320° views of Diamond Head and Waikiki.

Amenities include six bedrooms, seven and a half baths, a private elevator that leads to a 2,000-square-foot master suite, a two-story library, wraparound verandas, an entertainment area with seating for 40, 10’ ceilings, marble floors, a heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, seven wet bars, and a fireplace. The property also includes two offices, three guest suites, and staff quarters.

The auction was ordered by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Minimum bid is $9.8 million; sealed bids must be submitted to the office of Wagner Choi & Evers on or before 4p.m. HST Tuesday, December 5, 2006. Bids must include a deposit equal to 10% of the bid amount. The property was first put on the market in September 2004 with an asking price of $19.9 million.

Prospective bidders may schedule tours of the property through Anne Hogan Perry of Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties at (808) 748-3474. Information packages are available to assist with a bidder’s review. Bidders will be notified of the successful bidder and the back-up bidder no later than 9 a.m. HST, December 6, 2006.

KUHIO BEACH SAND

TO BE REPLENISHED

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) started a project that will pump up to 10,000 cubic yards of offshore sand to replenish Kuhio beach at Waikiki.
“We believe this is a great demonstration project to test new, state-of-the-art offshore sand pumping technologies that can reclaim beach sand that washed into nearshore deposits,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson. .

            American Marine Corporation, a local dredging company, will operate equipment aboard a hydraulic dredge barge off Waikiki.
            The project will use heavy machinery during the daytime to help spread out pumped sand for drying at the staging area. This staging area will be closed to the public for the duration of the project, though the rest of Waikiki beach will remain open.
            Once dry, using backhoes and dump trucks, the sand will be transported to the ‘Ewa basin and to the beach fronting the Duke Kahanamoku statue at night between 6 to 10 p.m. Public access to these areas will be temporarily restricted during these operations.
            The project requires a 30-day operating window of calm seas, so a fall date was chosen for after the end of summer’s southern swells. The daytime and nighttime operations are planned to operate Mondays through Fridays.
            A University of Hawai‘i sand thickness survey identified several potential offshore sand sources in near shore Waikiki waters that are viable for beach replenishment. The survey identifies the sand thickness and sand compatibility of the offshore sand pockets to the existing beach at Kuhio.
            Rather than expand the width of the beach in the two basin areas, the goal will be to “inflate” the beaches by pushing the sand up against the landward sea walls. Over time the sand will fill in the lower portions of the existing beaches, but not expand farther into swimming area.
            Water quality monitoring will be done during the project by the Department of Health Clean Water branch to assure safe conditions.
            Kuhio Beach has a long history of engineering and beach replenishment, having undergone regular beach replenishment to maintain a sandy beach since 1939, when the north section of the Kuhio beach breakwater was built.
            Past beach replenishment efforts have been carried out regularly, but little has been done to maintain Kuhio Beach since the last major replenishment effort in 1975. Coastal erosion patterns have led to sandless areas at high tide.
            For information about the project go to the DLNR Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands web site at http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/occl/nourishment.php

Outrigger to manage Pacific Beach Hotel

            WAIKIKI - HTH Corporation announced it has selected an affiliate of Outrigger Enterprises Group to manage its 837-room flagship Pacific Beach Hotel, located at the corner of Kalakaua and Liliuokalani Avenues in Waikiki. This management change is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2007.
            No change will be made to the hotel's name. It will continue to be called the Pacific Beach Hotel. HTH Corporation will continue to manage the Pagoda Hotel in Honolulu, with the famous Pagoda Floating Restaurant, and the King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel on the Island of Hawaii.
            Herbert T. Hayashi purchased the Pacific Beach Hotel in 1970 and built the Oceanarium Tower. The famous landmark indoor Oceanarium, with its three-story structure and 280,000 gallons of seawater, was created in 1978 and became the largest indoor oceanarium in the state. H.T. Hayashi, one of the most innovative leaders in the visitor industry, died November 6, 2005. The founder of HTH Corporation was 85 years old.

PRADA REFURBISHES

WAIKIKI FLAGSHIP STORE

Prada celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated flagship store in Waikiki. The 4,950-square-foot flagship store is the first “concept” store of its kind for Prada, and occupies an entire two-floor colonial villa with four windows overlooking world-famous Kalakaua Avenue.

The store was designed by architect Roberto Baciocchi, who reinterpreted the façade of the building by inserting a large central window. He rearranged the layout inside, and used a number of historical Prada features for the decoration. These include the characteristic black–and-white marble chess-board floor, the cherry-wood furniture, and a reproduction of the panel painted by Nicola Benois, the celebrated scene-painter for the La Scala opera house of Milan. All these features recall Prada’s historic store, opened in 1913 and still in its original location in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II arcade.

In keeping with this atmosphere, the ground floor of the store carries the ‘Heritage’ collection, inspired by Prada’s classic roots, comprising the old logo with the coat of arms and knotted rope design of the Royal House of Savoy (the Italian Royal Household). The exclusive, sophisticated craftsmanship and precious materials – such as crocodile skin or python – now combined with the new jacquard fabric. Bags,

luggage, suitcases, accessories for men and women and women’s footwear are also displayed on the ground floor.

In addition to these features, a number of original, innovative elements have been introduced, such as the black marble staircase – previously hidden from view – now enhanced with its shape and location modified with central atriums. These atriums provide greater visibility to the products (women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and men’s footwear) displayed on the upper floor, and to the original display cases specifically designed for the presentation of small leather goods, bags and ties.

The walls, with their unique, classic pale green - a feature distinguishing Prada shops the world over - blend harmoniously with the carpeting in shades of beige and the display shelves lined with light coloured leather.

Prada also has another flagship store in Hawaii in the Ala Moana shopping center, and two duty-free shops carrying exclusively accessories.

Island Colony joins Aqua

Island Colony has joined Aqua Hotels and Resorts, making Aqua the fastest growing Waikiki hotel chain this year – adding five properties and doubling its portfolio.

The 740-room Island Colony is located at 445 Seaside Avenue and becomes the 6th property in Aqua’s Lite collection. The 44-story hotel features rooms with an AquaKIT (mini-refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker), spacious lanais and great views of the Koolau mountain range, Diamond Head or the Pacific Ocean. Hotel amenities include a large outdoor swimming pool and sundeck, Jacuzzi, sauna and coin-operated washer/dryers.

The Internet is today’s #1 source for travel planning, and to better target the GenX demographic, Aqua partnered with TravelCLICK (in July) to maximize the performance of its distribution strategy and implement an integrated Internet marketing program, including online search marketing, to drive traffic to the Aqua’s new and more functional website.

The current list of Aqua properties follows:

Aqua Boutique: Aqua Waikiki Wave, 2299 Kuhio Avenue

Aqua Aloha Surf, 444 Kanekapolei Street

Aqua Bamboo & Spa, 2425 Kuhio Avenue

Aqua Palms & Spa, 1850 Ala Moana Boulevard

Aqua Lite: Aqua Continental *, 2426 Kuhio Avenue

Aqua Hawaii Polo Inn *, 1696 Ala Moana Boulevard

Aqua Island Colony, 445 Seaside Avenue

Aqua Kuhio Village, 2463 Kuhio Avenue

Aqua Marina, 1700 Ala Moana Boulevard

Ocean Tower Hotel at Waikiki Beach *, 129 Paokalani Avenue

November 5

MAUNALUA JAMS WITH

HAWAII YOUTH SYMPHONY

Youth Symphony I, the best and most exciting student orchestra in the state, will headline with the multiple Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning group Maunalua at He Makana O Na Mele: The Gift of Music, an annual benefit concert for the Hawaii Youth Symphony (HYS).

The event takes place Sunday, November 5, 2006, 4:30 - 9:00 p.m. at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom. The spectacular evening will begin with a silent auction at 4:30 p.m., a luau-style buffet dinner at 5:30 p.m., and conclude with a greatly anticipated concert conducted by Maestro Henry Miyamura. Tables of 10 are available starting at $725, individual seats for $75 (includes dinner and concert). Contact the HYS office at 941-9706 or admin@hiyouthsymphony.org or visit www.hiyouthsymphony.org.

Henry Miyamura, HYS’s Music Director for more than 20 years, has created an exhilarating program which blends classical music with contemporary Hawaiian melodies. Comprised of 92 performers from 22 schools on Oahu and Maui, the Youth Symphony I includes some of the state’s finest young musicians.

Accompanying the Youth Symphony will be the legendary fun-loving group Maunalua, a traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music group. Since winning the prestigious Na Hoku award for Hawaiian Album of the Year with their first album by the same name, Maunalua has gone on to be named Na Hoku’s Group of the Year and awarded Favorite Entertainers of the Year. They have performed in Japan, and have shared their aloha with their South Sea's cousins in Tahiti. Maunalua is working on their third CD, scheduled for release in early 2007. This will be their first performance with a symphony orchestra.

The Hawaii Youth Symphony, one of the country’s finest and largest youth symphonies, is Hawaii’s only statewide youth orchestra program. Since 1964, HYS has helped children, age 7-18, to develop and showcase their musical skills. HYS operates three full symphonic orchestras and four string orchestras during the academic year, serving more than 400 students from absolute beginners to the most accomplished musicians. It also offers summer programs for an additional 200 students. Education and concert performance are both key elements of the program. Music excellence has been HYS’s hallmark for more than 40 years.

November 8-December 8

Journey of Discovery Art Show

Join Sita Nissanka starting November 8th at the GALLERY ON THE PALI located in the First Unitarian Church of Honolulu at 2500 Pali Highway in Honolulu for this exciting exhibition of original paintings.

In her solo show, she takes us around the world, offering a glimpse into different social, cultural and religious realms. Through her beautiful paintings, she captures beauty in often unsuspecting places. See the exhibition before December 8th. Gallery hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. For more information call:595-4047.

November 10

The Great Aloha Tower Beerfest

Clearwire Wireless Internet and Krater 96 present the fifth annual Great Aloha Tower Beerfest, a celebration of the marriage of beer, food and music, in a beautiful setting at the foot of Aloha Tower. Scheduled for Friday November 10, 2006 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, the event will take place at the new Events at the Tower at the base of Aloha Tower (Formerly Kapono’s).

            Admission is $28 in advance, $35 at the door and will include 12 free tastings of a selection over 100 different beers being offered, as well as two vouchers for delicious pupus.
            Featured will be beers crafted by some of America's best micro-breweries including those made locally by Honolulu's own micro breweries and brew pubs. Balancing out the offerings will be many of the best international beers available. Styles of beers sampled will range from the creative American microbrews to stouts, ales, lagers, bocks, pilsners, honey beer, porters, winter and Oktoberfest seasonal varieties. For the adventurous, there will also be many of the new flavored malt beverages.
            Food featured at The Great Diamond Head Beerfest includes specially prepared beer friendly dishes from many of Aloha Tower Marketplace’s restaurants. There will also be exhibits and free samples by participating sponsors including JN Chevrolet/Mazda Times Supermarket and Star Bulletin/Midweek.
            Live jazz and groove entertainment will be provided by The New Jass Quartet.
            Admission Details: $28.00 in advance $35 at the door for. The price of admission includes vouchers for 12 beer samplings and 2 pupu plates. Additional beer tasting vouchers will be available for purchase as well as additional food for sale. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday October 17, 2006 at the Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant and all Honolulu Box Office locations. Charge by phone 550-TIKS (8457) or online at http://honoluluboxoffice.com (NO Service charges apply). All persons attending must be over the age of 21.

November 10

TAKE A JOURNEY THROUGH INNER SILENCE
WHILE REMAINING PART OF A RHYTHMIC COLLECTIVE

Visiting TaKeTiNa teacher from California, Zorina Wolf, and local teacher, Deborah Masterson, offer an intro night plus a weekend workshop in this musical meditative group process in which body itself is our instrument. Our claps and voices unfold as ever-changing rhythms while our steps, supported by a drum, remain unchanged. Experience deep relaxation and vitalization of the nervous system and body rhythms. Wear comfortable clothes and an open mind!
Intro night: FREE. Nov 10 from 7-10pm

Workshop: $130. Nov 11-12, 10am-6pm both days

Location: Ong King in Chinatown

More info & registration: http://geckomoon.com/taketina
Or contact: rhythm_meditation@yahoo.com; Deborah 521-3746

November 12

Free Qigong Seminar

FROM: EAST WEST QIGONG INTERNATIONAL (EWQI)
A Nonprofit Organization

CONTACT: Limin Song, President

WHAT: Free Qigong Seminar

WHEN: Sunday, November 12, 2006, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

WHERE: Kaimuki-Waialae YMCA
4835 Kilauea Ave., Honolulu

COST: FREE

To Register, please go online: http://dialinhealth.com/register-qiseminar.html
or call 941-9707

Dec. 13-17

Drum, Dance and Chant Celebration of the Winter Solstice

The 2006 Hawaii Fire Tribe Winter Solstice Gathering will be held on Oahu, December 13th to the 17th. This conscious community celebration focuses on creating dark-to-dawn magical fire circles as common ground for sharing our individuality, exploring our humanity, and joining in wonderment around the fire of transformation.

We revel in chanting, dancing, drumming, poetry, visual art, sacred sounds, fire spinning, wellness work, crafts, body adornment and spontaneous sacred ceremony. Early registration fees start at $50. Late Registration is open through Friday, December 8th. Participants will be given directions to the location upon registering.

Friends from all paths and traditions are invited to join us in communion with each other, nature, and spirit! For more information please visit: http://www.firetribehawaii.org

November 18

NATIVE AMERICAN FLUTE WORKSHOP WITH BLACKFEET RECORDING ARTIST TROY DE ROCH

Celebrate Native American Heritage month by attending a Native American Flute Workshop with Troy Shu'k Sha'mii (Good Medicine) De Roche on Saturday, November 18, 2006, from 11 am to 1 pm, at Chaminade University, at the Black Box Theater, located at 3140 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, HI. The fee for this workshop is $35.00 in advance and $45.00 on the day of the workshop.

If you are an experienced flute player, a beginner, or merely interested in the Native American music, this workshop is perfect for you. Whether you own a flute or not, you can still attend. The workshop will cover the basics of playing a Native American flute, including scales, fingering and special techniques, how to care for your flute, what to look for when buying a flute, and the history of the Native American flute. Troy will have a selection of his flutes and CDs available for purchase.

Troy De Roche grew up on the Blackfeet Reservation in Heart Butte, Montana. He has gained world-wide recognition for the quality craftsmanship and clear tones of his handmade flutes. In 2005, he won Artists' Choice and First Place Awards in Traditional Sculpture at the Sweet Willow Indian Market in Great Falls, Montana. His goal is to express traditional values and the spiritual nature of Native American people through music. He and his wife, storyteller Liz De Roche, have performed at the Annual Native American Flute and Storytelling Concert at the Center for Hawaiian Studies the past seven years.

Troy De Roche and his wife, Liz, currently live on the Big Island of Hawaii and will be on Oahu for only a brief time. Don't miss this chance to learn from an expert the tradition and technique of the Native American flute.

For more information or to pre-register for this class, call Native Winds at 734-8018. A photo of Troy De Roche is attached.

November 21 at 7:30pm

Ashanti Tales by Gerald McDermott
Paliku Theatre, Windward Community College
$8 General In Advance, $10 At The Door
Visit WWW.etickethawaii.com, call 483-7123 to charge by phone, or   visit any UH Ticket outlet (Rainbowtique stores, Stan Sheriff Center, UHManoa Campus Center ticket office, Windward Community College OCET office), service charges apply.
For more information call 956-8246 or visit www.outreach.hawaii.edu/community/.
            Yukie Shiroma and Nyla Fujii-Babb bring to life the picture book art of Gerald McDermott. Choreographer/dancer, Yukie Shiroma, and storyteller, Nyla Fujii-Babb, create a performance of `living picture books` melding modern dance, music, masks, costumes, and storytelling. Featuring Arrow to the Sun, The Stonecutter, Anansi the Spider; A Tale from the Ashanti, and other works by Gerald McDermott, these performances are a unique blend of literature, folklore, cultural studies, and the visual and performing arts in an exciting multi-disciplinary form.
            Shiroma and Fujii-Babb are joined by award winning author Gerald McDermott onstage as McDermott introduces each piece and will be available after the performance to answer questions as well as to autograph copies of his books. His books will be on sale in the lobby after the performance. A University of Hawaii Presents program.

November 23 Thanksgiving

What: Tiki's Grill & Bar's Thanksgiving Day Buffet
Where: Tiki's Grill & Bar, ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Hotel
When: Thanksgiving Day, 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Prices: $27.99 for adults and children ages 13 and older
$13.99 for children ages 5 to 12
Free for children under the age of 5
            Tiki's Grill & Bar is putting its touch on the traditional Thanksgiving fare with entrees such as Herb Roasted Turkey with Mushroom Gravy and Baked Ham with Poha Berry Glaze. Guests will also feast on a Macadamia Nut & Three Pepper Crusted Salmon, Miso Braised Beef and Cajun-Style Shrimp Patties with a Spiced Tartar Sauce. Tiki's is not forgetting the cranberries - Chef Viloria is mixing them with a traditional dressing to make a Dried Cranberry Stuffing.
            The buffet will also include a variety of salads, side dishes and a Butternut Squash Soup with Spiced Crème Fraiche. To top it off, Tiki's Thanksgiving guests can enjoy an assortment of delicious cakes and pies, including a Guava Cheesecake, Sweet Potato Crumb Cake and classic Pumpkin Pie. Tiki's dessert selection will also feature assorted petit fours, cookies and Warm Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding.
Reservations: Call Tiki's Grill & Bar at 923-8454
For more information, visit Tiki's web site at www.tikisgrill.com.
Parking: Free valet parking with validatio

Nov. 29,30, Dec. 1

15th Annual Downtown Holiday Craft and Gift Fair

HGEA/AFSCME's 15th Annual Downtown Holiday Craft and Gift Fair will be held November 29 & 30, and December 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kendall Building, 888 Mililani St. (corner of Queen and Mililani Streets).

The event is free and open to the public. New exhibitors will be featured every day. Lots of prizes will be given away daily including grand prizes of: Las Vegas vacation package, 20" color TV, and a neighbor island air/hotel/rental car getaway package. Enjoy ono food, live entertainment, great bargains and other surprises.

Once again, HGEA is a designated food drop-off site for the HAWAII FOOD BANK. Bring your non-perishable food items to the craft fair and help those in need.

November Events at Marks

Hawaii Glass Artists thru November 25

Delicious translucent colors: powerful political, conceptual & sculptural

works. Born of a 2,000 degree furnace,

glass is a hot medium (a solid liquid?) & a stellar attraction.

Wednesdays, 45:30pm, FREE

Youth Speaks Hawaii

Teen slam poetry writing & performance workshops

supported by The Starbucks Foundation

Friday, November 3, 59pm, FREE, First Friday Honolulu

 Downtown-Chinatown Gallery Walk, a self-guided tour

Saturday, November 4, 8 pm, $14/$10*

Smashbox Productions presents:³Improvaganza!²

 Mini-improv festival with headliners On The Spot,

Hawaii¹s premier troupe Loose Screws, the new one-woman improv ³Lone Wolfe

and Company² & a young group from MidPacific Institute led by veteran R.

Kevin Doyle. Concluding with an improv jam session blow-out finale.

Second Saturday, November 11, noon - 5, FREE

activities recommended especially for families & children

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, November 918 at 8pm, $20*

Lizard loft presents: The Night Talkers

 A new play from the producer of television's Baywatch;

the world premiere of Margaret Jones & Frank South

in a mesmerizing journey of faith & perseverance.

Third Thursday, November 16, 78pm sharp, FREE

artist talk for art lovers & people who stay & play downtown

The Sun Never Sets November 28January 6

Susan Maddux & Margo Ray have traveled far far away,

only to find themselves making art about home.

Margo Ray of the Big Island created her monumental

installation ³Splendid Isolation² in Montreal, Quebec.

Susan Maddux left Honolulu 15 years ago, & is now living

& making art about Hawaii in Brooklyn, New York.

Tuesday, November 28, 810pm, $5

Poetry Hawaii presents: reVERSES

hosted by Brenda Kwon & TravisT, with featured poets,

open mic, & vinyl on rotation by dj Mr.Nick

December 1-3

Hot Buttered Rum,

In Time For The Holidays
“High Altitude Acoustic Experience” jam band

to play three O`ahu shows in December

@ Fri., Dec. 1, 7:30 PM: rRed Elephant, Honolulu (with opening act Paula Fuga); tickets $22.50
@ Sat., Dec. 2, 7:30 PM: rRed Elephant, Honolulu, (with opening act Steve Inglis); tickets $22.50
@ Sun., Dec. 3, 6:30 PM: Benefit Concert for Hana Honua Life Boat Charity at Waimea Falls Audubon Center, Haleiwa (with opening act Jake Shimabukuro); advance tickets $22 (adults), $12 (kids 12 & under); $25 at door; doors open 6:00 PM

            HONOLULU, HI: Their street team is known as the Butter Spreaders. Their tour bus runs on recycled vegetable oil. They’re favorably compared with other whimsically-named bands like Leftover Salmon, String Cheese Incident, and even the late, lamented Grateful Dead.
            For a band conceived on a backpacking trip through the High Sierras, HOT BUTTERED RUM has come a long, long way. And now they’re set to make their first Hawai`i appearance in December, with two shows at the rRed Elephant and a big benefit concert at Waimea Falls Audubon Center. On alternating nights, their shows will feature local favorites Paula Fuga, Steve Inglis, and Jake Shimabukuro.
            Audiences all over the continental U.S. have grooved to Hot Buttered Rum’s unique sound, which fuses bluegrass, folk, jazz, rock, and blues into a no-limits, constantly evolving vision of string-driven acoustic music.

The California ensemble has performed at huge venues like the Newport Folk Festival, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in San Francisco, and Telluride Bluegrass Festival, as well as prestigious concert halls like the Fillmore Auditorium, Boulder Theater, and the Great American Music Hall (for two sold-out appearances).

A host of legends--including Phil Lesh, Ben Harper, Spearhead, Béla Fleck, and Peter Rowan--have welcomed the band to their own shows, resulting in epic jams that leave tie-dyed dancing contingents gasping for breath and yelling for more.

December holiday schedule

Outrigger's Holiday happenings in Waikiki

Catamaran rides with Santa

Tree Lighting Ceremony, December 1, 6 p.m., Outrigger Reef Take part in an

island-style tree lighting ceremony in the lobby, followed by festive

holiday entertainment. Free and open to the public.

Hawaiian Ornament Making

December 1, 8, 15 and 22, 10:30 a.m.-12 noon, Outrigger Waikiki December 11

to 15, 10 a.m.-12 noon, Outrigger Reef Make your own Hawaiian ornament -- a

great souvenir of your Hawaiian holiday vacation. All materials provided.

Open to hotel guests only; free.

Christmas Cookie Decorating, December 6, 13 and 20, 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m.,

Outrigger Waikiki Sweet cookies, frosting and candies make for an "edibly"

enjoyable activity. Open to hotel guests only; free.

Santa Sails to Waikiki, December 9, 9:30 a.m., Outrigger Waikiki Welcome the

world's most famous elf as he arrives via outrigger canoe at Waikiki Beach

in front of the Outrigger Waikiki hotel. Santa's arrival will be followed by

hula dancing, music and a special photo session at the hotel. Free and open

to the public.

Breakfast with Hawaiian Santa, December 17-23, Outrigger Reef Enjoy

beachside dining at the Shorebird Restaurant with Hawaii's version of St.

Nick. The reasonably priced breakfast buffet is $11.95 per adult, $7.95 per

child 4 to 9 years old, and free for youngsters up to 3 years old.

Reservations required: 808-922-2887.

Gingerbread Contest, December 18, 2 p.m., Outrigger Waikiki The merchants

and restaurants at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach will showcase their

sweet artistic creations in the hotel lobby. The public is welcome to view

the gingerbread entries from December 18 to 22, 2006.

Employee Christmas Wreath Contest, December 19, 9 a.m.-11 a.m., Outrigger

Reef Each year, Outrigger Reef employees get into the spirit of the season,

crafting and displaying their original holiday wreaths in the lobby. Guests

and public can join the fun by voting for their favorite wreath.

Sailing with Santa, December 20, 10 a.m., Outrigger Reef A special

opportunity for keiki (children) to enjoy riding with Santa, not in his

sleigh but across the sea on the Outrigger Catamaran. This 30-minute sail

along Waikiki Beach is not to be missed. This children's activity is free,

but seats are limited and advance reservations are required by signing up at

the hotel's Ho'okipa Desk by 4 p.m. on December 19. Open to registered

Outrigger Reef guests only.

Ornament Making for Children, December 20, 11 a.m., Outrigger Reef Children

are invited to make and take home their own island-style Christmas

ornaments. All materials provided. Open to hotel guests only; free.

Hawaiian Christmas Storytelling, December 20, 1 p.m., Outrigger Reef

Outrigger Reef on the Beach's very own general manager, Elliot Mills, takes

a break from his usual duties to share Christmas tales with guests. Free

and open to the public.

Kalikimaka Mele, December 22, 11 a.m., Outrigger Reef Enjoy a special

Hawaiian Show presented by island kupuna (elders) in the hotel lobby,

alongside eggnog and holiday cookies, courtesy of Outrigger Reef on the

Beach. Free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Luana Maitland, Outrigger Reef on the Beach,

at 808-924-6007, or Ethan Chang, Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, at

808-921-9731.

Waikiki thrill ride

        The Honolulu Screamer, Hawaii's first and only group passenger high performance boat will launch its inaugural trip from Kewalo Basin on Friday. The 49 passenger boat boasts 1420 horsepower with a turbo charged diesel engine power two ultra jet drives that will take passengers on a 30 minute ride towards Diamond Head and back. Passengers will be treated to a thrilling ride of weaves and spins of up to 40 mph, all while enjoying scenic offshore views of Waikiki.
        The vision of this boat came to proprietor Greg Longnecker in a dream, and despite the odds against him-anything from not having any funds to not knowing how to build such a boat-Greg placed everything with his faith in God. Within six months, all his problems were solved and the project was underway. Greg's speedboat dream took $1 million and almost two years to build. After being transported by land from its birthplace in New Jersey to a port in Long Beach, California, the Honolulu Screamer finally made it to Honolulu aboard a ship.
        "In my dream, I saw thousands of people smiling and having fun riding this boat. That is why I know it was from God," quotes Greg Longnecker, President of the Honolulu Screamer. As an homage to God for granting his wish, Greg had "For with God, nothing shall be impossible (Luke 1:37)" painted along the side of the boat.
        Tickets are $36 + tax for 13 years and older and $28 + tax for children (under 12 years). Passengers must be at least 40 inches in height. Transportation is complimentary from Waikiki, with pickup locations at Hilton Hawaiian Village, Sheraton Waikiki, and Waikiki Beach Marriott.   Initially, there will be two trips a day, 9:00 am and 11:30 am from Monday through Saturday and 11:30 am and 2:00 pm on Sundays. However, within a matter of months, departures will be scheduled to increase to once every hour.
         For reservations, call (808) 597-8669. Private charters are also available.

Aqua gets ninth hotel

Aqua Hotels & Resorts recently welcomed Hawaii Polo Inn as the company’s ninth Waikiki property. “Aqua is the leader in bringing the boutique concept to Waikiki and that’s exactly what we were looking for as we prepare to re-introduce our product to the marketplace,” said Mike Dailey, owner of the Hawaii Polo Inn and member of a long-time kamaaina family.

“We’re investing over $2 million to renovate and upgrade the 68-room hotel. When the process is complete, it will be renamed Hotel Equus, repositioned and marketed as an Aqua Boutique property.”

Work on the hotel is underway and targeted to be finished by mid-December, just in time for the holiday season. According to Dailey, “The redesigned guest rooms will have a fresh; Ralph Lauren meets upcountry Hawaii / paniolo look and feel.”

October 7 and 8

Narcissus Festival

at the Neal Blaisdell Center

In celebration of the 58th Narcissus Festival, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii presents the fourth annual Splendor of China trade show on Saturday, October 7 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday, October 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There will be more than 100 booths with unique Chinese products ranging from food to fashion, including antiques, fashion, jewelry, souvenirs, gifts, crafts and fresh produce. There will also be food booths offering everything from crack seed to dim sum.

Guests can also enjoy special performances throughout the event, including acrobatic lion dances, dragon dances, Chinese folk dances, Chinese opera singers and kung fu demonstrations. There will also be special activities, such as a keiki corner, a ping-pong tournament, a Chinese dog show, a manapua eating contest, a mahjong exhibition, a tai chi demonstration, cooking demonstration, acupuncture, feng shui, chop carving, paper cutting, and a Chinese student speech or calligraphy competition.

Commercial exhibitions will include vendors from all major Hawaii industries, such as banking, financial services, real estate, mortgage brokerage, travel, high tech, computers, communications, wholesale, and retail. There will also be food booths as well as pearl drinks, ice cream, popcorn, crack seed, and many other snacks to satisfy your taste buds.

Chinese cultural exhibitions will include exhibitions by all major Chinese societies and associations. And there will be many valuable door prizes given away, but you must be present to win.

The event also kicks off the 58th Narcissus Festival with a special appearance by the reigning Narcissus Queen Kristi Sue-Ako and her court. And the contestants for the 2007 Narcissus Queen Pageant will also be introduced to the public for the first time.

The Splendor of China is sponsored by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii with the support of the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, and the City and County of Honolulu.

October 7,8

Pow Wow in Honolulu

The 32nd Annual Intertribal Pow Wow will take place at Thomas Square, in Honolulu, on Saturday and Sunday, October 7 & 8, 2006, 10 am to 5 pm, both days. Everyone is invited to attend this free event, which will feature Native American dancing, drumming, singing, flute performances, arts and crafts, and food. This is a drug and alcohol free event.

In order to fully experience the pow wow, you will want to come early and spend the day. The food booth with its hot, delicious fry bread and vendors selling Native American jewelry, crafts, books, music and more will be open for business from 9:30 am to 5 pm.

On both Saturday and Sunday, intertribal and competition dancing will begin after the invocation and extend for the rest of the day, with periodic breaks for special performances and honoring ceremonies. Intertribal dancing means that dancers from all nations and all categories of dance will be in the Arena.

Every dance has it's own story and significance. Each dancer will express themselves individually and will represent their Nation. Grass dancers, northern and southern style traditional dancers, fancy dancers, and jingle dancers will dazzle the crowd with their agility, grace, and breathtaking regalia. Periodically throughout the weekend, the public will be invited to join in a Circle or Friendship Dance.

The Thomas Square Pow Wow is the only pow wow in Hawaii with competition dancing. Dancers compete by age and category of dance, accruing points throughout the weekend to win a monetary prize late Sunday afternoon. Each dancer is judged on technique, style, appearance, with bonus points added each time they dance. Often spectators are treated to performances by mainland championship dancers during this competition.

This year, the host drum at the pow wow, the Wildhorse Singers from Southern California, will be recording a live album, thus the music promises to be more exciting than ever.

The public is also invited to the Seventh Annual Native American Flute and Storytelling Concert which will take place the day after the pow wow on Monday, October 9th, 2006, from 6:30 pm to 9 pm, at the Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, University of Hawaii - Manoa, 2645 Dole Street, Honolulu. Everyone is welcome at this free concert which is jointly sponsored by the American Indian Pow Wow Association, the Center for Hawaiian Studies and Native Winds Gift Gallery & Craft Supply.

P.F. Chang's China Bistro

Opens First Restaurant in Hawaii

P.F. Chang's China Bistro (NASDAQ:PFCB) opened its first restaurant in Hawaii today on the ground floor of Hokua, a new luxury condominium in Honolulu located at 1288 Ala Moana Boulevard. The restaurant opens at 11 am for lunch and remains open until 11 pm (midnight on Friday and Saturday nights).

The guests were greeted by the sight of a 13 foot horse statue adorned with a 9 foot flower lei around its neck and 150 P.F. Chang's employees and management team wore fresh orchid leis.

P.F. Chang's at Hokua occupies 7,500 square feet with customer seating of 282 with 166 seats in the main dining room, an outdoor dining area with 74 seats, a 42-seat bar and a station to accommodate take out orders.

P.F. Chang's is a fresh, contemporary restaurant concept that provides a unique combination of Chinese cuisine, attentive service and tempting desserts all served in a stylish, high-energy bistro. The cuisine is reflective of China's evolving culinary landscape and features traditional Chinese offerings and innovative dishes.

Working in a dramatic exhibition kitchen, P.F. Chang's chefs use Mandarin style wok cooking, using only the freshest, highest quality ingredients, to prepare the dynamic menu.

P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Inc. owns and operates two restaurant concepts in the Asian niche. P.F. Chang's China Bistro features a blend of high-quality, traditional Chinese cuisine and American hospitality in a sophisticated, contemporary bistro setting and currently operates 141 stores nationwide. Pei Wei Asian Diner offers a modest menu of freshly prepared Asian cuisine in a relaxed, warm environment offering attentive counter service and take-out flexibility. For more information, visit:

www.pfchangs.com .

October 15-21

12th Annual Hula Festival

Honors Princess Kaiulani

Each year, the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani hosts a week of special events honoring the legacy and birthday of its namesake, Princess Victoria Kaiulani. Appropriately named Hana Hoohiwahiwa O Kaiulani (to celebrate and honor Kaiulani), the commemoration week is scheduled for October 15 – 21, 2006.

Each day of Hana Hoohiwahiwa O Kaiulani, a different complimentary cultural activity will be offered at the hotel. The weeklong activities include:

Sunday, October 15 – Kahili workshop. Dolphin Lanai, 3 p.m.

Monday, October 16 – Royal Court Procession and Princess Kaiulani Elementary school performance. Lava Rock Stage, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 17 – Hula lessons. Dolphin Lanai, 3 p.m.

Wednesday, October 18 – Hawaiian quilting. Dolphin Lanai, 3 p.m.

Thursday, October 19 – Cooking demonstration with Chef John Hightower. Dolphin Lanai, 3 p.m.

Friday, October 20 – Fresh flower lei making. Dolphin Lanai, 3 p.m.

Saturday, October 21 – Arts & crafts fair. Ainahau Lobby, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Princess Kaiulani Keiki Hula Festival. Ainahau Showroom, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The Princess Kaiulani Keiki Hula Festival is the climax of the weeklong celebration and showcases performances by more than 200 keiki (children) from various halau (hula schools) including Ka Pa Nani O Lilinoe (Kumu Lilinoe Lindsey), Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio (Kumu Joan S. Lindsey), Pua Kapele Halau O Hula (Kumu Pua Kapele), Halau Hula O Namakahulai (Kumu Shirley Recca), Kealiika Apunihonua Keena Ao Hula (Kumu Leimomi Ho), Halau O Apelila (Kumu April Chock), Halau Hula Ka Ua Lililehua (Kumu Harmony T.K. Brighter), Halau Oa Napualaikauikaiu (Kumu Sallie Yoza), Ka Hula O Ululani (Kumu Ululani Duncan), Pukaiikapuaokalani (Kumu Ellen Castillo), Na Mea Hula O Kahikinaokalalani (Kumu Karla K. Akiona), Na Opio O Koolau (Kumu Michael and James Dela Cruz). Guests will be treated to a spectacular intermission performance by the cast of Tihati Productions. This non-competitive hula festival is open to everyone and admission is free.

In conjunction with the Princess Kaiulani Keiki Hula Festival, the arts and crafts fair in the Ainahau Lobby from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. offers attendees an opportunity to purchase locally handcrafted items including Hawaiian jewelry, instruments, hula ornaments, feather leis, seed bracelets, and other crafts by island artisans.

All Hana Hoohiwahiwa O Kaiulani activities including the Princess Kaiulani Keiki Hula Festival are free and open to the general public, and also subject to change. Princess Kaiulani’s birthday is on October 16. For more information, please call the hotel at (808) 922-5811 or visit www.princess-kaiulani.com.

October 18

Chopsticks & Wine 2006 to be Held at Sheraton Waikiki,

            For the past four years, "foodies" have raved about the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce's Chopsticks & Wine, which brings together Hawaii's premier restaurants and beverage purveyors for an evening of extraordinary dining. This year's event will be held on Wednesday, October 18, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel and Resort featuring gourmet chefs from eleven of Hawaii's top food purveyors.
            "This year's theme, 'Lost in Paradise,' describes how we believe our guests will feel when they're tasting the amazing food and wine at the event," said Wayne Ishihara, co-chair of Chopsticks & Wine 2006. "We're excited that we have this opportunity to bring the community together for a night of exceptional dining," added Sidney Hamada, event co-chair. "We're positive everyone attending will be happy with all the great food and wines," said Arnold Hirotsu, co-chair of Chopsticks & Wine 2006.
            Menu items include Crab Cake Lettuce Wraps, Gyotaku Japanese Restaurants; Kani Sushi Hakone Style, Hakone Restaurant at the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki; Wine-braised Short Ribs and Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Le Bistro; Miso Braised Short Ribs, L'Uraku Restaurant; Sugar Cane Shrimp Balls, Shanghai Bistro; Pan Roasted Sea Scallop with Seven-grain Wild Blend Rice, Sheraton Waikiki Resort; Ahi Tataki with Ponzu/Miso Sauce, Shogun Restaurant; Braised Beef Short Ribs with Dirty Rice, The Bistro at Century Center; Penne Rigate with Sausage and Artichoke Ragu and Hamakua Mushroom Risotto, The Kitchen at Times Beretania; and Seared Scallops on a Bed of Mango-Asian Slaw and Japanese-style Cheesecake, Tiki's Grill & Bar. The event will also feature delicious creations from Side Street Inn and Sammy's Restaurant in the Miramar Hotel. In addition, Awamori Spirits, Better Brands, Koyo USA Corp., Paradise Beverages, Southern Wine & Spirits of Hawaii, and World Wine Trading will provide a variety of beverage selections.
            Pre-sale tickets are $85 per person or $100 at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce. For tickets and more information, call (808) 949-5531, email info@honolulujapanesechamber.org or visit www.honolulujapanesechamber.org.
            The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce is one of Honolulu's major business organizations, representing a cross-section of the city's businesses, industries and professions. With a Pacific-wide view of business and economic development, the Chamber serves as a catalyst for opportunities and seeks solutions to business and community issues for the betterment of Hawaii. Its office is located at 2454 S. Beretania Street. Its website is www.honolulujapanesechamber.org.

3rd ANNUAL WAIKIKI MINIATURE SHOW & SALE

Location: Sheraton Waikiki

2255 Kalakaua Ave.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Show Date October 22nd, 2006 (Sunday)

& Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Admission: $2.00 for Adults

Children are FREE

For further information please contact Debbie Heard at fjdebbie@aol.com

October 25, November 1,8, December 6

Master artisan to show making

of Hawaiian weapons, fishing implements

Master artisan Umi Kai will demonstrate the making of mea kaua (Hawaiian weaponry) and makau (Hawaiian fish hooks) during a series of free cultural presentations at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach on October 25, November 1, November 8 and December 6.

Scheduled for one hour beginning at 9 a.m., the demonstrations are an opportunity for guests and the community to learn about the making of traditional Hawaiian implements from an acknowledged cultural master.

In centuries past, fishing was of critical importance to Hawaiians as a means of gathering food. The varied tools and methods used by ancient fishermen demonstrated the great extent of their skills.

Hawaiian fishermen crafted fish traps of different shapes and sizes, depending upon their purpose. Some were designed to catch small fish and prawns in streams, and others to snare larger fish from the sea. Likewise, fish hooks of many sizes and shapes were used to accommodate different types of fish and fishing methods. Hooks were fashioned from shells, wood, turtle shells, ivory and bone including human bones.

War was a common occurrence in Hawaii's history, and many island warriors were highly trained in the fighting arts. Knowledge about this ancient practice -- which includes fighting skills as well as the warriors' mental, spiritual and healing arts -- was once nearly lost. It is being revived today through the efforts of Kai and other cultural advocates.

Hawaiian weaponry included spears, clubs, slings and daggers. Like the fishing implements, weapons were quite varied. Spears were barbed or unbarbed, and of different lengths. Daggers had straight or curved blades. Sometimes, they were carved with one noticeably heavy end to create a combination dagger and club. Club heads were either smooth or rough, and in some cases, lashed with shark teeth.