When I was in Las Vegas a few months ago, The Love Festival was called to my attention because of…read moreall the unusual costumes. There were many young women dressed in tutus, neon colors, floral garlands, headbands, fuzzy leg warmers, stuffed animal backpacks, and short shorts. Automobiles with license plates from different states were also decorated with neon paint and the words "Love Festival". At that time, I was busy studying at a conference, so I didn't have time to check it out. Thanks to Yelp Hawaii and our outstanding CM, Emi, my friends and I were able to obtain free tickets to the Hawaii Love Festival at Kakaako Waterfront Park! It was a fun and educational experience! I did not know that this Festival has been around for 16 years! I did not know that there were 4 different stages (we only sat at one). I did not know that tickets ranged from $40 to $50, $60, $75 and $125 for VIP. The Event was to start at 7pm. My friends and I jumped in to one car and caught a ride to the Park. There was a line already formed before 6:45pm. We read the signs that no food was allowed. Being the good, thrifty Pakes, we quickly devoured the food we had packed and drank our bottled water. However, free water was distributed inside the Festival to prevent dehydration. We didn't really need the water because there was a cool, gentle breeze and the sun had gone down by that time. The line moved along at a steady pace. The first security stop was for ticket collection. We got our first wrist band there. They also searched our bags for food and weapons. We were all asked for our ID's at the next stop. The people under 21 went through a separate line and the rest of us received a second wrist band. Very organized!! Inside, there were many vendors selling snacks, caps, shirts, neon items, shades, etc. We found a safe place on a grassy hill and sat on our towels and beach mats. We were able to observe all the great dance moves by the audience and the awesome scaffolded stage-like structure. It was a huge cube-like audio-visual smoke machine with colorful lighting. The young people sang along to songs I had never heard! Hahaha! Overall, we had a great time and we would go again next year! Thanks again to Emi and Yelp Hawaii for this special opportunity!!

When I first heard about this festival I thought I would not being going. The idea of spending a…read morelot on a ticket and being unsure if it'd be worth it is not one of my favorite thoughts. Thank you to Yelp for the tickets, I went and thoroughly enjoyed myself! I would definitely go back in the future. To start, this event was in my favorite park in Honolulu, Kaka'ako near Ward Centres and right on the waterfront. The hills made the perfect venue to have multiple stages that didn't interfere (sound-wise) with one another. Walking toward the park that night, I could hear music and see multi-colored spotlights shining on the clouds. The entrance was organized and there were plenty of bouncers to point the way. There was practically no line to get in. Tickets were also available for purchase at the door. My guest and I spent the majority of the time in the 21+ section, which had a full service bar including special cocktails for the event. The portions ended up being generous and the bartenders were very fun and friendly. The main stage was a visual feast- bright colors, smoke, lasers, and bubble machines. Some DJs were better than others- I liked the guy from Amsterdam the best. There was free water available, and countless portapotties in the center of the park- I never had to wait, always many open. The park's many grassy areas offered plenty of places to stand, dance, or lay down and watch the stars. The ocean was close as well. All in all, I loved this event; it's great for people of all ages and interests!

The 2024 fair had terrible food!! I don't mind paying higher prices because it's a fundraiser but…read morethe product should be excellent for this price. The only thing that was good quality was the malasada and the terri cheeseburger. The absolute worst was the noodles. I think it's a really good set up for younger kids and lots of space for them to play and have fun. I saw a lot of families on the grass with chairs/ blankets so great family environment. They just need to up their food game .... They advertise a lot of it as gourmet .... Maybe perfect the basics and start there.

Attended the 2023 Iolani fair for the first time and it was a bit disappointing compared to the…read morePunahou carnival. The fair is definitely smaller than the punahou carnival: less food for sure. The food was a bit disappointing and overpriced. The gumbo is $8 for a tiny bowl with mostly rice. The kalua pork bowl and French fries were too salty. The Greek wrap is nothing green about it: old cold chicken with lettuce. It felt like a waste of money with disappointing food.

Whoa!? First to review!?!?! SWEET!!!…read more Anyway, this is a parade that my Pops used to bring us since I was in DIAPERS!!! Starting from Ala Moana Blvd., participants would march all the way to Kapiolani Park, and what a great spectacle for locals and tourists as well. Politicians, entertainers, local organizations, the military, the po-po, high school bands, local tourist attractions, and some of Hawaii's hottest V-Dubs, Hot Rods, and vintage cars were among this years participants. My favorites to see, were the Prince and Princess that represented each one of the Hawaiian Islands with their entourage...even the "Pooper Scoopers" bringing up the rear gave all the spectators a good laugh! Grab a spot along the curb next time the Aloha Week Parade rolls into town, you'll be glad you did!....ALOHA!!! YELP 365 CHALLENGE-(64/365) "Join the Festivities"

Awesome. The festivals/parades in Waikiki are over-the-top. First time I've seen Governor Ige and…read morehis wife, even Mayor Caldwell. Oh and HPD BRIGADE. They had the royal court, different companies throughout Hawaii, the marching band for various schools around Oahu. Lol. Pretty cool. Come early because parking can be crazy and finding a good spot. We set up camp by the Victoria secret on Seaside Avenue. And people this is a parade stay off the streets and don't interrupt the line and if you do decide to cross the street, so not walk at turtle pace!!! ** The parade reminds me of the Kamehameha day parade in Lahaina with the court.

Held on the first Saturday of March this year, the event blocked out the entire main street of…read moreWaikiki. I came at night for the cooler weather. Tons of food vendors, crafts, goods that were sold. The variety of food was extensive with long lines at most. Fun, vibrant energy at this event.

Another great street festival on the main drag of Waikiki. Lots of food and cool giftsread more

Every first Sunday in November, Pacific Beach Hotel's ballroom is filled with some of the best…read moredesserts Hawaii has to offer. And for only $25, you can sample them all and even get seconds and thirds if you desire. It's all a part of United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii's annual Dessert Fantasy fundraiser, and it gets better and better every year. The event typically has over 50 restaurants and vendors who generously donate their desserts to this wonderful event. A short list of participating businesses this year included: Kakaako Kitchen, Cake Connection, Pearl City HS Culinary Arts Program, Uber Factory, Kakaako Kitchen, Nisshodo Candy Store, Dave and Buster's, Hilton Hawaiian Village, and Chocolate on a Mission, Haleiwa Joe's, Chocolate and Vanilla Bakery, The Pig & the Lady, Gros Bonnet Culinary Academy/Hale Koa Hotel, Regal Bakery, Hokulani Bake Shop, and Bubbie's. In addition to the dessert sampling, there was also a silent auction (much mahalos to Dave F. for donating his beautiful photographs to the auction), face painting, a balloon man, and live entertainment. And if you don't get to try all of the desserts, or had a few favorites that you couldn't get enough of, when the event is over, you can purchase a take out container and stuff as many remaining desserts in it as you can fit. If you've got a big sweet tooth, mark your calendars for next year's event which will be on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at Pacific Beach Hotel ballroom.

If you're a dessert addict like me you're going to thank me for letting you know about this yearly…read morefundraiser event. Not only do you get 2 HOURS of unlimited sampling of the most delectable desserts in Hawaii, but you're helping a charitable cause at the same time. To Sum It Up: Who: The United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii What: * Over 60 different restaurants, bakeries, ice cream parlors, chocolate confectioners, and candy shops offer an array of their best desserts to satisfy any sweet tooth. * Live Entertainment * Silent Auction * Voting-People's Favorite Dessert * Door Prizes Cost: $25 Where: I'm unsure if it always happens at Pacific Beach Hotel every year , 2490 Kalakaua Ave. Honolulu, HI 96815 When: This year it happened on November 6 (I know NOVEMBER ....your currently mad at me, with your fists held high, yelling out profanities, with a tear in your eye , wanting to recite that notorious poem, "Remember, Remember the 6th of November!" -V for Vendetta. It was the 1st time I attended this event so give me some slack. Well at least you got a heads up right!?) This event has been happening almost as long as I've been alive and I've never heard about it! Until awesome fellow Yelper Thomos O. posted it on the Yelp events page. Big thanks to you Thomos O. Tips: PACE YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!! I attended this marvelous event with my friend and we went buck wild on the first table. Everything started to taste the same. Luckily, Cake Works was at the 1st table and I got to eat those heavenly chocolate dipped caramel French macaroons. * They offer complimentary water, tea, and coffee, but no milk (well they offer it for the coffee). As for me Milk makes desserts 10 times better. * Look at the paper that they hand out to you in the front this shows you what businesses are there. * Do a quick walk of the place so you know what you want to eat and grab what you want to eat. * Some of the tables had the bakers or owners handing out the dessert, so it was great asking them what I was eating and how it was made. But most of the tables had volunteers who only knew the name of what they were serving. * Don't worry of getting judged because you're surrounded with dessert addicts just like yourself. * TAKE HOME BOX at the end of the event. It only cost a mere $5. Come on now, what a deal, one of those desserts offered at the event cost more. I know my review doesn't do this event a bit of justice so here are other links about this event. A clip from KHON about the event: http://www.khon2.com/content/news/morning/story/Dessert-fantasy-at-Pacific-Beach-Sunday-Nov-6/qntYv3GUM0q6tGNx8nQfeA.cspx Event Photos- Pictures captured by Ed Morita from Non Stop Honolulu: http://www.nonstophonolulu.com/eating/party-pics-dessert-fantasy-2011/ Pictures from island views website: http://www.myislandviews.com/2011/11/on-november-6-2011-ucpa-held-its-annual.html Some (hence the word some, there were so many ono'licious lick your finger desserts to choose from) of Kim's Favorites: 1) Cake Works -Chocolate Dipped Caramel French Macron 2) Cookie Corner - Lilikoi Bar 3) Hokulani Bake Shop - Mini Assortment of Cupcakes 4) Hawaiian Host -Macadamia Chocolate Covered Nuts (I know their easily attainable but I love um) 5) Nisshodo -Mochi 6) Agne's Portuguese Bake Shop -Freshly made on site Malassadas 7) Choco le'a -Assortment of divine chocolates, truffles, and alcohol infused chocolates 8) The Alley at Aiea Bowl - Lemon Crunch Cake 9) Regal Bakery - Cake Doughnuts 10) Lappert's Hawaii - Yes, they were giving out ice cream at this event! Oh, Yes. 11) Cake Envy -Be careful you may turn green with ENVY on how delicious this is. Remember to write it on your calender, Do some sit ups before the event, tell a couple of your friends, tell it to "Siri" on your iPhone 4s so she remind you days before, Siri can pull it out the location on your GPS, and give you more information about the event. If you've got a sweet tooth like me this event you surely can't miss.

Food and New Product a retail therapy dream…read more.. Sadly has shrunk by half over the years it was the place to shop for items not usually found here on the islands is always nice for my personal reasons of visually seeing the products and giving it a touchy feely try with the added bonus of the show special pricing as well without the shipping and handling cost. The demonstrators of how things works and the deals always gets me in trouble but it was a lot of fun tasting and exploring fascinated by each items. Nevertheless going with a friend who loves loves these types of events as we arrived early (parking $8 admission $6) both prices definitely hurts though I was pleased to see a good amount of food and product balance and though the product are more shops selling their wears with just a few product demo and the same for food none of the samples to try the newest flavors and introduction but all great food vendors even some that I was eyeing was there which is a pleasant surprise. There was a good amount of large round tables to relax and enjoy the foods is a great great thing we totally took advantage of especially to snack on some the items we bought with an impromptu photo ops making it a fun night to remember though my camera was acting up so I didn't have much pics...sob! Chubby Fries & Wings, Honolulu Rose Cake Shop, Pacifikool, Bamboo Stickers, Tropical, Neha's Kitchen, Judy Shop, Chyler's Hawaiian Beef Chips...and so much more thank you! Bestie came straight from work still in uniform got a generous amount of massage time on the Daiwa chair which made her smile and now wants one lol but it was a great time browsing and supporting local. Thank you!

This year it was held at the Ala Moana shopping center on the 3rd floor parking lot…read more They allowed 500 customers every hour and you had 2 hours to look around and shop. The way they had you enter was crazy just to get in to the actual area to show your vaccinations card and ID you had to walked through a maze like the lines in Disneyland if you already had your tickets as the ones that didn't purchase their tickets ahead of time their lines to line up in was so much easier not like the maze we had to go through. I can understand Covid rules but there was no one in front of us until we went through 8 bends of the maze. Other then that the food and products show had a lot of good vendors and lots of new and different items for sale. Presale: $12.00 at the door: $15.00

This is a really late post...my bad. I really enjoyed this relaxing and chill party in the middle…read moreof my workaholic life. It's really long...too long since I actually been to a party like this. It felt like college life again. I miss college life. Anyways, half the restaurant was blocked off for this special party. The workers were all dressed up. People's costumes were amazingly cool! I hope I blended in? There were some appetizer (fried gyoza, ribs, coconut shrimp, jello, cupcakes..), they all had Halloween-ish name. The food were all good. This was an awesome event! Thanks Yelp for the planning. Much appreciated!

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I always plan my costume months in advance, throw…read moreelaborate Halloween parties with tons of spooky decorations, and watch Hocus Pocus five times. This halfway to Halloween party was a great idea but it snuck up on me and gave me a fright! What was I gonna wear? Luckily I allowed myself to break my rule of no costume repeats and just used this last Halloween's Minnie Mouse costume. My bestie and I rolled in ten minutes before the yelp hour closed (because I thought it started at seven...and we were unable to print out our passes)...but they still let us in and we were able to grab a couple plates and a drink before the free stuff disappeared. I loved the Halloween themed food....it made me feel so ghoulish inside. Jelly brains, pumpkin cupcakes, and mummy dogs! My faves were the coconut shrimp, gyoza and egg rolls. I also loved the spooky smoking punch. It seemed pretty weak but it was very tasty. My "Where's Wenda" date and I sampled Oculto beer, admired the amazing makeup/body paint artists, and listened to the great bands jamming out. Overall it was a fun night...and I really can't wait till Halloween!

Make a plan for Spam Jam. That's my advice to get the most out of this event. It's always fun, but…read moreit gets crowded quickly, so what I do is look at the list of vendors and check out what they'll be offering ahead of time. I even go to their Instagram because a lot of times they will show pictures and describe the items in more detail. So then I have a plan going into Spam Jam of the things that are must-eat and then the "maybe I'll get this if I have room" stuff. This year, I really wanted funnel cakes, which had been listed online as part of the menu, but when I got to that vendor's tent, there were no funnel cakes, just spiral potatoes, gandules, and some other things. So no funnel cake for me. I kind of hate when the listing online shows things that will be there that are not even offered when you get there. I did get delicious hula pie topped with candied Spam from Duke's along with a teriyaki katsu sandwich from Duke's, which was interesting because it had both pineapple tidbits as well as raisins (?!) but the raisins kind of oddly worked. My favorite was Il Gelato's caramel Spam gelato topped with Spam toffee, which was delicious! There are several Il Gelato locations near my place so I will be checking them out later on for sure. I also enjoyed birria tacos from Skybox Taphouse. I got the queso birria tacos for $9 for 2 tacos, which I thought was reasonable. My husband got the two "hellfire" tacos for $14 which were (1) too hot for me and (2) I couldn't tell why they were $5 more than my tacos. Other than the heat and including two large jalapenos, I couldn't tell what inside them merited a $5 increase. A fun time hopefully had by all. We enjoyed our celebratory day of Spam!

A great event, with lots of retail and food booths, supported by specialty Spam dishes at various…read morerestaurants, roaming photo ops, entertainment, and happy people. Hawai'i Foodbank also thanks everyone for their support! We arrived a tad late, it was a busy day - so we just missed the drone show, and most spam specialties were sold out. Those that weren't still had long lines, so YAY it was a success! This was our first time at the Waikiki Spam Jam, and we were happy to miss the super big crowd. We just wanted to check this out, and we're very glad we did! Mahalo to all the volunteers, vendors, security, and HPD for helping create and make this a wonderful and safe event for everyone to enjoy!!!