What the Truck?!…read more Kaka'ako Makai at the former Fisherman's Wharf location is this super amazing event every second Friday of the Month from 5pm to 9pm. Not only there's a bunch of free parking right beside the event though the area can be very rocky driving slowly you'll have no problem. The vibe here is just so chill with music by local entertainer I just instantly mellow out after a long work day as I almost passed on stopping by being so exhausted and of course I'm so happy I did. With that the transformation to the location is the most impressive than anything I've seen, a whole platform with the coziest seating and string lights decor just brings out the beauty we're so blessed to have right along the ocean as the sun starts to set the colors and darkness is just a magical blend to bring the whole ambiance. Of course I had to do my rounds and see several yummies I've never seen and surprised to see a friend's place "Ono Fresh Poke" that I have yet to try woohoo! Besides that it was Aloha Mac Shack and Sato Seafood tonight. Seriously I was in heaven sitting here with my treats enjoying the loveliest entertainment then boom!! 8pm FIREWORKS!!! The absolute perfect fireworks viewing without fuss. Follow them on Instagram @what.the.truck.hawaii as the next one is on Friday December 9th which you'll thank me knowing it will be the perfect place to stop by after your holiday shopping as we all need to be taken care of! Thank you!

My favorite place to celebrate the Bon Season and the start of summer!…read more Mōili'ili Summer Festival and Bon Dance is a great place to celebrate it all the Bon Festival, start of Summer and even Tanabata or the Star Festival, which they do have an area that dedicate that with a beautiful description of those where new or unfamiliar with the meaning and representation of each decor and attire and just the foods and entertainment that goes with the events. As always to support with a donation or to purchase shirts and towels is a great way to show some love this year they have a few collaboration which really got me excited is with Eden In Love, Sumo Fish and Asato!!! Gosh yes I did get some Love from Eden with their super cute tote I couldn't resist and yasss a shirt from Sumo Fish I'm in love with! The line for Asato was cray cray so I decided on other treats. Fujiyama Texas always yummy as I Mom really wanted to go this year so she got their Pork Belly Udon which I got last year and knew it was a great choice as it was a bowl filled with perfectly cooked udon in a light a flavorful broth topped with the load of thin sliced pork belly she ate it all up. I decided to go in a different direction and saw Hott Potstickers...ooooo!!! Love love looooove potstickers I stood in the line which moved fairly well there was four types to choose from and I got the Curry Chicken and is $13 for 10pcs or make it a combo with tea for $18/$19 but just the potstickers will do me fine and these good sized pieces was nice! The skin was a bit thicker like a mandoo put are pan fried crisp with probably a steamed finish is seriously exactly how I love mines prepared. As we all settled with our sips and bites we enjoyed the many many many dancers as I've never seen so many people dancing in unison is breathtaking the weather was nice and calm though the crowd probably made it hotter than it probably is. There's so much vendors here it is much more a festival than your typical Bon Dance but it's so festive and so much to choose from it's seriously my favorite. Thank you to my bestie Tamilyn for getting me and mom some drinks from Tropical Wai that really hit the spot you're so thoughtful and kind I'm so blessed you got got meet mom and enjoy this event for your first time and now know why this is my favorite we will be so prepared for next year! Thank you!

Decent festival, this seems more of a festival than a bon dance which seems secondary to the food…read moretrucks/booths and retail vendors. The bon dance itself has a nice mix of live and recorded music. They were behind schedule at certain points so it seemed like certain groups sets were not that long. Favorite Eats: + Shoyu Pork, it was much more tasty this year with the actual pork being much more flavorful. The portion size was definitely larger with them giving a larger serving of the pork itself. Could have done with less rice though. + Yakisoba, was surprised that it was actually tasty. Plus the container it came in held a good amount of noodles. Cons: - It was $20 for handicap/disabled people with parking placards to park in the lot next to the event. In the past there used to be free handicap parking. Plus they packed us in with none of the stalls having an access aisle.

The Taste of Chinatown Festival 2017 was held at the Beretania-Smith Park and Playground. The…read moreTasting Pass that I received is like a coupon that vendors at the festival will accept and typically give $1-2 off on a dish. One vendor only gave a discount if I bought two plates, which I chose not to do. Another vendor gave me $1 off an overpriced $8 small bowl of bibimbap. I realize that there are a lot of different cuisines offered in Chinatown today, but I thought there would be more emphasis on Chinese culture and cuisine. Instead, I only saw Little Village Noodle House offering typical fast-food Chinese fare that I was not interested in having. There was some entertainment including Hawaiian music and dancing from local artists and community groups. I also saw that fortune telling was being offered for a little while. I expected the festival to be a bit larger and more dynamic, especially compared to the annual Greek Festival and Korean Festival, which provide actual cuisine, music, and entertainment from those respective cultures. As someone with Chinese heritage, I would like to see Chinatown step up its game and showcase more Chinese culture and history alongside the ethnically diverse businesses that now occupy much of the neighborhood.

Do you feel "intimidated" about going into Chinatown? You should NOT worry because you don't speak…read moreany Asian language or think that you're on an episode of Bizarre Foods. Just come on down.... This festival is for you because Chinatown is not only about Chinese businesses or restaurants but instead showcases the great mix of cultures and urbanization in one of O'ahu's historical districts. Featured today, are several well-known restaurants such as Downbeat Diner, Little Village (the only Chinese restaurant being represented), Pig & The Lady, Kan Zaman and Artizen by MW Restaurant. We came down to sample some of the goodies which also includes artisan chocolates and other local favorites. Instead, we got a bit distracted by watching the lion dance and some live entertainment that was readying to get on to the stage. The aromas from Kan Zaman's lamb kebabs and Downbeat Diner's grilled sandwiches were drawing hungry families over to their tent. Darn, that line to the shave ice vendor (Kona Ice) is gonna be long because it's so hot and sunny today. Also, Ulu's Lemonade and Aloha Pops represented for more cold treats to beat the heat. There was a tent with tables and chairs as well as a couple of bar-stand tables for folks to eat at. Non-food booths from some local jewelers, a moisture-wicking apparel company, a Hawaii Heritage Center and a couple of local artists rounded out this festival. This park has been cleaned up considerably because in the past, a lot of homeless would come here to sleep and do their business. We noticed that they even had portable toilets set up for festival-goers. There are lots of free parking spaces along Vineyard Boulevard. If you choose to park in the nearby municipal parking lots and along the streets, don't forget to feed the meters because it's Saturday. Enjoy the day in Chinatown because right around the corner (Mark's Garage area), there is also a Downtown Artists Festival going on. Maybe we'll run into each other!

I'm loving the live band and all the different food booths. I see Tin Hut BBQ, Kau Kau Grill,…read moreCarval Cafe and Everything Tastes a Better Fried to name a few. I decided that I wanted to try the food from Hula and Shrimp booth. They didn't disappoint. I got the guava BBQ short ribs and the hubby got the guava BBQ chicken. It was obviously the same sauce but it was so good. The best part of the plate was the macaroni salad. I usually don't touch it because macaroni is not my thing. Their mac salad had potato and egg in it so I was tempted to try it. It was one of the best salads I've ever had. We also ordered one of their ice teas in a mason jar. It was meh. It could have been sweeter for my preference. They also didn't set up seating at this place so we just ate in the car.

This party was absolutely happen!! It was on the rooftop of the Hyatt Waikiki. There was drinks…read moreflowing with several locations to purchase. The music was Poppin with a live DJ. Everybody came dressed and ready to party. There was several awesome costume wearers that night. You could tell everybody went all out for this event. My friend and I enjoyed ourselves and dance the night away. I will be heading to this event up next year, but I will be wearing comfortable dance shoes. Note, bring cash for the bar. There was a $50 minimum for credit card at the inside bar area. But there was a ATM conveniently located between two alcohol stations. There was seating and there was a cabanas that you can reserve for the night. Most of the patron sat along the sides of the balcony. We left after midnight and there was a huge line around the corner waiting to get in. So if you're going to check this location out next year, come early.

It was nice to attend this auspicious party for once. I've been hearing about it for years…read more Gathered with a few yelpers to help fight off the ghouls if needed. I was under the impression it started at 8pm but we were not let in until about 8:30pm. HPD made their presence felt there would be no problems here. The crowd felt pretty tame to me. Maybe later in the evening it would have gotten more loose. Don't know as the next day was still a work day, we had to leave earlier to get our beauty sleep. The roof top setting was gorgeous with the water of the pool changing colors beneath the skyline and starry night. We were the 1st ones to enter affording us a quiet respite to enjoy the moment before the crowd came in. Precious. Two full bars and two dance floors didn't have much people dancing. There were some very interesting costumes worth taking pics of or with. I was impressed with the get up many tourist had. Halloween is no longer just for kids. Did we really grow up? ( As I stare into the mirror looking in the mad eyes of the mad Hatter.) It was nice to see what this was all about. Next year I will be more prepared for the going ons and hope to participate more. Too bad it only comes once a year.

Great carnival especially considering this is the 1st year that the school is doing it…read more FOOD: Let me start by saying majority of the booths are run by groups from the school like Band Booster, Athletics, & Project Grad so you know it will be a little bit more. So let me tell you that I was presently surprised how good the Poke Bowl and Flying Saucer was especially considering it was probably made by volunteers. PARKING: $3. When we went in the afternoon it wasn't hard at all to find parking. Loved that there was a lot of handicap parking that was really close to the actual event. SUGGESTION: I would have loved to see local fruits & vegetables and maybe baked goods for sale. Definitely will come back next year.

Date: October 3, 2015 Where: Kaka'ako Agora…read moreReason to go: Attend my first comedy sketch show Yelp had two events for October 3, 2015. I was bummed out that I didn't have the opportunity of attending the Yelp Day at the Movies: Pan which started at 10am. My luck turned around when I received confirmation that I was chosen to attend The Scratch Paper Sketch Comedy Show at Kaka'ako Agora which started at 8pm. I traveled from Waianae to Kapiolani Boulevard/South Street via the Country Express Bus. From there I walked it to Kaka'ko Agora. I must have been so excited to attend that I arrived at 6:30pm and the establishment was still close. To kill time I ended up walking to Highway Inn on Ala Moana Boulevard to have a light dinner. Fast forward to 7:30pm...the establishment is finally open to welcome guests. I walked into the partial warehouse area and noticed two tables with chairs facing the ocean. There was two rows of chairs facing the mountain. Individuals who showed up at the comedy show were able to sit in either of the two rows or on the wooden benches against the wall. The lucky Yelp attendees and walk in tourists were greeted by Kimee who is the founder of the Improv Hi. She explained to the audience what the event is all about. Think of it as Saturday Night Live only with live actors from Improv HI reading from the manuscripts in the rough draft stage. I liked few of the manuscripts that the actors did: a) The Starbucks versus Dunkin Donuts coffee with the radio news. b) The boyfriend and girlfriend in a meeting with a relationship counselor c) The owner of a dog asking his neighbor on the whereabouts of his dog...the neighbor says that the dog is playing with his children and the dog tells the neighbor that he enjoys watching college football instead of the NFL. The event also consisted of several short comedy sketches and films that the audience were able to watch on the wall from the projector. One of my favorite comedy sketch was a video that starred comedian actor Kevin Yee in which he sang about Gay Love. A catchy tune "You can't get pregnant from gay love". Jason Lind was the guest musician during the event with help from John LeBlanc. They performed several times after the live short sketches. Overall it was an awesome event even though the live performances was in the rough draft stages. I'm curious on how the final short comedy sketch films will turn out....better yet I would love to see the actors perform the scenes by memory. Mahalo Yelp Hawaii and Improv Hi for a night of music and laughter. Awesome work by the actors reading the sketches for tonight's The Scratch Paper Sketch Comedy Show. Awesome seeing Jay T., Terry H., and Darin O. at the event. It was great meeting Sophia D for the first time in real life. Made a new friend in Ku'uipo D as well.

On nights that there is not too much going on down in Kaka'ako except for big fitness buffs that…read moreare going to the gyms at all hours of the night- there are still some things for us to see at Kaka'ako Agora. Kaka'ako Agora is a really unique location that looks like a warehouse turned into an open theater. They seem to support many 'ARTS' events- and HI Improve is able too to take advantage of this great location. It is really near Fisher for those that use that as a location reference, and street parking is almost always a must. Check in was wonderful getting a chance to say hi to Kimee who puts on the the events like 'The Scratch Paper Sketch Comedy Show' and other Improve events here in HI. Basically the show was organized as a cross between Saturday Night Live and the tv show based off it called 'Studio 65' where actors read the scripts instead of totally acting out the full dress performance. There were more than the 2 musical numbers included on SNL at the event here- which added depth to the event that people may not feel when watching SNL on a small screen tv. Live guitar in this setting pleased too the crowd. So well done. There were performances of the live 1st years HI Sketch Comedy Event filmed at the Dorris Duke theater. Those shorts were my favorite comedy bits. The event was a teaser and to draw interest from others in HI that love comedy and hopefully will garner more interest. Mahalo Nui Loa Yelp Hawaii - you da bes'! Mahalo Nui Loa Kimee + Improv Hi for a night of music and laughter. Awesome work by dedicated lovers of performance arts made for tonight's "The Scratch Paper Sketch Comedy Show" not just possible but a huge success.

My husband and I went to the Mayjah Rayjah 2013 Concert last night. We had a great time. Even…read morethough we are on the 'mature side' and didnt know any of the artists. I wanted to do something totally different for our 28th Wedding Anniversary. We sat on the over 21 side (the alcoholics side) as they were affectionately known throughout the night . We chose this side only because it had a better angle to the stage. We got there really early but didnt need to really. We were first in line at the express entrance because we bought a Groupon for the concert.. There is really no need to arrive early and line up for hours we discovered unless you really really want to sit right down the front on the cement step near the stage. There is more than ample room to put your blanket down and relax and watch the show and the stage can be seen from anywhere. We sat on the first path half way up the hill just near the sound desk and it was perfect. By the end of the night though we had a lot of people standing on the path behind us but that didnt happen until about 11.30pm. I am a watcher and I watched the ample ample amount of security guards, no one seemed to be misbehaving even on the 'alcoholics side' and everyone was having a great time dancing and singing. You cannot repeat CANNOT take in anything other than a blanket. I bought 2 stadium seat thingys with the padded seat and back attached from Walmart for $18, they were well worth it as we sat on the grass for 7 hours and hardly got a 'numb bum'...... Each bag is checked thoroughly, every zipper was open and searched. Large backpacks are not allowed in and what was allowed in were completely searched as well. The drinks were overpriced, water, sodas were $3 each but the food was reasonable. 2 Hawaiian plates, rice with salad and chicken or chili franks were $8 each so not too bad. We didnt have any alcohol so not sure of the price, but previous yelpers say it was expensive. They were selling the large cans of Bud Light and looks like mixed drinks as well. Overall it was a fantastic night. If you dont want the noisy revelers sit on the under 21 family side but if you want an alcoholic drink you cant go back over till its all gone!