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    Ka Moana Luau

    4.4 (495 reviews)
    Closed 5:30 pm - 8:00 PM

    Ka Moana Luau Photos

    KA MOANA LUAU ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Reviews With Photos - Ka Moana Luau

    Beautiful shipping vessel serenades the Luau
    Jonathan M.

    If I could give this place 5 stars for being the worst Luau in probably all of Hawaii, I would If you want to spend $300+ dollars for two tickets that include "four drink tickets" (9 oz cups that barely had any alcohol) and pay extra to get a real drink, this is the Luau for you! The view was truly extraordinary, as shipping vessels bathed the beautiful background of concrete and fence The food was to die for! Enjoy cold, hard, chicken with a side of dirty lettuce I won't say anything bad about the show, those are hard working people trying to make an honest living, but seriously DO NOT go here

    Denise M.

    Is this touristy? Yes!! Are we tourists?? Also, yes!! We had a great time at this luau. We got the higher of the mid package, Splash premium. The classic package includes a shell lei and one cocktail and seating along the edge. Our package gets a fresh flower lei, 2 cocktails and better seating. There is a celebrity package with has a separate check-in line, 2 cocktails and servers bring you your food, while everyone else goes through the buffet line. We were lucky and were seated in the celebrity package seating. We had a great view of the dancers. After you've checked in, they place a lei around your neck--fresh flower lei or shell lei, depending on your package. Then they take a picture of your party with people in traditional Hawaiian costume. You can purchase the picture later if you would like. You are given your drink tickets to use at the bar. There are activities this do before the show starts--lei making, passion friend crown making, and dancing lesson. There was a Polynesian band playing in stage the entire time. The tickets get you either a basic cocktail --i got two mai tais decorated with flowers--or you can upgrade for premium cocktails. We went through the buffet, which was really good. There was salad and kalua pork, Huli Huli chicken, mahi mahi, poy, rice, chow mein noodles, great pineapple, veggies, rolls, and dessert if chocolate cake and coconut gelatin. While we were eating, a man climbed up the coconut tree, which was fun to watch. As we finished dinner, the traditional dancers performed with traditional drummers. It was all great, especially the fire dancers. It's really was a fun night. Who cares if it is touristy?

    i moved closer under the bar to watch because it started raining
    Cynthia W.

    We got the celebrity package which states "front row". But really it was not. lol. I had to turn my chair to see the stage. We are maybe the second row of tables. It is originally $200 a person, but we got a discount for half off if we listened to some travel sales pitch thing. I just don't think it is worth $200 a person before taxes and fees. We get a welcome Mai Tai and two drink tickets. Also it is nice that we did not need to get up to get our food. They served us. I liked the little activities before it started. We got there early so we had plenty of time to make a head band, practice the fire stick, etc. The overall show was great. The MC / host was wonderful. He was very engaging and entertaining. The dances were really well thought out. The fire show is my favorite! I always wonder how they don't burn themselves or catch something on fire. The food was okayyy. Wished it was better, but i think Luau's are usually for the entertainment and not the food.

    Martina M.

    We really enjoyed the luau! We did celebrity check-in and purchased tickets through Groupon for a party of nine. The food was generous and tasty and the drinks were great as well. Kids enjoyed the pineapple drinks. The show was amazing, everyone had a great time. Our group included kids ranging from 8 to 20 years old and all of them enjoyed it. The staff was friendly and very helpful. We also loved the extra touches, getting tattoos, making bracelets and receiving real flower leis. Overall, a wonderful experience and highly recommended!

    Jessamyn D.

    Pre activities were fun to do from the luau, depending on which package you get you can get drink coupons. My friend group and I did the lowest package and received drink coupon, shell necklace upon entering and found our seated. The dinner is buffet style and had good options from rice to chicken, pork and fish, noodles, taro dinner rolls and dessert as well. The show was fun to watch and see the different styles of dancing.

    There are performers on the stage right now. See them? Neither could I! I held my phone high to take this.
    A. C.

    I paid for premium "Splash" seating, and was sitting on the very fringes viewing the stage from an angle. I could only see the performers from the knees up, and I was so far away the only way I could tell who was a man or woman was only by the way they dressed. Plus, a huge tree blocked my view of the musicians. Oh, and the food. If you think eating lukewarm chicken, fish, and shredded pork out of styrofoam boxes is worth the hundreds of dollars you pay, then you're welcome to it. The environment is terrible, you can't see the sunset, and what little you CAN see is blocked by some tall metal rig in the ocean. It feels like some dystopian industrial location that just happens to have some Hawaiian cosplayers dancing in it. I paid $336 for my wife and I to have a premium experience, and I feel completely ripped off.

    Andrew A.

    One of those things you do once for the experience. The Luau itself was a good show. The performers were great, the dances engaging, and the MC made sure you learned something before every dance. The food was decent but nothing write home about, the activities pre-show were fun! Lei making, fire dance (with practice sticks) trick lessons, headband weaving with coconut leaves, and picture areas. The location at the Aloha Tower made it for a very picturesque evening for sure. Onto the negatives: the event is really expensive for what it is. One could easily drop $400+ for 2 people, plus any drinks outside of your drink tickets (included on the Celebrity upgrade). You have to pay $30 for one picture or $50 for 2, of the pictures they take of you at the beginning... which seems outrageous considering how much one spends to attend. We did not have to pay to attend as we got it for free for attending the "sales pitch" from Hilton Club... but I want to be honest about the value you get for your money regardless. If you're staying at a resort that can get you a good deal for it, it's totally worth it, but paying full price may be a different story.

    Before the show
    Lisa P.

    Many of the resort hotels have groups of hula dancers on hand that provide luau experiences complete with the traditional dinner for a fee. I was looking for a bit more and spoke with my hotel's concierge service provider. After watching a brief video and a thorough explanation of what was included I booked. A big, beautiful bus complete with good air and a bathroom picked up patrons from a few hotels. Upon arrival while waiting in line to go inside the luau area, we were teased with some of the hula dancing. I think that was a pretty cool way to check the crowd's energy. As we entered we were presented with leis; flowers for the ladies and shells for the men which both are symbols of love, respect and hospitality. Then gently nudged over to the photo wall. I ordered VIP which included a free gift, an extra drink ticket, table service and a seat at table #1, right in front of the stage. My eyes are over forty so I appreciate being able to see EVERYTHING up close. The traditional live music was enjoyable, the hula dancing was engaging but the history was amazing. In between the dances the host would share Polynesian stories about the kingdom of Hawaii. There was also a coconut demonstration where I learned things about its many parts that I never knew. Complete with a tree climbing. Luau means to celebrate with food and there was so much on our plates. Huli huli chicken, kalua pork, cubed fish and the purple taro dinner rolls were truly a treat. I noticed many of the marinades were brown sugar, soy sauce and pineapple based and I enjoyed those flavors. After experiencing this beautiful outdoor luau, I highly recommend that you venture away from your hotel and try something with a lot more variety.

    Amy L.

    After check in, we were greeted with lei's. Once we got seated, there were several activities like making flower bracelets and learning an instrument. Plus some alcohol and beverages were included depending on the package that you've purchased. The show was great! The performers were interactive with the guests and put on a good show. However, I gotta knock down points for the buffet that they offered. Food was not good at all. Everything tasted like it's seasoned with salt only. Pork and fish were dry and overcooked. Some of the rice was hard. And the little dessert ran out pretty quickly. It wasn't enough for everyone for sure. A good luau includes good food and a good show, and the food was just disappointing. I would go somewhere else.

    Tish P.

    You know I would give this place three stars, but I can't do it. I attended in June on my actual birthday. The food wasn't that great; it's a buffet, but getting it again is not feasible with the amount of people and the fact they close the food area down pretty early. Also, you're so close to the tables and the other people there's no space. But my biggest irk, is the ridiculous amount of time that I spent in line to use my drink tickets. Just know that if you pay for the non-basic ticket, (I don't remember the difference in the names) but only one of them comes with separate drink line. It was two slow bartenders for everyone that had the basic ticket and the next level up. They can't control the weather and it's rain or shine, but we were literally standing in light rain trying to get drinks for easy 35/40 minutes, if not more. Leaving little time to get my food. I had to rush to the food area before the show started. I made conversation with one of the guys serving the line so he was friendly. The other, not so much. And there are two serving lines. The low cost (meaning from business perspective) offerings like salad and desserts were do it yourself, but they served the meat and veggies. It wasn't very good either. Really disappointed in my meal. The show was ok, I've never been to a Luau but my thoughts of what I know, this was mid experience. A family on one of my tours had gone as well and they had the same impression as we were discussing it. I will say I enjoyed getting lei'd when I first got there! But honey I called an uber early and got out of there so quick when I felt the show was nearly ending.

    Hula dancing
    Tresa R.

    Best luau ever! Beautiful costumes. Very knowledgeable. The history was a big plus! The singing, dancing, fire dancing, hula, food, ambiance, all exceptional!! Loved this experience.

    They made a fire right there on stage.
    Ruth G.

    We were fortunate enough to win an upgraded seat and we were front and center for the show. We were welcomed with a complimentary beverage and leis. The ocean in the background gave us a beautiful sunset. The food was delicious and plentiful, and although we're big eaters we couldn't finish what we were brought. The show was so much fun. Ten dollars to park was well worth it and the traffic wasn't too bad leaving. Highly recommend.

    Food on the menu !
    Rachel P.

    We had the best time! the food was great, we learned how to build leis and twirl the stick. the luau dancers were so friendly, their was a lot of history and we even watched a man climb a coconut tree. the best part had to be the fire dancers at the end. they were fantastic. we were seated toward the front which was nice with 10 other people at our table and and the whole show was so captivating.

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    Review Highlights - Ka Moana Luau

    The celebrity package is the best as you get to go in earlier, get more drinks, your food is brought to you.

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    Secret Spot Honolulu

    Secret Spot Honolulu

    4.3
    (253 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$
    Live music
    Happy hour specials

    Secret Spot is a place worth knowing about! In the heart of Waikiki, it caters to a mixed local…read morecrowd and visitors alike. It's part art gallery, part bar, and live music venue. Depending on the time of day you come, it can be relaxing with sofa seating, bar seating, and cafe tables. They have a great happy hour menu, fun foods, and tons of drink options. I've been now also during concert nights and the place can get packed. If you really want to see a band, be sure to buy tickets early for entry as at-the-door entry may not be available. Prices are reasonable for drinks and tickets. Bartender Kama was super attentive and friendly all evening on a recent visit, mahalo! If you like pop culture art, local music, and contemporary Hawaii culture, this is a great place to come and have fun.

    Went in for the convenience of being next door to where I am staying and for the $12 breakfast…read morespecial. To my surprise it's a hook to over charge you. 5 x specials came out to $118.48 and that was after I checked my receipt and notice that had added the charge for 3 additional drinks. They had already up charged $3 for cranberry juice which was not notified. They took my order after about 30 minutes after we were served our drinks, 30 minutes to serve our food. And they weren't even busy... looked like they took the order, served and then took next... etc. Not greeted, not thanked. Ridiculously overpriced for eggs, bacon, 1/2 toast and 2 slices or orange juice.. $6 juice. Regret leaving a tip at all.

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    Espresso martini
    Espresso martini
    Three Plus sell out show
    Three Plus sell out show
    Guava waffle! Light and delicious!

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    Blue Note Hawaii

    Blue Note Hawaii

    3.8
    (893 reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$$

    Food & Drink The…read morebetter half of the world food tour duo had other plans, so I invited my sister-in-law to see Stanley Jordan. We chose a table on the upper level on the right side of the center section. This gave us good views of the stage and no one in front of us blocked our views. We ordered double Hendricks gin & tonics, a Caesar Salad, Portobello Arrabbiata, and the Jidori Coconut Basil Chicken. Interestingly, the pasta dish didn't have any portobello mushrooms; it featured pieces of Maitake mushrooms. Like before, the pasta was somewhat overcooked, but the spicy marinara sauce was fine. The chicken half came with what tasted like plain rice sitting in a coconut cream sauce. The rice was described as crispy cilantro lime rice ... I don't think so. Our biggest complaint about the chicken was that it was slightly overdone ... My leg was fine, but the breast meat was dry. We passed on dessert and I had a cup of black coffee. Food rating: 3+. The Concert I've followed Stanley Jordan for a long time and have many of his albums, starting with Magic Touch in 1985. That CD opened my ears to a different style of guitar playing. I thought I was a guitarist .... No, I'm a hack. Stanley, now 66, played his Vigier (a French guitar), another one whose name I couldn't see, and a grand piano during his 1.5-hour set. I wasn't able to check out his pedal setup. If you haven't heard him play, you are missing out on a virtuoso of improvisational jazz. Trained as a pianist, he plays with both hands, on one guitar or two. He played two songs seated at the piano and switched hands during each ... All while singing. His set included Yesterday, Eleanor Rigby, My Funny Valentine, and a couple of songs from his forthcoming album, Feather in the Wind. The Blue Note is perfectly suited for small scale / solo performances by artists like Stanley Jordan. Highly recommended! Concert rating: 5+.

    Blue Note Hawaii was on fire for Mindy Smokestack's 10th Annual Amy Winehouse Tribute. The second…read moreyou walked in, you could feel that "this is gonna be a good one" energy -- and the performers delivered all night long Mindy Smokestack set the tone with a lineup that was stacked with talent. Kristina Bair came in with vocals that hit you right in the chest, Cardamom brought that warm, smoky vibe, and The Elevations kept the groove tight and clean. Every performer -- Kessa Armstrong, Kevin Brown, Ayano A McPeek‑Bailey, Tazra Gomes, Belen León -- added their own flavor, making the show feel like a full‑on celebration instead of a copycat tribute The crowd was locked in, the band was dialed, and the whole night felt like one of those "only in Hawaiʻi" experiences where the music, the room, and the people all sync up perfectly. And of course the food was fire

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    Blue Note Hawaii
    Blue Note Hawaii
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    Oceanic VIP Music Hall

    Oceanic VIP Music Hall

    4.9
    (11 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    Mahalo to Emi and Yelp Hawaii for another unique and educational experience! My +1 and I had a…read morechance to go to the Oceanic VIP Music Hall to see Ka'imi Hanano'eau who is the lead singer and guitarist for the band, HiRiZ. We got free validated parking across the street at the Dole Cannery parking structure! We waited in the lobby of the Castle & Cooke Building where our Escort checked our names off the list and led us to the 4th Floor. Along the way, the walls were filled with portraits of previous performers such as Jim Brickman and Na Leo Pilimehana. Impressive! After walking around to what seemed to be the back of the building, we entered a large living room full of sofas, ottomans, barstools and tables. We were warmly greeted and invited to partake in refreshments of shrimp platter, croissant sandwiches, fresh fruit, pasta salad and bottled water. The Emcee, Kevin Jones of Star 101.9, kept things lively by introducing the band members, asking engaging questions , and adding interesting trivia. He really helped make this event a more comfortable and intimate one. My friends and I sat in the first row where we could check out the jewelry and shoes (and bare feet) of the band. We enjoyed watching them communicate through gestures and eye contact and how they pressed the buttons of the amplifiers with their feet! I truly enjoyed watching Ka'imi's fingers glide over the frets of his guitar so effortlessly. ..He's a very talented songwriter even though he sang songs from the Doobie Brothers, Prince, and the Pixies, too. I was also amused by his playfulness as he approached the electric fan which blew his long hair wildly around his face! We're grateful to be invited to the Oceanic VIP Music Hall. It's a very special place! Hope to get another chance to return!

    Ah the Road Runner Music Hall, they renamed it, it's now called the Oceanic VIP Music Hall! Yeah…read moredifferent but i guess Road Runner wasn't fast enough. This has to be my FAVORITE part of Clear Channel! Posters on the wall from previous artists that have performed to the couches you can chill on, how can anyone not like it here? Sometimes it can get cold, it just depends. I don't know what else to say, if I had to pick watching an artist at the music hall or at a venue, I'd rather it be here. It's just cool like that.

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    The band took photos with the audience!
    The band took photos with the audience!
    The stage!
    The stage!
    High rise

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    Lewers Lounge

    Lewers Lounge

    4.4
    (298 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$$

    Lovely anniversary evening here. Came for the live jazz music and they were stellar as usual. The…read moreambiance is lovely and service excellent Why I demoted them a star was the pretty cocktails I saw in Yelp are gone. There's no: "Moonglow" (Benny Goodman) or "That was my heart" (honor to Ella Fitzgerald), so I asked for my favorite aperitif, "Dubonnet" , no. But, they came up with my other favorite, sambuca Mist. I have to agree with another reviewer that the French baguette served with the charcuterie was hard as could be and inedible. I did not enjoy the choice of cheeses as they were both of the same hard boring tastes, unimaginative, mix it up. They olives should be pitted. The tiramisu dessert was very delicious, even though very small, but expected--after all its fine dining. I have no other way to tell new manager to up their game in the food and beverage department. Just wouldn't expect Halekulani to slip in these departments. Also, manager never came around or was seen checking in his or her patrons, not very 5 star there. Just being honest. The complimentary valet parking was exceptional. Thank you for a very enjoyable evening.

    Very niiiiice. I love the ambiance here. Feel free to dress to the nines and bring someone special…read more This place is a stylish, low-lit jazz lounge with a cool atmosphere and smooth vibe. I immediately felt calm and relaxed here, much like everywhere else at Halekulani. The pūpū and drinks we ordered were special, thoughtfully prepared, and professionally delivered. We also ordered the hamburger, which was excellent, followed by two French press coffees and coconut cake. The staff was unpretentious and welcoming from the start--nothing stuffy despite the sophisticated setting. The musicians are so talented it felt more like a private concert or dinner theater. The pianist, Maggie, is a singer-songwriter who taught us a few things and kept us engaged the entire time. We caught up on our day, ate, and enjoyed the show. Reservations are for two hours, so there was no rush at all. Overall, this is a classy spot for a relaxed night out. Prices are about what you'd expect but even stopping in after dinner elsewhere would be nice. Reservations are not needed for the bar. The only thing I would do differently is arrive earlier to enjoy the grounds more before sunset. Valet park and enjoy your night!

    Photos
    Fonseca 10-year - old Tawny & Taylor Fladgate 20-year - old Tawny
    Fonseca 10-year - old Tawny & Taylor Fladgate 20-year - old Tawny
    Paper Doll
    Paper Doll
    Live jazz.

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    Live jazz.
    Hawaiian Brians

    Hawaiian Brians

    2.7
    (324 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    My friends and I adore HB!…read more It's a great place for concerts and shows. Their crew really puts their heart into their work and you can tell. There really is something for everyone. We love the options at Wild Orange. I've been sober from alcohol for the better part of 3 years and normally speakeasies don't have much to offer me. It's fun to still get to cry some craft drinks without the booze. Their vegan and veg bites are creative and delicious. I've had many a great night dancing, eating, and jamming out with people I love. They also host different pool and darts events that I've spectated at. Always fun just to play casual pick up, but some of my friends play more seriously in some of the tournaments and it's nice that their venue is large enough for the crowd. Parking can be tight but if you go to the top level there is normally something open. As long as you remember to get your parking validation (they even have a sign reminding you) it's very reasonable and cheaper than ride sharing if you have someone who's able to drive.

    "Well, listen, if you bring 'em by, maybe we could interest you in a game of pool.. Yeah, Frank…read morehere - he's got his own billiard room." - Cosmo Kramer, Seinfeld da Scene: Revisiting old haunts and took my daughter here to play some pool and tell stories from my old (and her recent) youth. It's a far cry from the original spot on Ke'eaumoku I used to go; right across from Like Like Drive-Inn... it was more like a old school "Color of Money" pool hall back then. There is ALOT going on in this spot now. Event space for concerts/club, 2 pool rooms, full bar, darts, and a hidden speakeasy (see review of Wild Orange). da Play: Came in early afternoon/evening and was already busy, tables were a little worn, but true and spaced nicely, there were mostly regulation-size tables and a few smaller bar-size ones by the darts. Good cues were a little sparce and for some reason a lot of "keiki-sized" ones... then I realized why when some kiddos walked by. I think it's great that you can bring your kids, now I get why the "21 band" gets issued at security. There was a lecture/event w/ Hawaiian music in the event space when we got there, turned into a club with music thumping through the walls later on. Played almost two hours, with three rounds of drinks, very reasonable. da Service: Park, check in, parking validated, hit the bar, drop your name for a table and wait for the pager to vibrate while sipping on cold drinks... Bartenders were nice as was the very diverse crowd. 20 somethings groups chatting it up, date night couples, bros drinking more than playing, families w/ kids, and a few semi-serious guys "in session". GREAT PEOPLE WATCHING. Security is visible and on top of things; couple of times a rowdy group got rambunctious and got a firm talking to... you don't wanna get a scolding by any of the bulls in yellow security shirts!!

    Photos
    Hawaiian Brians
    Hawaiian Brians
    Hawaiian Brians

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    Hawaii Theatre Center

    Hawaii Theatre Center

    4.3
    (260 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$
    100 years in business
    Not-for-profit

    I was blessed enough to experience various shows at the Hawaii Theatre Center, the most recent…read morebeing a showing of Nosferatu (2024) for Halloween, which was a special experience with some friends who are also into horror flicks. The theater supports both movies as well as live shows, which makes it a unique cultural space. You're not supposed to eat in the theater itself, and if you want to drink you would need to buy a sippy cup-like container from the bar. I suppose it is meant to protect the theater from decay, all these protective measures. The bartender who served us wine was friendly enough. I loved seeing the art around the theater.

    Walking into the Hawai'i Theatre, you're instantly transported into another era. An era of soft…read moreelegance and timeless artistry. From the moment you pass through the doors, you're surrounded by a blend of old-world elegance and Hawaiian warmth. Built in 1922, the theatre has hosted everything from silent films and Broadway plays to concerts and Hula performances. Today it seats about 1,400 guests, offering an intimate experience where every seat feels close to the stage. The acoustics are excellent, the seats are comfortable, and the staff and volunteers are friendly, welcoming, and genuinely helpful. There's also a small bar and lounge with high-tops, perfect for enjoying a drink and conversation before the show. Inside the theater, you see tall, fluted Corinthian-style columns that are richly detailed. The curved arch overhead is decorated with mosaic-style tiles in warm tones,and I absolutely LOVE the lush deep red velvet curtains that frame the stage. They add so much warmth and elegance. Having attended many shows throughout the years, I've always been mesmerized by the mural above the stage and decided to do some Googling while waiting for the show to begin. I learned it's Lionel Walden's Glorification of the Drama. The painting depicts a grand procession of mythic figures -- a golden-robed muse in her chariot, attendants, musicians, a lion handler -- all celebrating the power of theater. The central figure, often interpreted as the Personification of Drama, leads the way. Knowing that part of the mural was once lost to water damage and later painstakingly restored makes it even more meaningful. Parking is easy at the municipal garage on Bethel Street, just a block away. The short walk is now well-lit, a welcome improvement from years past when it was dark and sketchy. Entertaining audiences for over 100 years, the Hawaii Theater is a recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Attending a show here, you're not just watching a performance, you're also living and breathing a beautiful piece of Hawaii's historic culture.

    Photos
    How's my sippy cup!
    How's my sippy cup!
    Kung Hei Fat Choy!
    Kung Hei Fat Choy!
    Look how beautiful this theatre is!!

    See all

    Look how beautiful this theatre is!!

    Ka Moana Luau - theater - Updated July 2026

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