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.

I've been to about half a dozen luaus on Oahu over the past few years, and Rock-A-Hula is now my…read morefavorite by far! Unlike the others, this is one I'll remember for a long time. The buffet was surprisingly delicious. My favorites were the tofu salad, mac salad, stir-fried noodles, fish, and the pork. Everything was packed with flavor. I'm usually not a dessert person, but the coconut jelly was absolutely amazing. As for the drinks, one Mai Tai had me feeling relaxed, and two had me feeling really good! The highlight of the night was definitely the theater show. It was 90 minutes of nonstop entertainment with incredible live singing, Hawaiian dancing, and amazing performances. It's basically a Las Vegas show! Elvis absolutely stole the show. I was ready to jump out of my seat and start dancing in my slippers! Michael Jackson's Thriller and Billie Jean performances were also incredible. From the outstanding performers to the friendly staff and how well everything was organized, Rock-A-Hula delivered an unforgettable experience. If you're trying to decide which luau to see in Waikiki, this would be my top recommendation!

The food was great, and the complimentary Mai Tai we received was very good. Because I enjoyed it…read moreso much, I later decided to order a Polynesian Punch. Unfortunately, it was extremely sweet. I informed John that the drink was too sweet and asked if I could exchange it for the Mai Tai. Instead of exchanging it, he suggested that I start with three limes and add more if needed. I hesitated but gave it a try. Unfortunately, it was still too sweet, and even my sister agreed. The manager, Johnny, eventually came over and said they could exchange the drink. However, the replacement was completely different from the first Mai Tai I had. It had such a strong bitter smell that my sister could smell it from across the table. The drink was also served in a regular glass and, honestly, was not enjoyable at all. I ended up leaving the $10 drink on the table because I couldn't drink it. I understand that everyone's taste is different, but I felt disappointed with how the situation was handled. I would have preferred to simply have the drink exchanged for the same Mai Tai I originally enjoyed. Unfortunately, based on this experience, if I return to Hawaii, I don't think this is a place I would visit again.

Who's face is on the Ten Dollar bill?…read more Why was he never President of the USA? What makes him so important? Many of my mainland friends have spoken highly about "Hamilton". It's a modern day rap musical about the 1700's. Gosh... History is my worst subject. However, this story was so intriguing that it makes me want to read up about Alexander Hamilton! Really! I actually saw "Hamilton" in Honolulu twice. Both shows had a brief intermission. If you need to go to the restroom, go RIGHT AWAY because the line is LONG. They promised to get us back to our seats in time... I barely made it back... In the dark... While trying to avoid stepping on people's toes... The first time, I sat in the balcony... It was an 8pm show and it ended at 11pm. Hmmm... The second time, I got seats in the seventh row - it was a MUCH better experience! The show started at 2pm and ended at 5pm. The singing, dancing, costumes, and rotating part of the stage were awesome! The plot was complex - our American history is like a soap opera... Unbelievable! Go see "Hamilton" if you can. Tomorrow (1-29-23) is the last day in Honolulu... Shout out to Gail U. in the second row of the Saturday matinee! Happy to meet you in person! You're even better in real life! Note: there was a line on the Ward Avenue side of the Concert Hall where the audience was scanned with a wand-type metal detector. Water bottles had to be left outside. Backpacks and large purses were searched... I brought a small, clear fanny pack and they asked me, "Where is your purse?"

2/28/23 sitting in the 2nd row from the stage we were one row away from the sunken orchestra so…read moreacoustics of the instruments and the cast was fantastic. They hired very svelte pretty girls in light colored leggings. The voices of the main cast were note worthy with their range. I liked when they sang soft and sweet vs the booming voices for major effect. The costume changes were primarily different colored coats and vests. The backdrop of brown lumber, stairs and revolving floor in middle of the stage remained unchanged throughout. I like the street lamps and descending and ascending light fixtures. I really wanted at least one scene change but only tables or chairs added or removed was it. Two of the three sisters had voices like silk. They were bigger than the dancers but with booming voices when needed. The last performance is tomorrow so I don't want to give the highlights away. I had to keep an open mind cuz George Washington's character had no resemblance to the picture of him in my mind on horseback or on the dollar bill. How the founding fathers were portrayed was a bit of a shock. Strong cast who seemed like they enjoyed working together. Congrats! Meeting the famous Auntie Nadine before the production began was awesome.

Absolutely a concert full of great talent, all live performances. Also very historical of Hawaiian…read moreentertainment n Elvis. You gotta see this you won't regret it.

Yelp 365 Challenge #07/365…read more Everyone wants to be entertained especially for all of us that lives in the middle of the Pacific. We mourn and lament, "why can't this band come down?" However, in the recent years, there has been some pretty good bands coming to the islands. And with these good groups, I noticed the concert production company that has been hosting these events.... BAMP Project. Thus my review because their venues have been increasingly successful. Normally I will purchase tickets through Ticketmaster but BAMP Project sells their tickets through their website or Local Motion locations. Their version of tickets? A plastic card! And they will email you a receipt verifying payment. Because their concerts are all age concerts, they have designated areas for 21 & over. I am pretty impressed by their planning as well as locations (Aloha Tower and Kakaako Amphitheater). The bands? Here are a few... One Republic, Incubus (this past Friday), Paramore (8/24-sold out), 30 Seconds to Mars (9/29). Looking at these bands that they are bringing to the islands with successful ticket sales...all I can say is... Look out Hawaii, there is a new concert and entertainment production company in town that will make you look forward to the bands they bring to the islands (please bring Foo Fighters)!

BAMP Project never disappoints! This was my second time seeing Jhene Aiko this year. She slayed per…read moreusual taking us on Trip the tour. I've now attended numerous BAMP events and am very happy to report that each one is better than the last. I've never had a single issue with ticketing, VIP services or any issues with Meet and Greets. Thank you BAMP Project for keeping our music scene alive and amazing.

Pick me, pick me...I was hoping to be selected for the Yelp Night Symphony tickets but, alas, I was…read moreNOT! Congratulations to fellow Yelpers who were selected. There will only be two performances, the first one is Saturday, December 12 at 7:30 PM and the second performance is scheduled for Sunday, December 13 at 2:00 PM. I still feel fortunate that I was able to just do an online purchase to what I'm sure was going to be an exciting performance when I signed up for this concert. When we were ushered in to our seats, we were surprised that this concert wasn't sold out. Perhaps it was because there were potential concert-goers who are Honolulu Marathoners resting for tomorrow's race. There was a lot of parking in the concert hall's parking structure for a $6 flat fee and even more free street parking that was also quite conveniently located. The people of Hawaii are lucky to be treated to HSO's premiere holiday pops event that featured World-renown conductor, music director and pianist, Rob Fisher. Maestro Fisher directed the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra through holiday classics ranging from Big Band Sounds of composer Irving Berlin to classical composers, Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky. He also presented multi-year Nā Hoku Award winning local talents of Nā Leo Pilimehana. Their melodic voices harmonized with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as their "back-up band". It was a special accompaniment for them. Nā Leo ended their performance with a sing-along to local Holiday standard "Mele Kalikimaka". As we sang along, we found ourselves moved to tears as we reflected back upon our younger days when we'd celebrate Christmas together with our parents and families. On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer and Vixen! On Comet, on Cupid, on Donner and Blitzen... which ever way you get into this event, you'll be transported into the Holiday Season on a rocking Sleigh Ride! #487

The Studio At Hawaiian Brian's Let me start off by saying-…read moreI'm trying to be helpful. I'm not a write 1 negative review and never come back to Yelp- I do have over 500 reviews as of writing this- so I would appreciate not having negative comments coming back to me as this is only my humble opinion both as a reviewer and a aficionado of great music. I like the space, it is unique in that it is so small. That isn't negative- it lets the audience be right there with the band and the band can clearly see the reactions of faces of fans and hopeful fans. This is a real confidence raiser for those on open mic night to be able to see a crowd enjoy their music. Did I mention it is small? Even as small as it is- there is a large bar facing the bandstand. In a way - it is hard for fans to get used to, There are 2 large eye focuses. The bar or the bandstand. I don't know why there are two focal points- is it to keep people for going in and out during a concert? There are other smaller mobile bars that they have in other areas -like Crossroads. But it is a large bar compared to the stage. Do be aware though of what kind of band you are paying for in advance. It can be disappointing if you pay what I would consider full price for a show and it is less than you expected. Google/ Facebook/ Amazon the band and then you should have a better idea of the bands quality- because they are playing in a realllllllly small venue. If you don't want to pay for a small venue show -then wait. I have been to about 50 different music venues in Austria and Germany and seen many different types of shows- from classical to modern music, and the venue really does influence your experience. Depending on the band- I like having a small small venue to hear them- it is not a coffeehouse feel where there is a phsishhhshshsh sound every 2 minutes so the sound quality is better than coffee houses - but has the feel of a coffee house where you can drink. I think the Safehouse/ Republik is a better venue - comparing Honolulu venues to Honolulu venues. My advice is still to know what band it is you are going to see and enjoy the band you are going to see- regardless of the venue because supporting local artists is a wonderful way of promoting local music.

Calling all 18+ -- Here's a place you can come to check out your awesome friends who are in great…read morebands and even make more friends who like the same music as you. The Studio is a small bar located as the first door on your right once you enter Hawaiian Brians. You don't need to go passed security checking your ID so it's definitely good for those who aren't legal. Did I mention it's really small? I was here for an EP Release party, another band and an independent musician and his friend opened up for them that night. This was a great example of the talent Hawaii has to offer. If you really like to be in an intimate settings where you can be as close to the band as possible without possibly hurting your ear drums this is the place. The space is very chill, people come and sit at the tables, grab a drink at the bar, stand. It probably won't be as intimate if your friend's band is extremely popular. If that were the case you should tell your friends to consider the Crossroads which is the larger venue in Hawaiian Brians. If you don't like live music, or people, or need your space at all times, I don't think these places are for you. If you're into live music, like people and have the opportunity to catch a conversation with the people making music you like than definitely stop by. There's always these kinds of events happening at the Studio and at Hawaiian Brian. I suggest you check out if you want to get into the Hawaii music scene, this place is a start.

It was a beautiful day for a May Day celebration in Kapiolani Park! The bandstand was decorated…read morewith an abundance of colorful pua (flowers),happy craft vendors,fantastic food vendors and the restroom trailers were brand new,convenient AND air conditioned!!!!! Ha ha ! There was an alternative covered stage with slack key guitar only...it was so mellow,u know--back yard kine paina style !!!! A sweet little local kupuna approached me and I thought she was going to tell us to move to the side or something but she kindly asked if I was a former May Day Lei Queen!!!!! Oh my goodness I was speechless & embarrassed! My husband was just beaming with smiles. I said "nooooo",I'm just a retired hula dancer & so happy to see the entertainment from a spectator's view !" She said she could arrange for me to dance hula impromptu right now. I graciously declined and giggled all the way to find a seat to watch the performance. My husband said " you're MY queen " Aww ! So sweet! Here's a pic of our mountain of a plate lunch! Aloha!