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.

Once upon a time, Hawaii had no comic conventions. Back before cellphones, tablets and Apple…read morewatches the closest comic book fans came to an organized get together was at the "Hawaii State Comic Collector's Club". Meetings were held at the Moiliili Public Library on a semi-regular basis. Fans of comics, horror and syfy movies had a place to gather, share and compare thoughts and experiences of the latest news in the world of fantasy. Mind you that this was a time when back and forth instantaneous communication was only in the form of telephone, telegraph and shouting over your neighbor's fence. This was the 1970s. Fast forward to 2019. Hawaii has now hosted many entertainment conventions, one of which is the Comic Con Honolulu, a home grown produced annual event which gives fans a chance to match up with like fans and meet people involved in this segment of the entertainment industry. Some thoughts regarding this Con: Smaller than the Amazing Comic Con, they feature a large area devoted gaming in the main hall. They take elements of both the Amazing and Kawaii Kon (celebrity photo ops, artist alley, cosplay contests, panel discussions, etc.) They have the usual assortment of dealers selling related merchandise but seemingly, not as many as the other Cons. Just sort of less of everything but still pretty enjoyable. There were some vendors that seemed out of place for this con: T-mobile, ATT and vacation time shares, really!? Enjoyed seeing the King of Tokyo, Godzilla game play. A fan made oversized game which looked like fun. It's always fun to see the cosplay and this Con was no exception. The time and creativity put in by the cosplayers is something to behold. Less cosplayers than Kawaii Kon but still enjoyable. The con even had cars detailed with anime themes. Servco even had new Toyota corollas on display detailed with their newly created super hero theme- a fun campaign to market their latest offering. Definitely a smaller crowd but it, in some ways has a more local "feel". Was sort of a spin-off of the Kawaii Kon which focuses more on anime. 3.5 stars for this con, enjoyable without a wow factor. Will say that this con gave me more of a reminiscing type feeling like when friends would get together back in the day at the comic collector's club. Mahalos to Emi and Yelp for the free pass to attend the Saturday event. A nice way to spend a warm and muggy summer day.

First time visiting Comic Con Honolulu. We came fairly early to check it out. Plenty on…read moreoffer--artist alley had vendors, artists, and celebrity autograph and photo ops. We spent most of our time here, just hanging around the booths and talking story with the artists. I wish there had been more local comic vendors, but it was great to pick up some original work from local comic artists. In terms of the panels, a good assortment, although more anime and video game oriented. I wish there had been more TV, but Hawaii is more oriented toward the anime set. Cool cosplayers and plenty of fun to be had. However, the prices are certainly high, especially considering the parking cost and the cost for autographs and photographs. At least make the parking free.

Bittersweet to see the old Aloha Stadium being demolished. So many memories were made here over the…read moremany years, from football games and concerts to the swap meet and community events. As much as I'll miss the original stadium, I'm excited to see what's next. Mahalo for the memories. Here's to the past, while welcoming a new chapter for Hawaii.

Event space in Halawa, Honolulu, Hawaii…read more.. The lower parking lot of the Aloha Stadium is not just a place to park your car... In the past, this parking lot was transformed into a magical drive-through holiday light display around Christmas time. It was called "Show Aloha Land". Profits went to local charities! As the years went by, the light show grew into a spectacular event and added things like a zip line and other attractions! In other years, this parking lot was the home of the State Farm Fair. The asphalt was a bit warm for the livestock, so the annual fair was moved to Kualoa Ranch, then to Whitmore Village. This parking lot was also the home of the 50th State Fair. There were many food vendors, rides, and games for children of all ages! Sadly, the 50th State Fair didn't happen in 2025 because Aloha Stadium is scheduled to be demolished in August of 2025. We have been using this parking lot when we go shopping at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meets. Currently, this swap meet is still happening Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Hurry up and go before August!

Hawaii Beer Fest is always a good time. I've been to almost every one of them and I am not even a…read morebeer drinker! It's just a fun time with friends, sampling unlimited beers, seltzers and hard kombuchas (yes I said unlimited). You get a small beer cup that you can refill at whichever vendor you want to try. You definitely get your moneys worth with the amount of beer selection they have. They will also usually have an exclusive beer at the beer fest. This year they had a collab with Beer Lab and created an ube beer which was awesome. Not only is there beer but there are tons of food vendors to go along with your beer. From pickled onions to Texas style bbq. I always love getting the "rim job" from Rim Lickah which is where they add chamoy around the rim of your glass for $1. Unlimited beer, good food, live music... what more could you ask for!? I highly recommend checking out their next beer fest at the Bishop Museum in June! Get VIP if you want to have early access!

Parking $20. Event very poorly executed…read more This was our first beer fest at bishop museum. It was a rainy night and while we were prepared, it was cold, drizzling, windy and poorly executed. No maps, no idea what is being served, no nothing. Lines were long, not moving at all, no guides, and just overall crowded. Most people stood around blocking lines so it wasn't clear who was in line or not. They should have separate the mingle area and not have them blocking lines to get the beer. Food choices were ok but again, poorly executed as some vendors were making it to order and wait times were just long. One vendor was more prepared than most but overall the food wait times were poor as well. Think about this, long beer lines, long food lines, and it's raining. I got 1 beer, 2 food items and just left. Tents should have been spread out more, vendors who wasn't there should have shut down the tent, and should have have a general mingle area. It was so bad that I don't know how people would do it wait in the rain 15 to 20 minutes for a shot of beer. I don't recommend this at all.

#30 of 2017 For a…read morecomic book\toy show it is very small. You can go around the 2 rooms they fill in 5min. walking slowly not stopping. Doesn't sound like much to do but there really is more than meets the eye. Admission is $3 and that's bargain cheap because in this room is a great bunch of dealers, artist and weekend warrior seller wannabes vying for your dollar. If you are a collector\fan, like me, these guys have great stories to tell of what they got. Or, how they became an artist. How they made a big score. Their run in with some of the big names of the industry. There is a wealth of first hand information that can be attained at this gathering. Sounds like you can get that at any other show right? Wrong. The other bigger shows have dealers on edge trying to figure out how to make the money they've invested into the weekend endeavor of making a profit. It will be difficult to find that friendly vendor unless you are a serious buyer with serious cash. You may not get the big names but at a show like Hawaii Comic & Toy Expo it is a friendlier atmosphere. A throwback to when Comic Cons first started. They were quirky. They were down right weird and definitely nerdy. And, that is the heart of Comic Shows. This got taken away when shows became successful. And now, there are many new shows across the country popping with this throwback to the glory days of fun. I attended this show today, May 7, 2017, with my partner\artist. I had so much fun talking to a dealer how he acquired a big score from a guy who bought a locker rich in collectibles. I didn't think that was possible here in the islands. You hear it on the mainland. Wow. We spent time with Aaron Lopresti, veteran artist of 25years, and his beautiful wife Shelly talking about art, the industry and family. We visited with Andy. Teacher extraordinaire by week, warrior artist during the weekends appearing where he can, like the Yelp's Flight Club at the Aviation Museum and at the various shows now occurring here in the islands. Then, we talked with up and coming artist, Free Isabelo. Local boy who now lives in Las Vegas. He shared his journey learning the craft and how he's breaking into the industry. There is also some great bargains to be had on all kinds of toys. You can see older comic books priced well over $100. When I see these I start thinking about what I have, how many and should I sell. LoL It's fun to talk to the younger fans too. A little girl we talked with, under 10 years old, told us how she hung on to her Easter money until she came here. She was torn though because there are things she wants but also wants to save. She's got good parenting teaching her the importance of saving. If that was me at that age, I would've spent everything I had in 5min. I know better now. I only walked out with 1 purchase. A Star Wars technical book on the ships of the original movie that included the Death Star. Use to sell for $150 but I snagged it for $6.00 for reference material. I attended today thinking I would be done in 1 hour then I can go home and eat. I was having such a good time. Before I knew it, time was slipping away. When I did finally get up to leave, I looked at the time, did some quick calculations, realizing I was there for 3.5 hours. I was starving. Parking is free in the Ala Moana Center then you can just walk into the hotel. For $3.00 entrance fee, that was money well spent for half a day of entertainment. There's hardly any place these days to get cheap thrills like that.

A fun event held annually on the second floor of the Ala Moana Hotel. admission is pretty…read moreinexpensive. What original drew me here is that a know some people in the artist's alley area doing mostly drawings and such and selling other merchandise. But they have some really great toys and collectibles. Special edition models. Lots of special edition certified comics as well. Some blast from the pasts too like vintage toys. I was pleasantly surprised with all the special edition Marvel and Star Wars collections multiple vendors have. I always find something I like. They'll usually be some cosplayers around the event as well. It's small but the quality of collections is high and its well worth the visit.

First time for us at this super fun event showcasing Kaimuki's small businesses. All up and down…read moreWaialae Ave, people were walking and visiting the businesses. Many of them had special KeepItKaimuki specials. There was a big craft fair at Ali'iolani Elementary too. It was a great way to actually visit places that you were always wanting to check out but never had a chance. It was totally a fun and carnival-like vibe. Only thing, I'd advise to get there very early to nab free parking at Sacred Hearts Academy and St. Patrick school. Otherwise it's the municipal lots on 11-12th Ave or street parking. Or go later in the day after the early birds have left. Oh! Forgot to add- there were trolleys up and down the ave. stopping at several bus tops along the way in case you don't want to walk the hill. Free!

What a wonderful get together with the community and discovering businesses…read more There was a free trolley stopping at fun stops along Waialae Ave. The actual party/event at the school was filled with food, crafts, free stuffs and more. Found the Yelp tent! The school's restroom was open in case one needed it. All along Waialae Ave and it's side streets had sidewalk friendly displays. Almost like a long block party with traffic. There is a lighted tree behind the fire station in the evenings, too. A well organized event.

Pet expo 2025 def had less vendors than last year but it was still fun! Seemed like all the booths…read morewere jammed to the left which made the aisles pretty narrow. It is probably best to use a carrier or stroller if you have a smaller dog too. Longest line is always vca and probably a 40+ min wait in line. It's always our first stop. Parking is $8 this year or street parking. Sunday was def a lot more mellow-er.

Every year I look forward to this FREE event. There is something for almost every type of pet…read moreowner/animal lover. Dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, turtle, parrots, chickens, rodents, and more! This is a great resource for a pet parent to get info to care for your animal and more. There are lots of samples and discounts to go around too. I can't wait to go again next year!

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.