Complicated process but they offer many events that are interesting. Never got past reviewing their…read morehub of businesses.

Painting in Kaneohe, Hawaii…read more.. Paint nights have been happening for years and this is the first time that I got a chance to experience one. Thanks to Jessica and Jules for planning this group activity and organizing us! Before Jessica moves to the mainland, there were a few things that she wanted to do together and one of them was painting. She selected this picture of a waterfall with a flowering tree and butterflies because the other pictures looked "touristy"... haha! The venue (The Beach House) was a local bar in my neighborhood. It was convenient for me since I live and work in Kaneohe. I knew where it was (next to Windward Mall) and that there was free parking...and a restroom with curtains instead of walls to designate separate stalls! Tip: Just lock the door for privacy! Don't let anyone else in with you, ladies! Our instructor, Kate, was awesome! She was so bubbly, informative, and reassuring. I have never painted before and I have always wanted to try. I was afraid of the outcome...lol! This was a super great experience! All of the supplies were provided. Kate and her assistant, Lei, set up and cleaned up for us! We had a blast - and a finished product to remind us of a happy memory. Gosh, Jessica... I'm starting to really miss you already... waaahhh! (Crying a waterfall now...) =( P.S. Thanks to Jules for her patience in walking me through the online registration. I couldn't have done it without you! P.P.S. We were given a stamp card - wow - a Loyalty Program... shall we go again?

Signed up for "Some Like It Hot" because I want to learn more about jewelry-making and had my first…read morelesson today. First time visiting the Art School and first time working with a handsaw. Metalsmithing is no joke! My left tricep is sore just from holding the copper piece in place. The instructor, Juvana S., was professional, approachable, friendly, and seems knowledgeable. I found myself wishing the class was a YouTube tutorial because I need to watch/hear some things on repeat and also pause when needed. The class went on a good pace though since my fellow classmates were mostly new to this type of thing. The Metals Studio has everything (I guess) stocked and laid out. The three hours went by really quickly. I can't wait to learn more in the weeks to come!

I went to the Pecha Kucha night (20 slides, 20 seconds each) on Friday to get a flavor of this…read morestyle of presentation (to implement in my classroom). We showed up minutes before intermission and right away I noticed... 1. The sound quality was poor (you could barely hear from the back where most of the crowd was standing) 2. There were limited stools to sit on but a majority of the crowd was standing... 3. There was a tent with free beer but they don't serve during the presentations (intermission looked like a scene from Walmart on Black Friday) The presentations were... not what I expected. The next Pecha Kucha night is on March 9th and I think I'm going to give it another shot. Chamorro Grindz was the featured food truck but we ate before we came (the reason why we were an hour late). The highlight of the night was when I discovered that teachers can check out artifacts to share with their students ... for free.

I met Danielle, the artist, at her gallery at the Twin Fin Hotel in Waikiki. She's created a new…read moreform of art that displays her photography as she envisioned it using makeup and acrylic paints. The results were like nothing I've ever seen before. Beautiful illuminated photos with texture that create 3D photography. Danielle was so nice and beautiful, just like her art.

If you're looking for something cultural and artistic to do while exploring Chinatown, there is…read morealways something interesting going on at The Arts at Mark's Garage. As the name implies, this is a parking garage that happens to have ground level storefronts including The Arts. During open hours, you can go inside. Typically there is an art installation in the lobby area, which is bigger than it looks. These change frequently, so there may be something new to see and explore. There is often a gift shop part that goes with the exhibit. There are parts that are always there including a shelf of books, movies, and other media for sale by donation (put the money in the karma jar in the front). The front area as a welcome desk and a bar, which is mostly used during live shows. They have a full theatre area as well that can maybe fit 50 people. We came to a few shows over the years including an interactive Rocky Horror Picture Show and a Star Wars trivia night. Drinks are mostly used for your enjoyment and as a fundraiser. Be sure to check their website and social media for upcoming events and to buy tickets if needed. The back area also has office space for Honolulu art installations and festivals. It's definitely a hub for fun things in the city and worth your time to stop in and support.

A Hidden Gem in Downtown! This art installation is a…read morefantastic gem in the heart of downtown. So many different artists showcasing their unique styles and creativity. The atmosphere was inspiring--I even had a great conversation with a houseless man who was simply enjoying the beauty and emotion that art brings. Truly a space where everyone feels welcome and connected through art.

The Capitol Modern Art Museum on Richards Street in Honolulu is an amazing experience! Best of all,…read moreit's free to attend and offers a wonderful mix of art, music, dancing, and community. I enjoyed exploring the art exhibits and seeing the creativity of local artists. There were also vendors selling local products, jewelry, hats, clothing, and other unique items. If you'd like, you can also grab a drink or food while enjoying the event. The museum hosts special First Friday events every month, creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere where people can gather, socialize, and appreciate art and culture. For convenient parking, I recommend the Aliʻi Place parking garage, where parking is very affordable. It's a great way to spend an evening in downtown Honolulu, whether you're a local or a visitor.

Capital Modern, Hawaii State Art Museum is a beautiful museum located downtown Honolulu surrounded…read moreby historical and modern buildings. Old and new Honolulu come together in this location. The grounds are scenic and lovely, really nice area to stroll and enjoy some of Hawaiian history and art. Lots of street parking and free parking after 6pm. I usually go on First Friday which is always a blast, they always have different local entertainment throughout the evening and sometimes the place really gets rocking from the music. The nice thing, kids are welcome as well so the whole family can attend. On the second floor there is two galleries that house the different art and artists. The wood floors are beautiful. Every month there is a different theme and the art work is rotated so it never gets old. Also on the second floor are different vendors that are selling food products or locally made products for sale. They also have beer and wine available for sale. The staff are great and very helpful. If you have a bag, the security outside the gallery will check it for you as well as any waterbottles. Admission is free but donations are accepted and really appreciated. Come check this place out, you won't be disappointed.

Awesomely Funny ! We really admire and respect Improvhi. They we're slapstick funny. It takes a…read morespecial person to act on the dime in front of people they don't know. I loved loved loved the Rap it antics & the Christmas Switch scene. We will definitely be back again. 1st Saturday of the month it's free to the public. All you have to do is sign up and be on time. Make sure to leave a donation at the end of the show. It's well worth seeing again and again. Note...I did state in my Tip that they don't validate parking. At the end of the show, the team does provide you with a Pitch Sports Bar coupon to enjoy 10% off & Pitch will validate your parking. How sweet is that

I haven't been to the Improv HI location but I did manage to see some of the actors of Improv Hi…read moreperform at The Scratch Paper Sketch Comedy Show at the Kaka'ako Agora on Saturday night October 3, 2015. I enjoyed watching the actors read from the manuscripts and watching the facial expressions in their rough draft stage. I also liked it when few of the actors did the hand motions during their readings. I would like to see the actors memorize their lines and see how the final short comedy sketch will turn out on screen. I also enjoyed watching the previously recorded short films that other members of Improv Hi had done. The short film that I really enjoyed was comedian actor Kevin Yee's GAY LOVE. It had a catchy tune that the audience members sang a long "You can't get pregnant from Gay Love." Kimee, the founder of Improv Hi, mentioned to the audience that anyone can participate and write comedy sketches by attending the workshops. I can already imagine my updated review for Leonard's Bakery as a short comedy sketch.

I recently visited this place a couple of times because I was attending a meeting nearby. They are…read morelocated at the Chinatown Gateway Plaza on the 2nd floor. This is the same building that has the satellite city hall office. Parking is either on the street or in nearby lots. There is a municipal parking lot in the same building which entrance is on Bethel Street. Parking is cheap. Both times I went, it was on a Sunday. I found the DAC to be so interesting with the artwork displays from mostly local artists. There is a different exhibit each month and the best part, it's free to visit. They also hold art classes there. The layout of the center is a decent size, white walls, and spacious walking thru. They also have their own restrooms which were very clean. In January, the monthly exhibit was about the WWII internment camp in Waipahu as part of the Honouliuli National Historic Site's 10th anniversary celebration. It was informative & I learned somethings that I never knew before. In March the Hawaii Watercolor Society had a member's showing, which was also an interesting exhibit seeing the beautiful water color paintings. Overall, nice experience to check out.

Visited the Downtown Art Center to view an exhibit entitled Contemporary Photography innHawaii…read more2026. The space was on the second floor and was sorta generic gallery space. Not particularly well laid out with a table right as you walk in. Seemed clunky. Also - I was bugged that the work was not necessarily level...either the pieces were cockeyed or the labels were...sometimes both. And it was also weird that the labels didn't seem to be uniform...with one (maybe 2?) artist(s) having a QR code. Perplexing. The show itself was good...if kinda redundant.

I booked a 3 hours of private hula lessons with Akalei/ Ashley a few weeks ago. I really wanted to…read morelearn how to dance to a beautiful Hawaiian mele. Akalei and I met at a nice spot in Kapiolani park with the beautiful Diamond Head as our backdrop. I learned the 4 verses of the dance in a couple of hours. I had so much fun learning the moves and the meaning behind the mele, as well as just getting to know Ashley's background. We had a few passerbys take pics with us as they loved seeing hula against a beautiful background. She also gifted me a beautiful lei po'o or head lei. Thanks so much for the wonderful experience and memories Ashley! I highly recommend her!

We booked an hour semi-private hula class with Ashley. Initially we were going to have class…read moreoutdoor at a beach, but due to unpredictable weather in Honolulu at the time we decided to have an indoor session. It was a super fun hula dance experience with Ashley. She was a fun and patient instructor. We learned almost a full song by the end of class and my friend and I were both beginners. Definitely a must-do activity while you are in Hawaii to experience part of the Hawaiian culture. Thanks for showing us the beauty of Hula art.