Tonight is Na Wai! Yay! Awesome hula to start the evening! So happy to be here and to enjoy the…read moreHawaiian Cultures with malihini and kanaka! Love Kona Nui nights during this hot summer! The aloha here is definitely felt! I just love the sharing of mo'olelo and hula followed by beautiful music of Hawai'i top artists. Come on out to Kona Nui Nights!

A FREE concert on the Third Wednesday of every month?…read more I must check it out! It seems too good to be true! I had seen Lyla D. check in at this Honolulu event in the past. Fortunately, this time, she invited me to go with her and her husband, Ed, on July 20, 2016. The featured guest performer was Hoku Zuttermeister who is known for his contemporary Hawaiian music, including awesome falsetto vocals! We got to the reception table in the lobby of the IBM Building at about 5:30pm for the 6pm show. We were welcomed by the pleasant staff with a warm greeting and a yellow paper band for our wrist! At first, we sat in the last row of canvas beach chairs and enjoyed some overflow of air conditioning from the open door of the IBM Building. Later, when family members of the hula halau left, we were able to move up and sit in the second row! The balmy tropical breeze kept us cool in the open air courtyard. A large white tent kept up protected from the last rays of the setting sun. Aja Gample started off the evening with her smooth vocals and slack key guitar accompaniment. Also of note, was Kumu Hina (I had seen a movie about her) and her hula halau (hula troupe)! There were other hula dancers (children, men, aunties, seniors, etc.) who jumped in and danced to songs sung by Hoku Zuttermeister, including Hoku's mother, Susan! It was such a wonderful event, full of surprises and fun! This time, Lyla got a free ticket for me via wardvillageshops.com - mahalo, Lyla!! Next month, I will be able to acquire my own ticket, now that I know the routine and the location. Free parking is nearby at the Ward Village shops, the Ward Warehouse and Ward Center. The restroom in the IBM Building is convenient and clean. Beverages were available at the bar in the back ($2 soft drink and $6 beer). A shave ice cart provided cool treats for $3 a serving. Besides watching hula and listening to Hawaiian music, we enjoyed each others' company and were allowed to bring in our own dinner! This casual 2-hour event reminded me of the Grand Performances in Downtown Los Angeles, but on a more personal and meaningful level. Our community is able to come together and celebrate Hawaiian culture, language, dance, and music in an inviting and intimate manner! A hui hou!

Whoa!? First to review!?!?! SWEET!!!…read more Anyway, this is a parade that my Pops used to bring us since I was in DIAPERS!!! Starting from Ala Moana Blvd., participants would march all the way to Kapiolani Park, and what a great spectacle for locals and tourists as well. Politicians, entertainers, local organizations, the military, the po-po, high school bands, local tourist attractions, and some of Hawaii's hottest V-Dubs, Hot Rods, and vintage cars were among this years participants. My favorites to see, were the Prince and Princess that represented each one of the Hawaiian Islands with their entourage...even the "Pooper Scoopers" bringing up the rear gave all the spectators a good laugh! Grab a spot along the curb next time the Aloha Week Parade rolls into town, you'll be glad you did!....ALOHA!!! YELP 365 CHALLENGE-(64/365) "Join the Festivities"

Awesome. The festivals/parades in Waikiki are over-the-top. First time I've seen Governor Ige and…read morehis wife, even Mayor Caldwell. Oh and HPD BRIGADE. They had the royal court, different companies throughout Hawaii, the marching band for various schools around Oahu. Lol. Pretty cool. Come early because parking can be crazy and finding a good spot. We set up camp by the Victoria secret on Seaside Avenue. And people this is a parade stay off the streets and don't interrupt the line and if you do decide to cross the street, so not walk at turtle pace!!! ** The parade reminds me of the Kamehameha day parade in Lahaina with the court.

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!

If you're looking for something different from a traditional Hawaiian luau, Rock-A-Hula Waikiki is…read morea fantastic option. Located in the Royal Hawaiian. Rather than focusing only on a traditional luau, the show takes you on a journey through the history of Hawaiian music and entertainment. It begins with beautiful hula, Hawaiian chants, and Polynesian performances, then transitions through the evolution of music in Hawaii as different cultures influenced the islands over the decades. The centerpiece of the performance is Elvis Presley, celebrating his special connection to Hawaii through his concerts and movies filmed on the islands. Guests have the opportunity to meet the performers and take photos with the singers, dancers at the end of the show. I loves every minute!

The memory of being parked at Magic Island, the perfect spot at 7:20pm with unobstructed views from…read morea distance. At times, I rode the city bus into Waikīkī to be on the beach or better yet, on resort property to watch the pre-show at the Hilton Super Pool. That was me, years ago when I used to live on O'ahu. To watch fireworks at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, on a Friday night at 7:45pm. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It's 2026, many years later and now residing on the Big Island of Hawai'i where I was born and raised. Traveling to O'ahu recently, I decided to select overnight accommodations specifically on a Friday night at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. To enjoy the fireworks show. Staying on-site gave me zero logistical hassles, walking right from my hotel room avoiding pre 'n post show traffic on the roads and sidewalks. By watching the fireworks from the comfort of a private balcony/lanai, it allowed me to avoid crowds and skip the time of securing a spot on the beach or within the resort property. Dining reservations were made months in advance. It's 7:24pm and there's a massive crowd already on the beach fronting the Hilton Hawaiian Village for the 7:45pm fireworks show. If you're not a registered resort guest, take the time to secure a spot here. Then, venture on-property to enjoy the resort offerings for a cocktail or snack, enjoy live entertainment or shop at one of the many boutiques. The open shoreline in-front of the resort provides perfect, unobstructed views. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It's 7:45pm. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ As the controlled explosions, those brilliant colors fill the sky above the Hilton Hawaiian Village, a sense of emotion comes over me. Filled with nostalgia, I began to remember watching fireworks while growing up in my hometown with my family. Along with those special summer trips to Disneyland. A tear began to roll down my cheek as the visual spectacle continued. Once I passed the emotional stage, my adrenaline started to kick-in with the booming sounds. As I began to anticipate what colors, what flashes of light and shapes will appear before me. A thrilling high, a deep euphoria from fireworks in the Waikīkī sky. My eyes, frozen in-position as the sensation of wonder begins to pull me out of my worries. Brilliant chrysanthemums, electric blues and pinks, ruby reds and golden yellows bursts in the horizon, as flares rain down sparks and create a dazzling light show. The deep, echoing booms resonate across the sand and water, followed by a "crackle" and "hiss". Amplifying this visual, multi sensory experience. It captures my attention, sparks wonder and amazement. A smile appears, I can't believe I'm actually here. Watching it live with such an amazing viewpoint, I've waited years for this. As each firework shell is mounted on the white sand beach in-front of the balcony I'm perched on, a feeling of gratitude comes over me as the dazzling display comes to an end. What a spectacular finale. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Watch the show from a distance, time your arrival accordingly to obtain that perfect viewing spot. Or venture into Waikīkī and join the crowd on the beach hours before as you take a dip in the ocean, then venture on resort property to explore. Become a registered guest at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and enjoy the fireworks show from your balcony, from exclusive viewing areas for resort/dining guests. The sensory combination of light and sound, allow it to capture your emotions and trigger childhood memories. Like it did for me. As the sky transitions from darkness to brilliant bursts of color, let it symbolize a new chapter of hope, unity and fresh beginnings. Right here at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, every Friday night at 7:45pm. (photos and videos of the fireworks were taken from my iPhone)

I just arrived for the Jazz Festival and was extremely excited about the experience. Unfortunately,…read morethat excitement quickly turned into frustration after having to stand in line for over an hour just to check in. We have now been waiting for more than an hour, while there is a separate line for loyalty guests. As a longtime Marriott supporter, I chose to step outside my usual Marriott experience specifically because of the Jazzy Festival, hoping to try something different. Unfortunately, this has been one of the worst check-in experiences I've encountered. I sincerely hope this is not an indication of how the rest of the Jazzy Festival experience will be. Guests should not have to begin what is supposed to be an exciting event by spending over an hour waiting to check in. I expect better organization and communication, and I hope this situation is addressed immediately. I need to update this review as soon as we got to the desk Mia turn around this experience. She took total control and things were great afterwards. Second night of Jazz festival and I m more than satisfied!!

We had a tough time picking a luau for our visit to Hawaii and I'm so glad we decided on Nutridge!…read moreThe whole experience was wonderful from the beautiful grounds, the entertainment, to the cultural information, games, music, we loved every second!!! The proximity to Waikiki was so convenient. They also provide transportation if you need or or you can drive yourself to the location. I would recommend Nutridge to anyone looking for a luau that is smaller, interesting, and beautiful!

The staff are super warm and friendly and the location is among the best luau locations out there…read more I've been to many different luau productions. This one is definitely intimate and we had a very small crown (less than 50). I enjoyed the games and activities. The issue is the price- for this price more should be included. Cash bar and limited performers. Additionally - the food is reported to be farm to table but they openly joke much of it is from Costco. Much was packaged and clearly not grown or made in Hawaii. Overall the experience was lovely but seemed overpriced for what was delivered.

Sunset on the Beach was great. We watched Mufasa after playing a few games and my teens love a good…read morenight swim.

Good time ! Gigantic free cool movie screen Sat night near the Duke Statue, + food & drink stands…read moreset-up, all on beach Iconic Waikiki experience !!! Don't miss it

Historical building with beautiful architecture and a spacious garden. It was closed today so we…read moreweren't able to enter. This is the Royal palace for King Kamehameha and other royals until 1893. This is an easy walk from the piers if you are on a cruise. The Monkey Pod trees are huge and spacious. The grounds are well kept.

The Iolani Palace is Hawaii's historical landmark, the only official royal palace, visitors must go…read morethrough the self guide audio tour, which can last 30 to 45 minutes depending on your own pace. Despite the underground jewelry room is closed for maintenance, the tour indeed offers a glimpse into Hawaiian history, showcasing the 1st floor staterooms, and the private 2nd floor living spaces where the queen was held under house arrest. I think it should be sufficient planning two hours here, including parking, getting tickets, watching video, and time stamped self guide audio tours, and it costs $28 for adults.

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!