...and I'm being generous with three whole stars!…read more It was supposed to be a glorious evening, attending Brown Bags to Stardom, cheering on my calabash niece and her performance. While the wind blowing through the palms was nice, and the sun setting was pretty, and the cruise ship was a nice backdrop, there was lots left to be desired. First, the seating: Not enough of them, and they 'pre-sold' the tickets. How do you not have enough seats for all attendees? It was planned to be a 5:00pm to 9:30pm event, so some folks were to stand for 4.5-hours? Not good planning! Second, the food line: Loooooong, and slooooooow! When I got to the front of the line, I was able to see why. Three folks back there serving ala carte, and cooking, and replacing, and cash register, and...a completely inefficient way to serving food. Not good planning! Third, the tent: Yep, they plopped a pop-up tent right in the line of site for a third of the audience. I understood the need to protect the computer and audio equipment from inclement weather, but it was literally BLUE SKIES! That, and why not put that stuff in the back of the stage instead of right there in front!?!? Not good planning! Fourth, the audio: More than half of the performances, and nearly all of the MC commentary, could not be heard. This was supposed to be a Johnny Kai Productions' production, a professional event, and you don't get the audio piece right for a mostly singing competition!? Not good planning! Do you see a rhythm to my review? I'm generous with the three stars because of the talent. Some of the kid performers were absolutely fantastic, including my calabash neice (my daughter's BFF). That part was lots of fun. So, Johnny, next year, please take this critique of your event and make some simple changes: more seats, a more experienced caterer, move the tent, and improve the audio - now you're the winner of Brownbags to Stardom!

When I heard the first PhotoCon will be held in Hawai'i I was thrilled. I found about the…read moreconvention through their Instagram page. This convention is open to any photographers and cinematographers from beginner to pro and all enthusiasts alike. Registrations is through photoconhawaii.com. Alexander gifted me with my all access pass for $20 for my birthday at an early bird price. Otherwise, it's $20 at the door for a one day pass including workshops for that day only. At first, I was confused at where and when we were allowed to pick up our passes. I was able to get pass at one of the speakers I attended. With my all access pass, I was able to attend speakers prior to the main convention. I listened to lecturers from Pacific New Media's PhaseOne's keynotes speaker Steven Katzman at the University of Manoa Hawai'i and Onne Van der Wal which is one of Canon's Explorer of Light keynote speaker. It was inspiring hearing and seeing different photographers speak about their biography and art. Since coming back to photography, I've met many wonderful people of my same interest. It was exciting seeing a lot of people I knew that I've shot with. During day one of the convention, we acquired a few cool badge lanyards and an organized booklet of what the trade show expo will have. While this is Hawai'i's very first photo show, there were an eclectic selection of vendors not only big name companies like Canon, Phase One, and Sony but loads of local vendors like a few of my favorites; Pro Camera Hawaii, Hawaii Camera, Pictures Plus and Chromaco, Hawaii Astronomy Club, Oahu Photography Tours and much more. There were lots of contests to enter as well. Hawaii Camera's Darcy Fiero and her daughter Jackie were tending the booth. Darcy is very knowledgeable with all my camera needs and I'm glad to have ran into her on the first day. Pro Camera's owner Tony Zerga is always helpful whenever we are looking for new trending gears in the market and it was great scoring an item from him that day at a discounted price. Canon was allowing free cleaning services for two items during the two day convention (a camera body and a lens or two lens). Hurry up and wait because the wait could be lengthy. While perusing the convention, we didn't forget to sign up for the free workshops, they can get full quickly. Sign ups are allowed at most during the convention or online. The workshops are a mixture of intro to photography, to model walks and photo walks or flash photography, natural lighting, portrait photography to food photography. The experience was outstanding all around. Be ready to walk in comfortable shoes if you're carrying your gears for the day. Certain workshops advice photographers to bring plenty of memory cards, tripod or certain lens for what you'll be shooting. Some do begin before the convention is open or after the convention closes. Aside from all the excitement, looking at the images from The Essence of Hawai'i Photo Contest was outstanding. I love the photos chosen for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners and the honorable mentions. All did a wonderful job and showed attention to advanced skills, focused on quality and artistic approach. Their photos were printed in metal and open for everyone to view upon entering the expo. I'm happy to see a few of my photography friends placed as honorable mentions. I look forward to attending another year of this convention. Thank you to Hawai'i's very own Ric Noyle for gathering us together and shining light to Hawai'i and putting us on the map. IG/FB: PhotoCon Hawaii Parking: Street or at the convention for $6.

An impressive event with tons of high tech equipment and specialty gadgets that could capture a…read moregreat scene in any element. My husband and I were able to get in for free bc of being military members and registering online before hand. (We showed ID when we arrived) I also voted on KHONs website for my fav pic for the photography contest a few days before. All the photos were displayed and they gave you a thick book of info and duplicate pics which was exciting. The how to work shops held upstairs were quick and informative. Salt n Air studios was super neat w all their toys and xplorco had a super cute set up. A fun event with the islands best editing companies and imaging tech specialties.

We got married at The Kahala and our package included a musical soloist through Kika Inc for our…read moreceremony. I requested a cellist and a few days prior to the wedding, they told me they got it mixed up and they accidentally hired a guitarist instead. So they really made an effort which I do appreciate and called all over the island and couldn't find a single cellist. The keyboardist they hired only played 2 songs and wasn't able to play the other songs I asked for so we had to have 2 songs streamed from Spotify/iTunes but we still had to pay the full sum for her. They're really nice people so I was trying to be okay with it but 6 months later and I'm still sad there was no cellist at my wedding.

Kika Inc thank you soooo much for making our wedding as beautiful as it was!…read more Erin was so helpful aiding us in figuring out exactly what we wanted. She emailed us mp3's of different songs/styles, was extremely responsive when emailing or calling back and forth, and really stayed on top of everything up until the day of the wedding. We absolutely LOVED our ukulele soloist Henry. We couldn't have asked for more!! He played and sang my requested song acoustically (so romantic sounding!) as I walked down the aisle and made the moment just as I had always imagined. We had asked if he could learn "our song" a few months before the wedding, and play it for our first dance. I was informed that if it's a Hawaiian song, it shouldn't be a problem... but our song was definitely not Hawaiian, and kind of a soft rock song. Erin told me she would play it for Henry and see if he was willing to learn it. A week later, she said he already knew how to play it!! It really made our first dance extra special when Henry sang our song. He actually made it sound a little bit hawaiian-ish and put his own twist on it, which I totally loved!!!! All of our guests kept coming up to me throughout the night and telling me how great he sounded, and how ever did we find such a great musician. :) Awesome, music to a bride's ears hehehe. He was very generous with his equipment too, allowing us to (unexpectedly) hook up the iPod for a Michael Jackson dance that two of our 7 year old guests had been choreographing since cocktail hour hahaha. The night couldn't have been any more perfect thanks to Henry!!! If I needed any kind of entertainment for any event, I would contact Kika Inc right away and book their services. They have everything you need! Dancers, performers, musicians, bands, hula dancers, DJs, etc. I am so happy we found Kika, and want to give them the kudos they definitely deserve!!

The show started on time at 7:30 pm. Parking was good being there were no other events that night…read more 7th row ( B ) center for a 3hr show. A flawless performance from the band & Peter. Pete stayed out & played for the whole show. He did a couple solo spots so the band could get a breather. Almost all the songs had prelude intros that are not on the recorded versions & extended solos. Basicly bigger versions of the songs. An instumental version of Black hole sun was great. Pete's son Jullian came out & did 2 songs. Look for this guys cd he's good. Pete used about 8 guitars that night & his trade mark Black top Lespaul custom. My fotos really sucked. Its hard to get a good high volume sound at that venue but they did great. It was big & huge. Up that close to see Do you feel like we do by the actual guy was the high point. Great show. Only down side my friend , she could not get off from work. The extra star is for you Cheryl.

For the Top Award I like to give it to Yelp Hawaii for giving me the opportunity to attend this…read morespecial event. My +1 and I was seated with local business owners and people who make a difference in Hawaii's food economy, so awesome! As for Battle of the Chefs, Chef James Aptakin took two awards for Display and Presentation with his Kualoa Shrimp and Lobster Tom Yom Soup, while Chef Wade Ueoka took the taste award with his Shinsato Pork dish. I thought the voting was fair and well deserved, delicious, I want more than one, I better not because Dinner is coming soon bites. This event was so well organized, awarding local businesses with their contributions to the local economy supplying good food and desserts which everyone enjoys, while supporting local! Great Great evening with Good Hawaiian Music and wonderful service from the Pomaika'i Ballroom staff made the event a memorial night. Thanks to Yelp Hawaii and Emi H. for a giving me a opportunity to attend this Awesome Event!

We were so thrilled to be selected to attend this event! Thank you Yelp Hawaii and Hawaii Food…read moreManufacturers Association for giving us this opportunity. I give a shout out for the great attention to detail and service that was provided by Dole Cannery's Pomaika'i Ballrooms staff. This event was well-organized and was truly a pleasure to attend. The 2nd Annual TASTE Awards: Battle of the Chefs featured 3 local chefs who have distinguished themselves or have been innovative in the food manufacturing industry. Tonight, Chefs Wade Ueoka (Owner/Chef, MW Restaurant), James Aptakin (Executive Chef, Hilton Waikiki Beach) and Benjie Cabutaje (Sous Chef, Moana Surfrider, Westin Resort & Spa) showcased their signature dishes. Several other locally manufactured alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments were served such as MauiWines, Koloa Rum, PacifiKool, Pau Maui Vodka and The Tea Chest's Tropical Teas.. Each chef vied for attendee votes for Best Presentation, Best Taste or Best Display. In the end, when the votes were tallied, Chef Aptakin won BOTH awards for Best Display and Best Presentation for his Kualoa shrimp & Kona lobster coconut trio . Chef Ueoka won the Best Taste award for his Shinsato Pork with Ka'u coffee & Hawaiian macadamias. Did the battle be like Iron Chef America's kitchen stadium? Sort of...It turned out that the battle was an interactive cocktail hour and later, we were treated to a TASTE awards dinner. It was a good thing that we looked at the program as we wove our way through the crowds sampling the goodies. Emcees from Hawaii Krater 96.3 (Gregg & Shawnee Hammer) kept the program rolling along with local humor and provided background information about each of the nominated contestants. In addition, during the awards banquet, we were serenaded by Hawaiian group, Kaiao. We were fortunate to be seated with Award Finalists for Innovate Hawaii's Manufacturer of the Year, HC&S and Maui Brand Sugar brand and Hawaii Popcorn Company and members of a technology human resources company (Aon?). The room was filled with contributors and supporters to the local food scene. Everyone came out as winners...local food industry businesses were honored just to be nominated even if they didn't get the coveted wood poi pounder (pohaku ku'i 'ai). Ah, but, there's always NEXT year! Allez cuisine! #351

Awesome music....good mix of 70's...80's...to the present. They play Fridays at Buho Cantina in…read moreWaikiki....talented vocals and instumentals.

Heard Jared play at the Study at the Modern hotel, we ended up booking him for an hour as a solo…read moreguitarist during cocktail hour for our wedding. Jared was easy to communicate with, we were able to negotiate the price however he is very affordable and worth the money. Unfortunately I didn't get to see him play as I was taking wedding photos with my husband, but all my guests loved him, he has a good look, good voice and amazing range of music!!! Guests said he was so good and the videos confirm it! Very professional and would 100% recommend :) very happy customer.

Improv Superette! Laughter is medicine and Improv Superette is the perfect venue for it!…read more Parking- Street parking is da bestest. Harbour Court for security.

Saw "A Holiday Themed Improv" tonight and was so heartened to watch the current generation take…read morehold of our attention and keep it for the entire evening!! Improv isn't an easy skill for the novice. You have to be quick on your feet to take whatever scenario is thrown at the actors, act it out on the spot, and interact with the other actors to expand on the situation. The audience ate it up and laughed so much (especially the local/non local clips). It was the fourth of four nights for this hardworking crew and they were exhausted at the end of the show. If this troupe of young people can successfully fill a community theatre for four nights, it gives me hope for this generation. Mahalo, kids!!

I have to say this is my favorite photo booth by far... I have been to a few expos here at hawaii…read moreand trust me i am by far the queen of camera whore! I may be vain but seriously why not be??? Its not just being vain its about making those memories last you a lifetime, don't blame me for the memories that you can only store in your head, visualize it :) 321pose is an awesome company that makes it really like a photo booth, you know the ones you see in commercials, movies and etc... without the small cramp space, they have a tent that can fit more than 5 comfortably and your not sitting down which gives you room to do what you want, lots of elbow room! To start booking your next event just log on to the website 321pose.com and you will get a reply back quick. Your pictures can be customized with wordings and the timing of the pictures. Pictures prints instantly with two copies so you don't have to argue with who gets this copy. And also all pictures are posted online and also a plus is that they have individual shots as well just in case you want to look at yourself in a bigger size!