One of the most admirable programs the YWCA supports is "Dress for Success", helping women boost…read moretheir confidence as they enter/re-enter the workforce. I was involved in a similar program in the San Francisco Bay Area; there is universal support for women. Showing support can be manifested in several ways (see the YWCA's website), including attending their Pre-Loved Clothing Sales, with great prices, held once a month. The sales are published on their website, or by signing up for email notifications. Both the quality and quantity of clothing are 'knock your socks off' experience - wonderful donations with proceeds going to the program. The sale is held on the 2nd floor Gym from 10-5; payment is with cash or credit card...BYOBag. Parking can be a bit of a challenge...meter on the street or across the street in the Iolani Palace paid-for-parking lot. Either way, plan on spending at least an hour at the sale - everything is neatly laid out, sorted, and organized...way to go, YWCA!

The YWCA is absolutely beautiful and a great place that does amazing work in the community. I…read morerecently stopped by to donate old prom dresses because they provide them direct to high school girls in need! Cafe Julia is here and I've seen beautiful weddings be hosted in this space!

Over 35 years…read more That's the amount of time it took for me to come to Hawaii Okinawa Center (HOC). Opened in June 1990, HOC was built in recognition of the Okinawan immigrants to Hawaii. Born and raised in Hawaii, there is a strong Okinawan community celebrating many events. Although some may think of the distance to this venue, it's a little over 25 mins from town. I recently came to HOC to celebrate a relative's wedding. I was quite impressed with this venue as it's quite spacious with multiple entrances. Although 35 years have passed the interior was simple but bright for this joyous occasion. Food, drinks and entertainment were all arranged by the families so you get to select the theme and create the atmosphere you wish. It was a casual wedding reception that was able to facilitate about 400 people. It was a Hawaiian themed menu where the buffet line was controlled by the steward who escorted attendees by tables. Venue was large enough to have multiple stations providing food, dessert, drinks and entertainment. I initially was planning to partake in the photo booth but the lines were too long so I ended up passing. So why not 5-stars? The venue could have been updated more for a more modern vibe. Also, the parking lot cannot accommodate large scale events so regardless we arrived before the event, many of us had to seek street parking and then walk over. Overall, I found HOC a fairly decent venue for a get together. I wouldn't hesitate to RSVP to another event at this spot. The drive over from town is tolerable and once again, a great facility to bring people together for an occasion.

Hawaii Okinawa Center located on Ka Uka Blvd. Centrally situated in the Waipio area. Great place…read morefor hosting celebrations and or events. We usually go there for the awesome Craft Fairs, but this time was for a wedding reception. Food was catered through A Catered Experience a subsidiary of Zippy's. Wonderful food expertly prepared and delicious. Beautiful landscaping, perfect for the wedding. Facilities very clean and well maintained. Lots of parking in 2 private parking lots

To cause growth, to cause to increase, to spread growth, to sprout, to inspire, to excite...part of…read morethe mission of the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus. And that they do, challenge and develop our Keiki. THRILLED beyond measure that a friend's son was going to be in the Hawaii Youth Opera production of the Mikado I jumped for joy and somersaulted to Orvis Auditorium on the University of Hawaii Campus. Could this be? Grant not only was in the production but had a fabulously funny, major role as "the Grand Pooh Bah". Alongside were characters: Chow Fun, Char Sue, Cha Wan...So you see from some of the names, the opera was individualized, modernized, localized, and ohh sooo entertaining. Dis Aunty is so proud of all da participants. Wow, so good. Hana hou. Can't hardly wait until the next performance!

I sang with HYOC for about four years and I can honestly say that it has shaped who I am. This…read moreorganization masterfully teaches children musical theory and technique in a nurturing and fun environment. HYOC is internationally recognized and awarded for its excellence. Students have moved on to sing on the professional stage (even The Met!), operas with Hawaii Opera Theater, originally scored operas, National Honors Choirs, and choirs around the world. Children learn to sing in German, Chinese, Korean, French, Japanese, Italian, and of course Hawaiian. They learn to read music and follow musical direction. But most importantly...their performances give me chicken skin!!! Angelic!! To this day, 25 years later, I still have friendships with HYOC alumni. Singing develops neural pathways, strengthens core breathing and builds happiness/emotional resilience. Join...send your kids, go to performances, give money to support the children and nā mele o Hawai'i!!

Workers better fix their attitude, they kick you out earlier than your actual depart time. Also,…read morethey act different compared to family parties compared to banquets for school. At every party I went to for families, they ALWAYS take your trash. But, when it's a school, they act totally different. Such as not even grabbing your trash. You guys better fix that shitty attitude with students, trust me. Irritating asf.

Tis the season for graduation parties......falalalala...lalalala…read more..... I attended yet another graduation party this past weekend at this venue. The Hawaii Okinawan Center is located in Waipio Gentry and is easily found by either traveling on Kam Highway or the H-2 Freeway. However, I would probably recommend a route via Kam Hwy for convenience reasons. The party I attended was in the Legacy II ballroom, of which the entrance faces the parking lot. I later discovered that the Legacy Ballroom is actually 1 huge ballroom, and it was divided into 2 separate areas on this evening as another party was taking place in the other half. Incidentally, the side where the other party was taking place was larger and had a stage as well. Although the portion of the ballroom where our party was held was much smaller, I liked the high ceilings so there was the illusion that the room was slightly big and grand. I believe there were about 18 tables (seating for 10) set up for the party, but since this section was smaller, there wasn't much room to have more tables set up if the need arose. Food and drinks were provided by A Catering Experience, which (from what I was told later that evening) is the catering division if Zippy's. The food served to guests at the party included Chinese chicken salad, assorted fruits, rice, noodles, fried chicken, roast pork, mahimahi, and adobo (which most of us thought it was sweet and sour pork). Besides water, fruit punch (very watery!), coffee, and tea was also provided. Lastly, the banquet staff was very gracious, polite, and kind. I was very impressed with the attentiveness of the staff that night, and their quality service contributed to a wonderful evening spent with friends and family. PARKING: FREE parking available in the HI Okinawa Center lot. First come first serve. Bottom Line: Clean venue. FREE and ample parking.

I am so happy i am part of the Locations Foundation (locations real estate non profit)! We not just…read moredonate a porcentaje of our commissions but we also donate our time! Today we volunteered at UH for the special Olympics and it is such a great organization that helps people with disabilities but there is no age limit! Plus it is super nice to see LOTS of people getting together for a great cause!

Volunteered at the Summer Games today at the Les Murakami Stadium at UH…read more One of the best organizations that exist for people with intellectual disabilities. Why? Because there is no age limit to participation and because it brings ALL people together. People with disabilities don't grow out of it. They grow up and many are forgotten as they get older. Since this organizations inception in 1968 thousands of people with intellectual disabilities and without have come together. There are so many more people that we can reach. Your heart just melts to see an athelete running down the field, stop as he notices his fellow athletes behind him and join hands with them as they all cross the finish line together. The games are held throughout the year and include events in powerlifting, track, bocce ball, bowling, swimming, basketball, golf, soccer, football....one of the absolute best organizations for the number of people they reach and the community of good people they represent. Everyone is a winner!

Been coming here for several decades now since I was a small kid with my grandparents. The purpose…read morebehind Helemano Plantation is to provide training for the developmentally disabled. [FOOD] While certain foods may look salty it definitely is not, like the sweet sour spareribs which we found to be nice and soft with just the right amount of flavor. The food is made in small batches so things are usually nice and fresh. FAVORITES include the: STEAMED BUNS (in the brown basket) & MUSHU VEGETABLES, SPRING ROLLS. TIP: Again the food is made in small batches so if something runs out just ask if they are bringing out more. [SERVICE] Still great friendly service with no complaints here. [PARKING] Huge parking lot so we have never had a problem finding a spot. [HANDICAP] There are several handicap parking stalls available.

We have gotten our Christmas tree from here for years but did not this year (rushed and on vacation…read morepart of the month). I was so disappointed. Never again!! See you all November 2025!!

Good is outstanding. Hours are limited, closes at 12:30, but I can work around it. Everything…read morecookies r the best store bought cookies I've eaten. I bake a lot but these cookies are probably better than mine. I wish I cld walk to their shop every day and eat my lunch/breakfast there.

Taylan and his team are great! Our scrub tops came out perfect and jackets were great as well!…read morePricing was very reasonable and will definitely return to the for all our Embroidery needs!!

Great organization that acts as the bridge between Japan and America (Hawaii). I totally love this…read moreorganization and volunteered as a presenter for their Japan In a Suitcase program. (A program that visits local public schools and educates the children about school life in Japan.) They do many other types of programs for students to help educate them. A very genuine organization.

Awesome experience for 10-11 year old children building lifelong friendships & human bridges with…read morechildren and families from 35 + countries including Japan, and America and the Pacific rim! Peace is within reach for the whole world as the children become peace ambassador leaders! Arigato gozaimasu Japan for spearheading this program!!!