The Honolulu Pride Parade provides a safe space to be yourself, be accepted, be celebrated, be…read moreLOVED...because YOU matter. Find me for a mom hug, or this guy (sorry didn't get your name!) for a dad hug. Eat your vegetables! And brush your teeth. Love, Mom

Went to the Honolulu Pride Parade for the first time in October with some friends. It was a lot of…read morefun! Lots of businesses and community organizations walking in the parade. Lots of colors, music, costumes, and fans. This parade is very family friendly, and lots of groups gave out candy, stickers, and other swag. Unfortunately, it feels very corporate. There was a festival after the parade at the Waikiki Shell. It was free, but you had to register online ahead of time. And no water bottles were allowed inside. Lots of security. I appreciated this positive celebration of the LGBTQ+/mahu community in Hawaiʻi!

FOOD: The Mini German Buns really stood out this year. Just the right size to pop in your mouth…read morewith an A-W-E-S-O-M-E amount of bread to jelly ratio. L-O-V-E-D the Oka from the Wings of Love Church booth, basically went there almost everyday to get my raw fish fix (if you no see it on the menu board jus ask cause the first time we went they forgot to list it and several times I was lucky enough that they made it for me). The only thing I wish was that the booth that had the Fish & Chips (which was really good) had an option for rice instead of fries and came with gravy like they serve it in American Samoa. PARKING: Had to go early because of all the construction but that wasn't going to stop me from getting my Samoan food fix. Not really any handicap parking so don't plan on it. My suggestion is to go early and avoid going after 4:30pm (that train of cars coming in at around 5:00pm was almost nonstop on some days).

This is a show hosted by the Rock and Mineral Society of Hawaii 2-3 times a year. This year's and…read morelast year's shows have been happening in the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort Kou Ballroom. All the vendors and experts are from Hawaii too - so as you can guess, it's not that big, as no one is flying in from mainland or overseas, but it's got a bit of everything and the folks are friendly and are happy to share their knowledge with other gem enthusiasts! It's my first time at this show so I didn't know what to expect. It's definitely smaller than what I've been to. There were maybe around 15 vendors? But each vendor had their own niche - fossils, meteorites, cut loose gemstones, jewelry, amber with trapped insects, rare specimens, polished crystals, etc. the show had a bit of everything and the prices were actually reasonable! It's a good, quick dose of mineral exposure without having to fly to Tucson. The folks were very friendly and some were so nice to give out little free gifts for the Keiki. The ladies at the very front gave my son a Dalmatian jasper. He saw the black spotted rock and immediately picked it out. It's also heart-shaped! If you're curious what a gem show is like, this is a good place to start as admission is free and they validate parking for just $10 for pretty much half day. (But the hotel parking structure is terrible, so tight it can't have 2 cars turning into and out of the ramp at the same time.) It's also great to see what these local folks have to offer. Also, you got to see the minerals found in Hawaii on display! There's sulfur from Kilauea, 2 olivine specimens from Hualalai, and a beautiful calcite cluster of crystals from O'ahu!

Hawaii Tesol is a wonderful nonprofit made by in-service teachers who truly believe in helping…read moremainly new student teachers learn how to be better English as a Second Language teacher. It really is all about the events that TESOL presents- mainly the teaching ESL conference held in the spring. I was lucky enough to be able to present at the spring conferences a few times- all the participants are eager to learn and eager to share. Many practical lessons and a bunch of real research one could use in their college studies. The fall get to know you events are the most fun and most laid back- there is food and more food and then a chance to talk and meet some of the different organizers- many are Professors at UHM or BYUH or HPU and some are admin for private ESL schools here in Oahu. Anyway it is a wonderful way to get to know more ESL teachers and get more resources. There really are great folks that are so interested in good teaching- some know other languages and some that are only English speaking- it takes all kinds of teachers and it really improves (especially teachers that have never really taught before) abilities to teach English better. Why do I like it? I am not so much as learning more about ESL but being able to talk and share about my own ESL teaching experiences and reflection- being a part of a learning community is really important too. If you are a student- wanting to teach English, ESL or another language but are in school here in HI - I would highly recommend looking into joining the group events. Past events 14 Feb 2014 Hawaii TESOL Spring Conference 2014 13 Nov 2013 Fall Professional Development Workshop: Online Education 04 Oct 2013 Call for Participation to Hawaii TESOL Conference 2014 30 Sep 2013 Fall Activity Exchange/ Round Table Discussion 15 May 2013 Spring Language Experience 02 Mar 2013 State Conference Follow up Workshop 16 Feb 2013 Hawaii TESOL Spring Conference 2013 08 Nov 2012 Call for Participation to Hawaii TESOL Conference 2013 07 Nov 2012 Fall PDW--The Problem of Orkish: Exploring Second Language Acquisition in Virtual Environments 24 Sep 2012 Fall Activity Exchange/Round Table Discussion What is Hawai'i TESOL? Hawai'i TESOL is committed to building a community of professionals teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) in the State of Hawai'i. Hawai'i TESOL works to promote the highest standards in employment and instruction, improve professional support and interaction, and increase public and government recognition of the ESL field. Hawai'i TESOL provides ESL professionals in Hawai'i with opportunities for networking and professional development. We welcome all who share our goals to join with us in our efforts. Hawai'i TESOL welcomes all interested individuals to active membership and seeks the involvement of all its members. Hawai'i TESOL offers four major activities a year.

MY wife won all access festival passes from work so we headed to see a series of shorts so far on…read moreSunday, which was great and a lot of the stories ranged for very dramatic to very hilarious. I like shorts. They tell a story and convey a emotion but in a nice concise nature. I feel because of the time constraints of short there is so much more to be done in a limited amount of time. Anyway we wanted to go to some of the full movies but the ones were were particular interested ran too late cause I work really early. So far we have the other series of shorts planned and the Red carpet event. Kinda wish they had some weekday option but the festival is mainly on the weekend. I saw a few SNL members of the cast on some of the pieces such as Cheri Oteri and Molly Shannon. I kinda wanted to see the movie Ideal Home with two dads Paul Rudd & Steve Coogan but Didn't work with my schedule. So far the experience has been great.

How is there only one review?! Well make this two…read more I have volunteered for HRFF for the last three years and attended it prior to that as a patron, but it gets better and better every year! The film selections this year were fantastic, the staff was hilarious, inviting, efficient, and hard working. They put on an amazing event. The receptions were so much fun and the actors/directors that came out to support the festival and their films were great. Was great to see familiar faces and make new friends during the course of the festival and I cant wait for next year's. I love that it is an intimate space at the Doris Duke Theatre which is part of the Honolulu Museum of Art.

I grew up in Wahiawa and spent a good part of my childhood outdoors. One memorable activity for me…read morewas being able to work in the Loi Patch. Something about pulling weeds knee deep in cool mud is so peaceful to me! I brought my boyfriend to Na Mea Kupono farm on a Saturday workday at 9am. We volunteered our time that morning and got a free workout! Kuuipo, Uncle Steve and Bevy (?) made us feel like family right away and the other student volunteers were just as awesome to work with as well. If you want an authentic Hawaii experience you should definitely check out Na Mea Kupono. The people who work here love and respect the land, know the history of the island, and appreciate the bounty the loi provides. When you visit here you can't help but feel accomplished and satisfied. And a little bit dirty. Bonus--Don't forget to grab some Huli Huli chicken at Malama Market as your reward for your hard work! Worth it!

Unbelievably beautiful place. The Lo'i patch is truly amazing, and they have so much knowledge and…read morecare for the land with such aloha. This place is magical.

Ron Artis sadly passed away from a heart attack just a little over 6 months after I met him and his…read moregreat family. Rest In Peace, Ron. You have touched the lives of many, and will continue to do so through your wife and children.

You're in Hawaii... you're on the north shore...you go to Haleiwa because its a cool little…read moretown...and you MUST go see Ron and his family. First off, I am amazed at the parenting. They are great kids. They have been blessed with a great path and Ron is leading the way. Will they be famous? They already are. Do they need to be discovered? They already have been. I have since forgotten their names (except for Thunderstorm who blows a mean harmonica) but I will never forget their music. So put an hour away at their house and be prepared for a private concert by one of the best musical families you will ever see. Do not miss them.

"Da Parade is Back!"…read more Another sign that normalcy is trying to make comeback during these still trying times. The 2022 Kaimuki Christmas Parade marched off on December 1, 2022 to the delight of hundreds- the crowds stretched from 3rd avenue to Koko Head ave, along Waialae avenue . Marching band units, trolly units, local schools, community and business marchers all came to give what the public had missed for two years. While not as fancy or elaborate as many parades, the Kaimuki Parade embodies that neighborhood feel and is one of the oldest Christmas parades in Hawaii. The highlight of the parade is the tree lighting above Kaimuki fire station which takes place after the end of the parade. This tree can be seen as a beacon to Kaimuki town and will be viewable till the end of the year. A beautiful night for the parade, no rain, the air was crisp. It was a night for enjoyment for everyone. Welcome back Kaimuki Christmas Parade.

Hawaii's oldest parade 75 years young…read more Lots of businesses, school marching bands, dance troops, ROTC and of course Santa! There are commentators and singers dotting the Waialae route. A real family affair geared toward the little kiddies. A chance to dress up in your X-mas gear! Only downside is Waialae Ave is not closed down completely so there is still 2 way traffic traversing next to the paraders. Also, only one side of the road is the main audience to the performers.