Hawaii Travel Marketplace

PBS Little Big Band’s next gig

sandiy — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 20:02:00 +0000

This Sunday, December 12, from 3 to 6 pm it’s time to take a little break from the holiday madness and kick back a bit and enjoy the sound of the PBS Little Big Band. This time the line up consists of the two name sake founders, Phil and Bob Scellato on their thrilling trumpets, and then two of our top sax players Scott Villiger and Reggie Padilla rounding out the front line.

At the Boston key board we have Ikaika Tecson a popular jazz man with fresh ideas and a great sense of humor.

Taking care of the rhythm section are two stalwarts of the local jazz scene, Phil Bennett on drums and Terry Grace on upright bass.

We have enjoyed all these musicians here before and for the newcomers you can look forward to hearing some of Hawaii’s top jazz and as far as we know the only big band sound around. So come and enjoy.

We open at 1 pm for those who would like to have their own table and have a relaxing time with their own food and drink. We always provide punch and coffee, and if one of us is in the mood we sometimes make cookies too.

Ward’s Rafters (3810 Maunaloa Avenue,between 15th and 16th Avenues) is the big three story house in the back. Do not go to the house on the street and make sure you park legally.

The Kapalua Villas Shows its “Aloha” for Locals with Resort-Wide Savings

sandiy — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 05:25:35 +0000

Here’s a special from the folks at Outrigger for kama‘āina While the price point may sound a tad high, just know that it’s for a spacious 1-bedroom unit that can probably accommodate 4 adults. Be sure to check what the maximum occupancy is when inquiring.

Kamaaina who want to go “holoholo” at The Kapalua Villas will find themselves extra lucky to live Hawaii with special deals and discounts available just for Hawaii residents.

Now through December 20, 2010, kamaaina can take advantage of well-appointed, luxurious Gold Villas starting at just $229. And the deep deals don’t stop at accommodations, The Kapalua Villas guests can take advantage of kamaaina discounts resort-wide, including specials on golf, shopping, dining and spa – and also score a free Honolua Store tote at check in, while supplies last!

Kapalua Resort kamaaina specials include:

Honolua Store: Hawaii residents who purchase a cup of Honolua Store’s Signature Blend coffee will enjoy their second cup, free.
Kapalua Logo Shop: Kamaaina receive a 30 percent discount on non-sale merchandise.
Kapalua Spa: Guests can shape up at the stunning new Kapalua Spa and enjoy 15 fitness classes for $140. Or opt for a more spa-tacular experience with three 50-minute treatments for $399 or six 50- minute treatments for $699.
Kapalua Golf: It’s a hole in one — when residents purchase four rounds of golf at the kamaaina rate they get a fifth round free.
Kapalua Golf Pro Shops: Kamaaina guests who stock up on tee-rific golfing necessities from Kapalua Resort’s Golf Pro Shops enjoy 30 percent off non-sale items.

Residents must show a valid Hawaii drivers license or proof of residency. Offers valid through December 19, 2010.

Kamaaina will also appreciate the added value and convenience of the resort fee*, which provides guests exclusive day-use access at the Kapalua Spa and fitness center, use of award-winning resort tennis courts, access to The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Hotel pool, resort-wide charging privileges, door-to-door shuttle service, self parking, free local, national and international phone calls, Internet service and more.

For reservations or information, call your preferred travel professional or The Kapalua Villas at
1-800-545-0018 within the U.S., Guam and Canada. Elsewhere call 808-665-9137 (long distance charges apply). For online information or reservations, log on at www.kapaluavillas.com or email reservations@kapaluavillas.com.

Winners announced from the 2010 International Hula Competition, Ku Mai Ka Hula

sandiy — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 07:18:58 +0000

The 2010 Kū Mai Ka Hula International Hula Competition brought an array of colors, music, chant and dance to Castle Theater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center last weekend. Hālau from Maui, O‘ahu and Fujisawa, Japan graced the stage with moving examples of all that we enjoy about hula. This was the fifth year of the competition held annually at the MACC.

Taking home the new perpetual trophy, named the Leianaikaroselaniomaui Award, which is for excellence in dancing was Hālau I Ka Wekiu under the direction of Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker and Michael Lanakila Casupang of Pauoa on O‘ahu. The other new perpetual trophy was the Maui Nui Award, which is awarded to the hālau with the highest total number of points. Maui Nui Award was won by Hālau I Kona Mau Lima under the direction of Kumu Hula Ualani Smith of Lahaina. The solo division for Mr. Hula Maui was won by Kaimana Domingo of Hālau I Ka Wekiu (above) and the solo division for Ms. Hula Maui was won by Ashley Leonahenahe Tamanaha of Hālau Hi‘iakaināmakalehua (below).

Those who had the unenviable job as judges of the competition were Kumu Hula Leiana Long Woodside and La‘akapu Lenchanko of O‘ahu along with Tangarō from Hilo, Hawai‘i. Their combined years of hula and expertise in Hawaiian culture provided the knowledge needed to evaluate each hālau. They also provided comments and insights to the Kumu Hula to help in their future endeavors.

Hālau that were new to the competition included Hālau Hi‘iakaināmakalehua from Honolulu under the direction of Kumu Hula Robert Ke‘ano Ka‘upu and Lono Padilla and Hālau Hula O Nā Lehua O Laka with Kumu Hula Naomi Nakagawa of Fujisawa, Japan. Rounding out the participating hālau list was Kumu Hula Kamaka Kukona with Hālau O Ka Hanu Lehua and KumuHula Pono and Leimomi Murray with Hālau Nāwaipunalei.

One of the touching moments during the day was the recognition and introduction of Kumu Hula Akoni Akana of O‘ahu and formerly of Maui, who established this competition several years ago when he directed the Friends of Moku‘ula and Maui Nei Native Expeditions. Kū Mai Ka Hula is now under the direction of Kumu Hula Hōkūlani Holt of Kauahea, Inc. who is also Director of Cultural Programs at Maui Arts & Cultural Center and Kumu Hula Pali Ahue, Cultural Programs Assistant at the MACC.

And the winner is …

sandiy — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 18:25:44 +0000

Finalists in Diamond Bakery’s “Make and Bake” contest showed up on Saturday morning at Ala Moana Center Stage for the final judging of their original recipe (featuring Diamond Bakery products) and “cracker sculpture”. The sculptures were very creative … and I can only guess that the recipes were great since judges were the only ones tasting them.

After sampling all of the entries and reviewing all of the sculptures, the winner was ‘Noah’s Ark – made primarily of graham and animal crackers:

1st Place Winner

The Yoshida’s … first place winners with (l-f) Devon Nekoba – emcee and judges Lynn Cook, Melissa Chang, Ron Villoria, Brent Kunimoto (President of Diamond Bakery) and Susan Au Doyle (Exec. Director of Aloha United Way). The prize was a very generous $1,500 cash plus one year supply of Diamond Bakery products valued at $500.

The event was open to the public.

Profits from 3-month’s of Diamond Bakery cracker sales were presented to Aloha United Way.

Diamond Bakery’s mission is sharing heart-warming Aloha and their “Make and Bake” campaign was just one of the many community fundraising programs they have throughout the year.

Today – Ala Moana Center Stage

sandiy — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 17:56:28 +0000

From 11 am – noon today (Saturday, September 18) … 10 finalists in Diamond Bakery’s “Make and Bake” contest complete for cash prizes.

The contestants’ orignal recipes and ‘cracker building structures’ will be judged by Brent Kunimoto-Diamond Bakery President, Susan Au Doyle-Exec. Director Aloha United Way, Melissa Chang – writer and blogger, Ron Villoria- Honolulu Coffee Company baker and Lynn Cook-writer and island artist.

The contest benefits Aloha United Way.

Come on down. Should be fun.

Hawaii Five-0 poster with Sunset on the Beach info

sandiy — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:50:06 +0000

Ewa Community Church

sandiy — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:27:03 +0000

This is Ewa Community Church … a little church in Ewa town (not Ewa Beach).

They held a mission fair last weekend to raise money to fix the stained glass windows that have been damaged by time and possibly vandalism. It was great to visit the church again … a place where I went to Sunday services when I lived in Ewa and where I got married. Good memories.

For more images, visit http://t.co/wGH920u

Diamond Bakery sharing the aloha

sandiy — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 07:32:02 +0000

On Wednesday (August 18), Brent Kunimoto, president of Diamond Bakery, shared the aloha as a result of their annual “Have a Heart – Save a Heart 2010” campaign by making presentations infront of 400+ students from K-grade 6 (a very well-behaved group) and faculty

The first presentation by Diamond Bakery was a $5000 check to the American Heart Association of Hawaii (from the sales of Diamond Bakery’s healthy selection of crackers)

Next, the Automated External Defibrillator (AED), AED Wall cabinet, and AED Program oversight, valued at $2,500, was presented to Bryan Loo, principal at Manana Elementary School

Also, on the same day, the third component of the campaign was implemented:

Pamela Foster, RN and President of AED Institute of America, Inc., assisted by fire fighters from Pearl City Fire Station (Engine 20), conducted a CPR class for about 50 teachers and school staff

This is the third year Diamond Bakery has partnered with the American Heart Association of Hawaii to build awareness for living healthier lives.

During the 2010 campaign, Diamond Bakery distributed 150,000 flyers with heart healthy recipes and tips through pre-package inserts in boxes of its low sodium-no cholesterol soda and saloon pilot crackers, zero transfat soda crackers and whole wheat crackers.

As the students exited the cafetorium, Diamond Bakery staff gave each one a package of their ono crakers.

Price rollback … Harbor Pub celebrating 30th anniversary with $8.80 pizzas

sandiy — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 05:30:15 +0000

Having established itself as a Waikiki institution catering to hospitality workers, sailors, surfers and tourists alike, the stalwart restaurant and bar Harbor Pub is celebrating 30 years of operation with 30 days of rollback prices on its famous pizza.

Located in the vicinity of the Ilikai Hotel, Harbor Pub’s anniversary special is going on now … any small pizza will be $8.80 (8/8/80 is when they opened) through Thursday, September 9. One small pizza, per person, per day – dine in only and excludes holidays.

The following is a list of Harbor Pub pizzas:
Harbor Combo Pizza
Vegetarian Combo Pizza
Beef and Mushroom Pizza
Pepperoni Pizza
Italian Sausage Pizza
Italian Salami Pizza
Cheese Pizza
Portuguese Sausage Pizza
Taco Pizza
Ham & Pineapple Pizza
Beef & Jalapeno Pizza
Fresh Tomatoes & Basil Pizza
Pizza Bianca/White (Olive Oil)
BBQ Chicken
The Sicilian (Garlic & Anchovies)
Spinach & Garlic Pizza

Harbor Pub

1765 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96815-1486
(808) 941-0985

Jazz band jams on Sunday, August 15

sandiy — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:55:42 +0000

Local jazz musicians jamming for your enjoyment. Phil Scellato (formerly of Phil’s Gold) has one foot in the visitor industry … his wife works for Starwood!

“The Little Big Band” at Rafters on SUNDAY, AUGUST 15TH at 3 PM!

Here’s the days lineup!

Leading the “Band”- The “Trumpeting” SCELLATO BROTHERS, PHIL and BOB.

With them….

REGGIE PADILLA, Tenor Sax
AMBROSE SPLESCIA, Alto and Baritone Sax….. From New Zealand and Australia,
a great Jazz virtuoso!
JODY WALKER on the Drums – and
MARK TANOUYE on Bass
On this day the band welcomes back to Hawaii, one of the great expatriot Jazz Pianists, KEITH SCOTT, back from Central America and Florida

No Cover. Musicians are paid by donations at the door.

You can bring your own food and drinks. Some pupus are available too.

Call for directions etc. Jackie Ward - 735 8012.