Aloha Friday: Weekend Events

Here are a few family friendly things happening around the island this weekend.  If you know of others, please share them with everyone as a comment on this post.  Have a great weekend!

Saturday, October 9, 2010


What:  Waimanalo Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze
Where:  Waimanalo Country Farms, 41-225 Lupe Street, Waimanalo, 96795
            (Across from Waimanalo Beach Park)
When:  9am to 5pm every Saturday in October
About:  In addition to the pumpkin patch and corn maze there will be hayrides, food, shave ice and games.
For More Info:  808-306-4381

What:  2010 Children and Youth Month - Second Saturday
Where:  Hawaii State Art Museum, 250 S. Hotel St. #2, Honolulu, 96813
When:  11am to 3pm
About:  Enjoy hands-on activities for children and families at the Art Museum's montly "Second Saturday" program.  This month featuring the Hawaii Stithery and Fibre Arts Guild.
Cost:  Free

What:  Oh Baby! Family Expo 2010
Where:  Neal Blaisdell Center, Exhibition Hall, Honolulu
When:  10am - 5pm
About:  Designed especially for prenatal to preschool families there will be more than 150 exhibitor booths, featured speakers, infant and toddler play areas, children's activity area for children age 2 and up,  and several contests.
Cost:  Tickets are $4.50 per person, children five and under are free.  Click here for a dollar off coupon.  Tickets can be purchased at the Blaisdell Box Office just outside the entrance to the exhibit.  Parking in the Blaisdell Center lot is $5.
For More Info:  http://www.ohbabyfamilyexpo.com/gi.html


Sunday, October 10, 2010


What:  Hawaii Fishing & Seafood Festival
Where:  Pier 38 Fishing Village, Honolulu
When:  9am to 4pm
About:  Learn about ancient and modern fishing practices, sample fresh seafood products from Hawaii, enjoy kids activities and local entertainment.
Cost:  Free admission and parking
For More Info:  http://www.ohanahotels.com/travelguide_event_detail.aspx?event=1788&Destination=2

What:  Oh Baby! Family Expo 2010

Where:  Neal Blaisdell Center, Exhibition Hall, Honolulu

When:  10am - 5pm

About:  Designed especially for prenatal to preschool families there will be more than 150 exhibitor booths, featured speakers, infant and toddler play areas, children's activity area for children age 2 and up,  and several contests.  

Cost:  Tickets are $4.50 per person, children five and under are free.  Click here for a dollar off coupon.  Tickets can be purchased at the Blaisdell Box Office just outside the entrance to the exhibit.  Parking in the Blaisdell Center lot is $5.

For More Info:  http://www.ohbabyfamilyexpo.com/gi.html

Bed Bath & Beyond in Hawaii

Bed Bath & Beyond has snuck on island.  I doubt they were trying to be sneaky but I missed any hype or fanfare accompanying their opening.  I was afraid I was out of touch so I checked around and found out I'm not the only who hadn't heard the news of their arrival.

If you're one of the (many) ones who haven't heard, let me be the first to tell you we have our very own Bed Bath & Beyond here on Oahu.

Their marketing department may be lacking, but the store is great.  Welcome to choices, choices, choices and one-stop shopping for things for your home.  Now there's no need to drive from Sears to Ross to Walmart to Target and back again to decorate a bathroom or stock a kitchen or update your picture frames.

Need kitchen gadgets?

How about towels?

And the list goes on.  I don't ever want Hawaii to become the Mainland, but I don't mind when some of the conveniences of the Mainland find us.  Happy shopping!

Do it yourself on Oahu:

Location:  98-145 Kaonohi Street, Aiea, HI  96701

In other words, it's off Kam Hwy. in Pearl City, behind Anna Miller's where Circuit City used to be.

Hours:  Sunday 9am to 8pm, Monday-Saturday 9am to 9pm

Coupons:  Here's a link about Bed Bath & Beyond Coupons.  I hear they often accept original coupons even after they have expired.

And a question for my Hawaii readers.  Did you know we have a Bed Bath & Beyond?  When and how did you hear about it?

Pet Walk at Ala Moana Beach Park

The following post was written by Oahu Mom reader Karla Merry, dog owner, beloved "auntie" to my kids and also my favorite realtor.  Yes, I know her in real life and she's almost as cool as her dog.  

The paws hit the pavement at the Humane Society's 20th Annual Pet Walk at Ala Moana Beach Park this week-end.  We took our pooch and were joined by several of his doggy friends.  The festivities opened at 7:00 a.m. with live music, vendor booths, and a wide array of pets meandering around at Magic Island.  By 8:00 they kicked off the walk complete with a balloon encrusted starting gate, cheerleaders from Hawaii Pacific University and Girl Scout Helpers.  Our dogs decided that the Girl Scouts were the best as they had their hands free to provide an encouraging pat.

One could choose between the short 1/2 mile walk around Magic Island or a longer two to three mile loop around Ala Moana Beach Park.  There were teen volunteers along the routes to provide poop patrol baggies and supervise water stations for the dogs.  Several dogs decided that a dip in the water station was a good idea, thus we were glad that we had taken our own water for our dog.

The festivities continued at the mainstage with costume contests and other prize giveaways, but after socializing, sniffing, and strolling, the dogs were tired and so we headed for home. 

Do it yourself on Oahu

• Check out the Humane Society website for details on upcoming pet events at www.hawaiianhumane.org.  Most events just ask for a donation at your discretion.
• The pet walk is an annual event at Ala Moana Beach Park with registration and the main stage at Magic Island.  It is usually held in October and is fun for anyone who likes pets, mostly dogs.  There were some bunnies, cats, and even birds being pushed around in strollers, but the pooches ruled the day.  

• The Humane Society provides great volunteer opportunities for teens who like pets. 

Scenic Sunday: Waterfalls on the Ko'olaus

Fall is in the air.  It's Hawaii, so we're still wearing shorts and t-shirts, but we've had more rainy mornings and overcast afternoons on the Windward side than we had during the summer.  With the rain and the clouds come waterfalls on the Ko'olaus.  I've been known to drive the H-3 just to see them.