Aloha Friday: Weekend Events

Here are a few events happening on Oahu this Saturday and Sunday that I think keiki would enjoy.  If you know of other family friendly events this weekend please share them in the comments.  Mahalo!


Saturday, October 2

What:  Windward Ho'olaule'a

Where:  Windward Community College, great lawn; 45-720 Keaahala Rd, Kaneohe, 96744

When:  9am to 8pm

About:  Live entertainment, face painting, imaginarium/CAE open house, book sale and culinary arts food booth
For More Info:  windward.hawaii.edu/Hoolaulea/

What:  Duke's Uke Contest
Where:  Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach Hotel, 2nd floor; 235 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, 96815
When:  10am to 12pm
About:  Four age categories of nonprofessional ukulele players compete onstage at Duke's.

Sunday, October 3

What:  1st Annual Hawaiian Honey and Arts Festival
Where:  Senator Fong's Plantation, 47-285 Pulama Rd in Kaneohe
When:  10am to 5pm
About:  Craft vendors, honey vendors, food booths, keiki activities and live entertainment

What:  17th Annual Children & Youth Day
Where:  State Capitol, Iolani Palace Grounds, Washington Place and other downtown locations.
When:  10am to 3pm
About:  Building tours, live entertainment, food booths, rock climbing wall, inflatable obstacle course and more.
For More Info:  http://www.kipchawaii.org/index.aspx

Lei Stands at Honolulu Airport

When I meet visitors at the airport I like greeting them with flower leis.  I stop at the airport lei stands and buy leis there.  When my parents came to visit last week my kids and I made our traditional stop before picking them up.

I often let my kids pick which leis to buy (within my target price range).  My boy always has to check out several of the stands before deciding on a purchase.  It's pretty cute, unless I'm in a hurry.

I like to see the variety of leis and watch them being made.  When we stopped in last week one of the lei sellers was making this beautiful haku lei (a lei worn around the head like a garland).

To appreciate the fragrance of the leis you will have to check this place out yourself.  The tuberose and plumeria leis smell especially wonderful.

Do it yourself on Oahu:

Directions:  The lei stands are well marked when you drive to the airport.  Head towards arrivals until you see the sign for the lei stands on your left.

Hours:  Each lei stand has its own hours, but from talking to one of the vendors it sounds like you should have no problem purchasing a lei as early as 6am and as late as 10pm.

Parking:  Free parking directly in front of the lei sellers.

Prices:  Better than your local drugstore or grocery store.  Prices range from $5 to $20 or so.  Some vendors will bargain with you, especially if you are buying multiple leis.

Many people like to buy leis in Chinatown, but for me the convenience of the airport lei stands is hard to beat.  We stop here for leis for special occasions like graduations and birthdays too.


To see lots of great photos from around the world, check out Photo Friday at Delicious Baby.

Kaneohe Bay Airshow

We went to Kaneohe Marine Corp Base to watch the Blue Angels up close on Sunday.  We got a great spot right along the flight line with just a single row of people in front of us.  

While this was going on in the air above our heads...

...this is what was happening on the ground:

Yes, our boy is napping and our girl is digging in the dirt.  So glad we took them.  Ha!  But we enjoyed the show and were glad we went.

Thanks to Steady Mom for hosting the Moms' 30-Minute Blog Challenge.

Scenic Sunday: Blue Angels on Oahu

It's been fun having the Blue Angels in town!  Took the first photo standing on my roof Friday, watched them across Kaneohe Bay yesterday and today we're going to the Marine Corp base to see them up close and personal.

Did you get to see them while they've been here in Hawaii?  Anyone watched them other places?  Share your stories in the comments!