What is Twestival?

“On Thursday 25 March 2010, people in hundreds of cities around the world will come together offline to rally around the important cause of Education by hosting local events to have fun and create awareness. Twestival (or Twitter Festival) uses social media for social good. All of the local events are organized 100% by volunteers and 100% of all ticket sales and donations go direct to projects. Follow @twestival for global updates or @hitwestival for local Honolulu updates.“

If you’d like to help out and volunteer with Honolulu Twestival you can join in the conversation or send a blank email to: hitwestival@googlegroups.com and receive updates direct in your inbox. We are seeking sponsors and individuals who can help obtain sponsors, special giveaways and also volunteers who can help at the event with setup and other tasks throughout the night.

For more information please contact me or post a reply and I’ll get back to you shortly. This years event is on the evening of Thursday, March 25th with the venue still to be determined.

Meet the 2010 Honolulu Twestival team on Twitter: HiTwestival/Team

Let’s all come together and show Concern for the world in which we live.

Participants arrived from Oahu, other Hawaiian islands and even from other countries to join in this ride. A wide variety of dress could be found in this hour long parade. All types of clothing could be found from leather and chains, club vests and shirts to holiday red outfits with white fur trim. Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch were on hand as was parade official, Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

About this guest blogger:
April M. Williams is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and a great friend of 808Talk.

Learn more about April by visiting her at the websites below.
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilmwilliams
Twitter http://twitter.com/AprilMWilliams
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AprilMWilliams
CyberLife Tutors Blog http://www.cyberlifetutors.com/blog.html
Personal Blog http://aprilmwilliams.wordpress.com

The seven-minute short film was both written and directed by first time Showdown in Chinatown participant, Misa Tupou. He and other filmmakers were given just under a month to write, shoot, and edit their story on how they see Chinatown Honolulu. This competition had extra incentives for the winner as their film would be included as part of the Chinatown Film Project YouTube channel. Locally, the winning film becomes part of the Hawai’i International Film Festival at an outdoor screening event on October 23rd in Chinatown.

This special “How do you see Chinatown” competition is a collaborative effort between Showdown in Chinatown, the Hawai’i International Film Festival and the Chinatown Film Project.

Chinatown Film Project: http://www.mocanyc.org/chinatown_film_project
Hawai’i International Film Festival: http://www.hiff.org
Showdown in Chinatown: http://www.showdowninchinatown.com

Interviews or more information please contact Misa Tupou: 808-721-6942

Hawaii is filled with plenty of haunting tales and one of these tales just happens to be the tale of the Laie Lady who is a frequent visitor to the PCC grounds on dark nights, incessantly searching for her child she left behind or her killer; no one knows for sure. In October strangely enough the sightings are even more frequent and for us it was also true during the last few days of September as well.

So what happened that night? At the expense of scaring you to much I have condensed the half hour fright night canoe ride into a short subtle explanation to eliminate myself as the cause of your nightmares. Read along more if you think you can handle it.

It was a dark and dreary night when we arrived at the PCC with clouds overcast, a coolness in the air and the bright rays of the moon peaking just over the mountains overlooking Laie. Having no fear we proceeding on to the canoe landing and waited our turn to venture down the Laie waters and into the lagoon in hopes of spotting the mysterious Laie Lady. In just a few short minutes of leaving the safety of shore, we had made it to the lagoon. It was spooky and dark and the fog was rolling in. Off in the distance we heard an eerie sound and suddenly out of no where the Laie Lady appeared! It was frightful and when she seen us she started making her way over to our canoe. We quickly tried to escape and she disappeared below the water. Just as we thought we were safe we heard a splash in the rear of the canoe and there she was trying to reach in and pull us under. We had children in the canoe so perhaps she thought we had her child! We struggled and streamed and quickly got away. Next we continued on our journey of trying to escape. It was to much and we knew we had crossed the line and were in to deep. Barely making it back to the landing we encountered even more frightful things than I can even mention. The Laie Lady was not alone!

I am thankful to this day that I am here and able to speak and write of this frightful experience and if you are a brave soul such as myself, then take a chance and see if you can get a closer look at the Laie Lady. Just remember, whatever you do: DON’T BE SEEN!

The Haunted Lagoon experience at the Polynesian Cultural Center opens tomorrow Friday October 2nd and runs four days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday) from 6:30 to 9:00 PM until October 31st. The canoe ride features a keiki version that the whole family can enjoy, and a meandering, spookier version for those with a braver soul. I also recommend being prepared to get wet if the Laie Lady spots you. She wants nothing more than to find her child and lover and will let nothing stand in her way. Be warned and beware…the fright awaits you!

Dates:

• October 2 to 31 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
• Four Days a Week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays Only!)

Pricing:

• $25.00 Adult (ages 16 and up)
• $15.00 Kids (ages 5 to 15)
• FREE Kids Under 5
• FASTPASS is available (VIP line) for: $45 adult / $35 kids

Kama’aina (Hawaii Residents) Pricing:

• $15.00 Adult (ages 16 and up)
• $10.00 Kids (ages 5 to 15)
• FREE Kids Under 5
• FASTPASS is available (VIP line) for: $30 adult / $20 kids

For more info call 808-293-3333 or visit www.hauntedlagoon.com

You may wonder, “What’s all the buzz around social media?” “Why are these sites gaining in popularity?” “How can I prevent becoming a commodity in cyberspace?” “How much time does it take?” “Is my information safe?”

Clients are looking for you on social media sites. Are you where your clients can find you? Do you know what they are talking about?

April M. Williams will review the key features of the top social media sites that will benefit your business. This interactive program is designed for those who are new to social media or have limited experience using the features and functions of Web 2.0 tools. Those more experienced are invited to contribute, add to the discussion and share their knowledge.

During this session April M. Williams offers you practical insights on:

• Developing your brand
• How to make your profile stand out from the crowd to get you noticed
• Who should you connect with? Open vs. closed network approach
• I’m connected, now what?
• Benefits and risks of recommendations
• Choosing, joining and leveraging groups
• Maximizing your time

Don’t miss this session! Call today to reserve your seat at this FREE session.

August 4, 2009 9:30-11 AM
Kapiolani Community College

To register or for questions:
Call the Honolulu Small Business Development Center @ 808-945-1430

Full Event Details: http://aprilmwilliams.com/hisbdc.html

*UPDATE* July 20
The Hawaii SBDC announced that there will be a $25 registration fee to attend.
*UPDATE* August 1
The Hawaii SBDC has announced that this session is cancelled.
Full timeline of events dealing with Hawaii SBDC http://urltea.me/01h

About April M. Williams:
April M. Williams is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and a great friend and contributor to 808Talk.

Learn more about April by visiting her at the websites below.
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilmwilliams
Twitter http://twitter.com/AprilMWilliams
Blog http://cyberlifetutors.com/blog.html

The Waterfront at Aloha Tower Marketplace

K-Ci & JoJo of Jodeci
Dru Hill
Taylor Dayne
Nesian N.I.N.E.

These outdoor shows feature local hula dancers ranging from novice keiki (children) to aunties (adults). I like to go to the show multiple nights to watch different halau (dance groups) perform. Each group has its own repertoire of songs, costumes and instruments.

If you are anywhere along the beach, you will know the show is about to begin when you hear the traditional blowing of the conch shell. Sometimes a torch lighter joins them as they make their way along the beach. This alerts vacationers to get their spot so as not to miss the start of the show. Bring a beach chair or pick up an inexpensive beach mat from any of the local quick marts and grab a spot near the mound.

Usually a narrator will introduce the history of Hawaiian culture and language to the group. Before the dancers begin, you will learn about each song’s message and the story it tells.

These dancers may wear traditional hula attire or more modern dress. To make the time-honored hula skirts, the dancers harvest and treat the long flat leaves of the green ti plant. Beautiful, fragrant leis are fashioned from colorful tropical flowers. A variety of nuts grown in the islands are strung together as necklaces.

Dancers share the mound with vocalists who chant and sing the traditional stories. Musicians join in with their mix of modern and traditional instruments to make each tale come alive. The large drums made of gourds or tree trunks have a full sound which carries along the beach.

Weather-permitting, you can catch these hula shows Tues, Thurs and Sat at 6:30-7:30 p.m. (6:00-7:00 Nov-Jan). These hula shows are one of my favorite stops on trips to Waikiki. Check out these shows often to learn more about the people and culture of the Hawaiian Islands. Aloha…

About this guest blogger:
April M. Williams is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and a great friend of 808Talk.

Learn more about April by visiting her at the websites below.
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilmwilliams
Twitter http://twitter.com/AprilMWilliams
Blog http://cyberlifetutors.com/blog.html

I am just truly thankful for the support that was shown throughout the community and spread across Twitter. I remember when I sent out DM’s (direct messages) to everyone talking about Twestival and how we in Hawaii should be a part of this since we are the master of tweetups. The response I received was amazing! Everyone was interested and ready to jump right in, although in my mind I truly thought if it was possible at all it would be a little smaller and would be in a setting more cozy and without loads of bands and sponsors. But I was proven wrong, which in this case was a good feeling!

On the eve of Jan. 28th at a food court table in Ala Moana Shopping center the event was born. We tossed around venues, ideas and then Oceans 808 came up. That very night after the pow wow around the food court table, Matt Matsumoto (@mattmatsu) and myself headed over to Oceans 808 to discuss securing the venue. Surprisingly with no hesitation they were ready to support, but did mention “you plan to do all this in two weeks?” “Yes why not?”, was our response. A little while after I finally realized that the venue we had chosen was so fitting for our cause. OCEANS = WATER. How crazy is that? Do you think someone was showing us it was truly meant to be? I do.

So from messages shooting back and forth on our little group to me hanging out almost every night with musicians, who are also dear friends and wanted to be a part of our wonderful event, it became overwhelming. I never before seen so much outpouring of aloha towards an event in such a short period of time, but in Hawaii ANYTHING is possible!

Being that I’m in the military, it has taken me to places around the world. In my travels, I have seen areas of poverty and poor infrastructure where finding a clean glass of water is so very hard unless you’re fortunate enough to have money to do so. Just think, a couple dollars for water may not seem much to us, but in parts of the world it can take months or even a year to even make that kind of money. Yes hard to believe, but true. Some places don’t even have the opportunity to have running water or the convenience of just turning a knob on for clean, fresh water. We often take this for granted so much in America. The Twestival allowed us to come together not only for a good time, but to also raise both awareness and money for a cause that I wholeheartedly support: “charity: water.”

I think this entire event and coming togetherness truly shows what the power of social media can do. And to all those supporters and businesses that helped us in raising enough money to show the world that Hawaii is a force to be reconded with, I say MAHALO! You really do get it!

$7,000+ for charity in an event that came together in 2 weeks! How amazing is that!
Might I also add that we had over 200 in attendence at the event. WOW!

Mahalo to all the organizers, supporters, musicians and our venue (Oceans 808) who came together in such short notice to show the world the aloha that makes Hawaii so unique.

Metromix Honolulu: Party Pics
Featured Photo by Dallas Nagata. See more here: http://tr.im/g976

Want to see the entire event from start to finish from our recorded live stream? Then check it out via Ryan (@hawaii) right here. (shorter version)

Honolulu Twestival: http://honolulu.twestival.com
Charity Water: http://www.charitywater.org

History of Twestival:

“In September 2008, a group of Twitterers based in London UK decided to organise an event where the local Twitter community could socialize offline; meet the faces behind the avatars, enjoy some entertainment, have a few drinks and tie this in with a food drive and fundraising effort for a local homeless charity.

The bulk of the event was organized in under two weeks, via Twitter and utilized the talents and financial support of the local Twittersphere to make this happen.

Around the world similar stories started appearing of local Twitter communities coming together and taking action for a great cause. Twestival was born out of the idea that if cities were able to collaborate on an international scale, but working from a local level, it could have a spectacular impact.“

Hawaii has become known throughout the Twittersphere for organizing quick get togethers or “tweetups” in much the same way that the founders of Twestival did. So when word of a global tweetup came to light it was only fitting that Hawaii MUST be included. With less than two weeks away from the 2009 Twestival, a group of Honolulu tweeps (Twitter people) started a chatter and later met at a food court table in Ala Moana Shopping Center to discuss and try to organize what is now the official Honolulu Twestival! It went from nothing to amazing in only a matter of days and with that Honolulu has now joined 175+ cities around the world who will host a Twestival in their community for an evening of fun and to raise money and awareness for charity: water.

So we talk about Twitter and the name Twestival gets it’s name because of Twitter + Festival, but in reality this is not just a Twitter thing this is a global thing! Yes for EVERYONE! This is a 100 percent volunteer driven effort to raise money for charity: water, a non-profit bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. It’s people coming together globally for a single cause on the same day in hopes of bringing awareness to this global crisis.

Right now, 1.1 billion people on the planet don’t have access to safe, clean drinking water. That’s one in six people. Many communities in developing nations often have a plentiful supply of clean drinking water just below the ground, but no way to get to it. This is where charity: water and its partner organizations come in.

Please join us and meet good people and have a good time, all for a good cause. 100 percent of ticket sales go to charity: water.

Event:
Honolulu’s pau hana-style Twestival event will feature great food, drinks, raffle, and a lineup of live Hawaii entertainment, including Guy Cruz, Anuhea, Mailani Makainai, Jama Hang, and Sunset. The event will also be live-streamed across the Internet and Honolulu will be the final city featured in this 24-hour worldwide party. All eyes will be on the Aloha State!

When:
Thursday – February 12, 2009
5:00-9:00 p.m.

Where:
Oceans 808
Restaurant Row, 500 Ala Moana Blvd. Map

Tickets:
$20 online / $25 at the door (100% of proceeds goes directly to charity: water)

Honolulu Twestival – http://honolulu.twestival.com
charity: water – http://www.charitywater.org

Mahalo to sponsors KGMB9 News, Hawaii-Aloha.com, The Kelly Mitchell Group, SubscriberMail, Alltop, and Pono Media.

Special thanks to Valentino Valdez Design and Karmik Designs for their graphic skills!

Now it’s out with the old and in with the new and we hope you can say, just as much as we can, that it’s time for a fresh new start and time to move on to bigger and better things in 2009.

At 808Talk we went through some struggles as 2008 kicked off. Early on we almost crashed and said goodbye to the love we have for sharing the aloha. This of course was when we announced that we were going to shut down and discontinue the podcast, which at the time was all we actually were, A PODCAST. Then it hit us! Why not continue this venture of love, cause God knows it’s no money maker, and try to do the best in keeping it alive in whatever little bit of time we have available. And so thus the NEW 808Talk was born…one that offers more than just a podcast, more than just videos, but an insider look at things going on in Hawaii and the news, culture, music and movers and shakers in this great island paradise we call home.

So to all our readers, both new and old, and to those who have been with us from the very start, we say MAHALO for your continued support and interest. We promise to continue to give you things about Hawaii in every way that we can and in return we only ask that you try and tell just ONE person in 2009 about 808Talk.com and help us continue to spread the aloha throughout the world.

The top 10 articles of 2008 @808Talk

1. Blue Hawaii Big Wave Surfing
2. Hawaii Goes MRAZy For Jason Mraz
3. Start Or Stop Light Rail Transit In Honolulu…You Decide!
4. 2008 Olympics Artist Wyland Announces Grand Finale Mural
5. Japanese Obama Girls Visit Hawaii And Dance The Hula
6. Makana Different Game An Experience For All
7. Katchafire Coming To Aloha Bash 08
8. Native Hawaiians Take Iolani Palace
9. IZ’s “Over the Rainbow” Version On American Idol
10. First Annual Hawaii MMA Sports & Fitness Expo

New Hawaii friends we connected with in 2008 and so should you!

• Kam Family Blog – Life in Hawaii as we live and enjoy it!
• Robin Graf
• Victoria Wiseman
• Arleen Anderson
• Deborah Micek
• Howzit Howard
• So Necessary… Keeping Tabs on Honolulu Nightlife
• Fung Associates, Inc.
• Ukulele Underground
• ZZType.com – Blaine Fergerstrom
• And so many more…just look here, here, and here!

And the music! Well so much you just have to check it all out for yourself

• Music featured on 808Talk…past to present

In Honolulu and still looking for a last minute NYE celebration to attend?

• Ignite: Times Square Waikiki at Rumfire
• Metromix: Where to party on New Year’s Eve in Honolulu

The tours will leave from and return to the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center on a first-come, first-served basis on December 19-21 at 6:30, 6:45, 7:15, 7:30 and 8:00 P.M. and an additional boat tour at 8:15 P.M. on December 20-21.

The 30-minute tours will feature Christmas music and the boats will pass through the harbor where the ships are decorated for the Christmas season. This is a great opportunity for kids and adults to see warships and submarines up close while aboard a 150 passenger tour boat.

“Ships currently moored in Pearl Harbor will participate in the 2008 Afloat Holiday Lighting contest. Hawaii area commanders will tour the harbor and judge the ships based on best lighting scheme, most creative display and energy conservation.“

Tickets and parking are available each evening starting at 6:00 P.M. at the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center which is located off of Kamehameha Highway near Richardson Field and the Aloha Stadium.

Due to enhanced security measures, handbags, purses, packs and other items that can conceal weapons, are not allowed in the visitor center or aboard the tour boats. Do not leave valuables in your car.

Since it can become chilly, a light jacket or sweater is recommended.

This is a joint community service endeavor with the U.S. Navy and National Park Service.

More Info: Visitor Center Front Desk, 808-422-2771 X 119

“Raiatea Mokihana Maile Helm made history in 2006 as Hawai’i’s first solo female vocalist ever to receive a Grammy Nomination for her sophomore CD “Sweet and Lovely.”

At 21 years old, she was one of the youngest performers to attend the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California. It was a remarkable achievement when you consider that she comes from the tiny island of Moloka’i, Hawai’i, a mere wisp of volcanic land in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.“

- RaiateaHelm.com

Come down and enjoy Raiatea Helm in this third concert of the popular Kani Ka Pila series on Saturday December 13th @7pm. The Second Saturdays – Kani Ka Pila at Royal Hawaiian Center is a FREE Concert with plenty of parking that is also FREE with validation for 4hrs when you dine at any of the restaurants or at the food court in the center.

The Music of Raiatea Helm

For more info on Second Saturdays – Kani Ka Pila visit www.royalhawaiiancenter.com

Then, take in a holiday concert (Sky Gate area), starting at 7:30 which will feature John Cruz, Jake Shimabukuro, Karen Keawehawai’i, Kristian Lei and J Boog & Laga Savea. Then, wander around to see the uniquely island light displays, including a 21-foot Santa flashing the shaka, a surfing snowman and a mega ukulele.

If this doesn’t get you singing Mele Kalikimaka, nothing will. Scrooge.

More information about the night’s events:
www.honolulucitylights.org or www.honolulu.gov/csd/citylights/

You have to make a purchase to get your photo-op or to have Dog sign his book, which is apparently a New York Times bestseller. No, seriously. It is. But then again, so were those sappy Nicholas Sparks novels.

Dog’s store sells lots of lovely tat, like a bracelet sporting the catchy phrase “No More Ice in Paradise.” I’m thinking of the “In Dog We Trust,” hat, although it makes me feel slightly heretical to admit that.

It’s all in good fun. Who can resist waiting in line to see what the island’s most famous … er… celebrity might say? Not me. I’ll see you down there.

Dog will appear at his retail store, Da Dog House, Wednesday, December 3, from 12 to 2 p.m. in the same building as Da Kine Bail Bonds, 1381 Queen Emma Street.

The night is set for December 13th @ Pipeline Cafe in downtown Honolulu where Q-Tip will be joined by DJ Scratch from EPMD. This is one night you won’t wanna miss and best of all, it’s FREE.

Mark your calendar and come on out and chill the night away with Q-Tip, MySpace.com and AT&T. Limited tickets will be available at Dig Lifestyles (Ward Warehouse) on December 10th at 7 pm.

This is an 18+ event with doors opening at 10pm, so get there early!

Q-Tip – The Renaissance

Imagine if you will, two muscle-bound men in tights and strange suspenders who look Eastern European. They do neat contortion tricks, they balance on each other, they are pretty amazing. So you clap, thinking: yeah, I’ve heard about this kind of stuff. It’s pretty cool.

Then, Euro Dude #1 places his hand on top of Euro Dude #2’s head, levitates and balances himself there. On the guy’s head. On one arm. Trust me, your mouth will drop open when you realize that there’s some guy using his neck to support the weight of an entire human being.

Cirque is all about amazing things the human body can do. There are feats of strength, amazing airborne acrobatics and the beautiful art of the human body.

Take for example the trapeze acts, which consisted of lovely women dressed in airy costumes. They spin and glide through the air, narrowly avoiding one another, perfectly synchronized to ethereal music. What makes the scene even more compelling is that you find yourself on the edge of your seat, anxious about the danger but enthralled by the beauty of it all.

I could waste time here, explaining how the colors are so arresting and the music vacillates between a kind of 70’s camp and operatic solos. But I’ll be honest: it’s impossible to paint you a picture because you need all your senses to experience Saltimbanco.

Strength, beauty, humor and artistry come together for a show that appeals to absolutely everyone. At last night’s show, I sat in a section that held old ladies, teenage couples, keiki with their parents and a few 20-something guys (notoriously hard to drag into classy shows like these). Everyone left smiling.

The biggest surprise to me was how much I enjoyed the comedy-relief pantomime. Even writing that makes it sound lame, and I’ll admit, I didn’t think I’d enjoy it. But the mime/clown executed a perfectly entertaining blend of slapstick humor and genuine surprises, using a member of the crowd to make it personal for all of the audience.

Go get your tickets now, because the show ends this weekend (Nov. 16). And a word to the wise: choose upper level seating if you can. Not only is it a great bird’s eye view of the whole show, but you’ll also avoid the audience participation. It’s great fun to watch, but I imagine it’s really embarrassing to have to do. You’ll see what I mean.

For tickets, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/saltimbanco. Twitter users can get a $20 discount on tickets; courtesy of @aloha_aina.

Also gratis is a daily hula show at Kuhio Beach, which is near the intersection of Uluniu and Kalakaua Avenues. It kicks off with the traditional torch lighting and conch blow, then it’s about an hour of local traditional dance. Make sure to bring your own mat or chair, it’s lawn seating only. Happens every day but Monday. Visit http://www.gohawaii.com/event?id=10549.

But the funding for this uber-cool activity is in jeopardy, thanks to declining tourism dollars flowing into our state, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. So take advantage of it while you can, or email the HTA to tell them to save the free stuff! www.hawaiitourismauthority.org

“From the time he was a young boy growing up in Palolo Valley on Oahu, John Cruz knew he was destined to play music. Whether inside or outside the home, his earliest memories were filled with song. His Hawaiian grandmother had a beautiful voice and sang in church. His mom loved the Motown sound and had an extensive record collection. His dad played country music and taught John to perform live shows at a very young age. His brothers and sisters were all musically inclined and, along with numerous aunties, uncles, cousins, neighbors and friends, they have surrounded John with the gift of music for his entire life.

Although John grew up in Hawaii, it wasn’t until he moved to the East Coast in 1983 that he developed his own style as a singer songwriter. During his 12 years in the Northeast, John cut his musical teeth in subways, coffeehouses and bars in New York’s Greenwich Village, as well as in the clubs and local haunts from Martha’s Vineyard to the Boston area. While attending the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, John ventured in to acting and dancing, which strengthened his command of the stage.“

- JohnCruz.com

Come on down and enjoy the wonderful sounds of John Cruz on Saturday November 8th @7pm. The Second Saturdays – Kani Ka Pila at Royal Hawaiian Center is a FREE Concert with plenty of parking that is also FREE with validation for 4hrs when you dine at any of the restaurants or at the food court in the center.

The Music of John Cruz

For more info on Second Saturdays – Kani Ka Pila visit www.royalhawaiiancenter.com

But this weekend, Aloun Farms in Kapolei will save me from my fall ennui with the pick-your-own Pumpkin Patch Festival. They’ve got 100 acres of pumpkins, hayrides, pony rides and (just to make it island) a flyin’ Hawaiian pumpkin slingshot, rock climbing and ono fair foods like grilled corn on the cob—which is fresh off the farm, by the way—chili and shoyu chicken. I can’t express in words how much I love fair food.

Pumpkins are priced according to size. But don’t worry too much about your wallet—spending money at Aloun Farms is good for our local community because a lot of what’s grown there goes to local stores and open markets and keeps local farmers working. They also are accepting canned donations for Hawaii Food Bank, so think about cleaning out your pantry before heading over.

Fall really does bring me back to the old days. I wonder if they let grownups on the ponies?

The patch will be open to the public on Oct. 25 and 26 from 9 a.m. It’s $3 to park. For more info, visit alounfarms.com or call (808) 677-9516.

Yes they’re pampered and totally spoiled and of course they want to share this wonderful event with all you out there in Hawaii and with those who may be visiting our islands as well.

Come on out and enjoy a fun day with the family viewing a variety of breeds of cats and getting the chance to talk with local breeders and learn more about these lovable feline friends.

“Aloha Cat Fancier and Hula Cat Clubs will present the annual CFA Halloween Cat Show at the McCoy Pavilion from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Ala Moana Beach Park. Five outstanding mainland CFA judges will select the best cats in the show. Cats in costume contest from 12 noon to 12:45 p.m. Help select the top Halloween cat and the best decorated cage! Spend a day with your family and family cat at this fun event.“

Admission: Adults – $4.00; Seniors and children – $2.00

McCoy Pavilion
1201 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96814
Map: http://phpurl.com/ne

Information: (808) 261-4354

Japanese 日本語
毎年10月最終土曜日に行われる”ハロウインキャットショー”。今年もアラモアナビーチパーク内マッコーイパビリオンで10月25日に行われます。一番の呼び物は、様々なコスチュームを着飾った猫ちゃん達！好みの猫ちゃんに投票し、優勝が決定。そんな可愛い猫ちゃんのハロウインを楽しんでみてはいかがですか！

For a very reasonable $65 entry fee, you can get massage, manicures and makeovers plus pupus and adult beverages at the Honolulu YWCA’s “Downtown Decadence.” The proceeds benefit the YWCA’s programs, aimed at empowering local women.

It starts after work, so it’s perfect for a girls’ night out. So invite the ladies and pop down to the Y!

Downtown Decadence is on Thursday, October 23rd at the YWCA on Richards Street. Visit http://www.ywca.org for more info or to purchase tickets.

There will be three stages featuring free music acts from 5:30 to 10:30 along Nu’uanu Avenue. Acts range from soulful Hawaiian singer Guy Cruz, an 808Talk favorite, to national acts like jazz-influenced Brett Dennen, rated one of the top artists by Rolling Stone Magazine this year.

If you’d like to rock out with the keiki, the area art galleries will open their doors to trick-or-treaters from 3 to 6:30 (check out the website below for participating galleries). Then, let kids loose at the keiki entertainment area, with activities like spooky storytelling and face painting.

And as you know, no Halloween celebration is complete without a costume contest. Prizes go up to $700, which can buy you a lot of…er…Halloween candy. But be forewarned, you must register at the website in advance to compete.

The festival will be held on October 31 from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.hallowbaloo.com

Several spooky events are on the lineup this year and if you’re a local or just planning to spend your Halloween in the islands, there’s plenty of frightful experiences to be had by all ages.

Here are two top events that we recommend for your haunted Hawaiian nights!

Haunted Lagoon @ PCC

The Laie Lady Lurks at Polynesian Cultural Center’s New Haunted Lagoon this Halloween

Kama’aina Get a Special Treat with 50 Percent Off Purchase of an Annual Pass La’ie, Hawai’i (Sept. 23, 2008) ­ Things will go bump in the night at the Polynesian Cultural Center this Halloween at its new Haunted Lagoon. From October 24-31 (closed on Sunday), PCC will give its visitors a unique way to celebrate the Halloween season. Guests will be able to take a twilight canoe ride through the Center that promises a scary (but fun) night to be had by all. Snacks and spooky souvenirs will also be available. And, for those local residents who want to come back to the PCC for more, kama’aina annual passes will be available for 50 percent off through the end of the month.

The Haunted Lagoon will feature a keiki version that the whole family can enjoy, and a meandering, spookier version for those with braver souls. Local rumor has it that the mysterious and vengeful Laie Lady is a frequent visitor to the Center grounds on dark nights, incessantly searching for her child she left behind or her killer; no one knows for sure.

Admission: Tickets are $8 for adults 16 and older, and $5 for keiki
ages 5-15 years. Kama’aina Annual Pass holders and keiki under 5 will receive one free ride per night. Parking is free after 5:00 p.m.

For more information or to make reservations, please call PCC reservations at (808) 293-3333 or visit the PCC Web site at www.polynesia.com

The Haunted Village @ WCC

The Nightwalk is a 15-minute virtual tour of a haunted graveyard that features 3D animated magic. Audiences will be guided on a night walk down a creepy crypt and into a haunted mansion filled with bats, ghosts and other spooky things that only come out at night.

Shows are every 20 minutes from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $3 per mortal, or $2 for costumed customers, so put on your Halloween best. Tickets will be available at the box office on the night of the event.

Most of the Haunted Village’s other spook-tacular activities are free of charge.

For more information about the Haunted Village, call (808) 236-9169 or visit windward.hawaii.edu

More Oahu Halloween events…http://hawaiiforvisitors.com/oahu/events/