Fall in O‘ahu

Food, Fashion, Film, and History in The Heart of Hawai‘i

When it comes to unique island experiences, few destinations compare to O‘ahu’s sophisticated urban vibe, tropical island beauty, and colorful kaleidoscope of cultures and history. Experience this 21^st century, East-meets-West paradise through O‘ahu’s amazing fall line up of festivals and special events.

 

Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival

What could be better than enjoying a chef’s unique creation and a handcrafted cocktail as the sun sets at Waikīkī or the Leeward Coast? Few culinary events are as rooted in their locales as the 6^th Annual Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival (hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com) which comes to O‘ahu October 26-30.  Co-founded by Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong—James Beard award winning chefs and well-known restaurateurs—HFWF showcases the natural bounty of Hawai‘i. Internationally renowned chefs from Hawai‘i, the U.S. mainland, Asia, and Europe will prepare their specialties with items sourced from Hawai‘i’s farms, ranches, and seas. In fact, HFWF features more than 100 internationally renowned chefs, sommeliers, mixologists, and purveyors coming together for five days of interactive food and beverage experiences in one of the world’s most beautiful spots. Most significantly, festival proceeds benefit local agriculture and culinary education programs. 

Imagine tasting traditional and contemporary versions of time honored Hawaiian dishes at the Urban Lū‘au or sipping irresistible cocktails created by master mixologists while sampling the culinary genius at different chef stations at The Hungry Monkey. Enjoy the Pacific Coast’s finest wines and the inventive dishes at A Culinary Flight and then head to the Clash of the Ramen After Party. Enjoy these and many more events at HFWF.

 

HONOLULU Fashion Week           

Island and international styles hit the runways at Hawai‘i Convention Center at the 3^rd Annual HONOLULU Fashion Week (honolulufashionweek.com) November 10-13. Once again, HONOLULU Magazine is partnering with Lynne Hanzawa O’Neill, the Hawai‘i-born mastermind behind many New York Fashion Week shows. Street smart urban wear, contemporary tropical styles, and sizzling swimwear will be on display at runway shows and for sale at pop up boutiques featuring local designers.

The dynamic fashion show lineup includes Runway to Runway, sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines, with designs inspired by destinations where the carrier flies. The Reyn Spooner Show highlights this iconic island brand famed for its reverse print aloha shirts and unique collaborations with other Hawai‘i legacy brands. The Beautiful Survivors Fashion Show, sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Health, will feature former cancer patients walking the runways in fashions by Hawai‘i based designers. The Reach the Runway Show featuring Kini Zamora—Project Runway standout—is also a benefit. The proceeds will support Reach the Runway, a mentorship opportunity program for Hawai‘i middle students interested in fashion careers.  Sun, Sand, and Surf will showcase swimwear and sexy streetwear.

Hawai‘i International Film Festival

With its mid Pacific location, O‘ahu is the ideal base for the well respected 36^th Annual Hawai‘i International Film Festival (hiff.org) which runs November 3-13. Dedicated to advancing understanding and cultural exchange among the people of Asia, the Pacific, and North America, over 50,000 moviegoers experience at least 150 films, documentaries, short films, and music videos from approximately 45 countries each year at HIFF.  The festival also showcases world premieres from Asia, the U.S. mainland, and Europe as well as local cinematic talent from Hawai‘i. Along with screenings, HIFF also hosts seminars, workshops, and awards ceremonies. And while many screenings are held indoors, you even count on outdoor screenings with O‘ahu’s magnificent weather.

In addition to new international cinema that focuses on the Asia-Pacific Rim, HIFF 2016 programs include the annual European film section and the Film for Thought program which combines thought provoking film with scholarly debate. HIFF will also present the Creative Lab, with workshops, seminars, and panels that explore new media and screenwriting.

The 75^th Commemoration of the Attack on Pearl Harbor: December 1-11, 2016

Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

There are always many compelling reasons to visit O‘ahu, but 2016 is extra special. This year marks the 75^th anniversary of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and other military bases on O‘ahu, “a date that will live in infamy” as President Roosevelt declared in his address to the U.S. Congress. The events of that fateful day catapulted the United States into World War II, changing life in Hawai‘i, on the mainland, and around the world forever.

In honor of the 75^th Commemoration of the Attack on Pearl Harbor, O‘ahu will host an unprecedented series of events with the theme “Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future” dedicated to the “Greatest Generation” and their patriotism, and commitment to the greater good. One of the most poignant reminders about the 75^th commemoration is that this represents one of the last opportunities to honor those living survivors who witnessed or served on December 7, 1941. 

The 75^th Commemoration events acknowledge and honor men and women who have answered the call of duty for the last seven decades. Many events are free and open to the public while others are private or require tickets. Events include the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Parade, memorials dedicated to the USS Utah and USS Oklahoma, the reconciliation Blackened Canteen Ceremony at the USS Arizona Memorial, the “Remember Pearl Harbor” documentary film premiere, a historic movie series on Waikīkī Beach, a Pearl Harbor Survivor Gala Tribute, the Inspiring the Future Concert at Aloha Stadium, and more

Visit pearlharbor75thanniversary.com to learn more.