Hawaii’s premier showcase of locally crafted, manufactured and grown products comes to the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and Arena on Friday, August 19 through Sunday August 21.
“Each year we look forward to helping first-time vendors introduce their products to the thousands of consumers and buyers who come to the festival, which serves as a business incubator for many of these new entrepreneurs,” says Executive Director Amy Hammond. “They join the scores of returning exhibitors in making the Made in Hawaii Festival the best place to ‘buy Hawaii, for Hawaii’.”
Booth space is already sold out, reports Hammond, and there is a waiting list of vendors who want to participate.
Cooking demonstrations by some of Hawaii’s favorite chefs and musical performances by award-winning Hawaii artists take place throughout each day, adding to the fun of shopping this bountiful selection of apparel and accessories, handicrafts and fine art, home furnishings, bath and beauty products, traditional Hawaiian crafts, food products and confections from around the 50th state.
Among the featured musicians this year are Danny Couch, Raiatea Helm, Led Kaapana, Natalie Ai Kamauu, Jay Larrin, Melveen Leed, Maunalua, Jerry Santos, Streetlight Cadence and Chad Takatsugi. The Outrigger Reef on the Beach annual Kani ka Pila Grille Talent Search also is on the entertainment schedule.
From east to west across the island chain, here is a sampling of new exhibitors and products making their Made in Hawaii Festival debut this year:
FROM KAUAI
The Kauai Salad Company – Maker of Gordon’s Pineapple Vinaigrette, made from a decades-old family recipe
FROM OAHU
Mamanu Organic – Adorable baby and kid gear, from bonnets and bloomers to board shorts, made of organic cotton
Maui Nui Venison – Venison jerky made from wild, free-range Axis deer
Wow Wow Lemonade – Handcrafted lemonade using fresh, local, all natural and organic ingredients with such unique flavors as Pineapple Li Hing and Blackberry Lavender
FROM MAUI
JonerZ and the Sparrow – Hawaiian Islands-themed gold and sterling silver jewelry as well as trucker hats featuring original paintings
Maui Sweet Cakes – beautifully packaged shortbread cookies, sprinkle cookies and snacking shortbread
FROM HAWAII ISLAND
Dread Pirate Pottery – Ceramicist and sculptor Laura “Dread Pirate” Roberts works with many mediums, with her favorites being clay, metal and combinations of the two
Kona Skin Care – Hawaiian Lightening Brightening Cream, Mango Cleanser and Tattoo Enhancer are among the featured skin care products, made with exotic natural extracts
Stoneface Hawaii – Glassware and stoneware featuring Hawaii-themed, etched designs
Visit www.MadeInHawaiiFestival.com for more information. Also, follow on Facebook and Twitter @MadeInHI.
The 3-day festival is produced by the Hawaii Food Industry Association as Hawaii’s premier “Buy Hawaii, For Hawaii” event.
First Hawaiian Bank has served as the title sponsor of the Made in Hawaii Festival since its inception 22 years ago.
It initially began as a small business incubator and continues to provide opportunities for local business to grow and reach out to new customers.
MADE IN HAWAII FESTIVAL
What: 22nd Annual Made in Hawaii Festival presented by Frist Hawaiian Bank
A 3-day showcase of “Made in Hawaii” products featuring food products, books, art, gifts, fashions, plants, crafts, produce and more. Cooking demonstrations and ongoing entertainment each day.
When: Friday – Sunday, August 19-21, 2016
Friday & Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and Arena, 777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii
Cost: $6; children six and under free; look for $1.00-off coupons at First Hawaiian Bank’s Oahu branches, starting in mid-August (while supplies last)
Information: (808) 533-1292 or www.MadeInHawaiiFestival.com