Marking a decade as Hawaii's largest marketplace of local products,
the 2005 Made In Hawaii Festival is set for Honolulu’s Neal
Blaisdell Center for Friday, Aug. 19 to Sunday, Aug. 21. This
year's event, themed "Celebrating the Best of Hawaii," will feature
over 420 exhibitors. More than 34,000 people attended last year’s
festival, experiencing the diversity of each island’s “home grown”
goodies in one easy stop.
Adding to the festivities is an award-winning lineup of Hawaii
talent, plus culinary contributions by local chefs demonstrating
dishes created with Hawaii-grown produce and products.
"The Made in Hawaii Festival is one of Hawaii's best shopping
experiences," said Richard Botti, president of the Hawaii Food
Industry Association (HFIA). "Exhibitors often unveil their newest
products at the festival, so shoppers have the first opportunity to
see unique products.”
Festival hours are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $2, with
children under age six admitted free of charge.
"This year, we're especially proud of the exhibitors who have
grown with us since year one, exhibitors such as Tahitian Goddess,
Creations of Hawaii, Lahaole Lima Creations and All Butter Dreams,
among others," Botti continued.
Just a sampling of products available include papaya-seed
dressing from Pupukea Gardens, aromatherapy products from Ahhhloha
Bath Salts, koa wood carvings from Makemake Makana, macadamia
scones with exotic fruit curds from Planted By The River, handmade
glass bead bracelets from A Piece Of Maui, Hawaiian Christmas
ornaments from Maui Pacifica, originally designed island clothing
from Warrior Designs Hawaii/Puahina, Kona micro algae nutritional
supplements from Nutrex Hawaii and fruit flavored butters from Liko
Lehua Products.
"We've been delighted to support these small businesses for the
last decade, encouraging consumers to ‘Buy Hawaii’ and showcasing
the diverse products of the Islands," said Don Horner, president
and CEO of First Hawaiian Bank, a corporate sponsor. "It's been a
real pleasure to watch the show grow from the original 61 booths to
more than 420 this time around.”
Not only can visitors pick up unique souvenirs at the show, but
they can also get an early jump on their Christmas shopping.
808-533-1292
www.madeinhawaiifestival.com
