Celebrate Kaimuki Kanikapila

I had visited the Kanikaplia last year and was looking forward to checking it out again this year. I saw the ad for it in the paper and told HC that we would have to go. Fortunately, the Aliiolani Craft Fair was held on the same day, so we were able to kill two birds with one stone.

We brought Wheatie with us and he enjoyed the walk from St. Patrick's to the block party. He was able to try some free samples from Hawaii Doggie Bakery. I bought some gingerbread cookies for him there.

There were some craft booths scattered around and free entertainment going on. I didn't really buy anything from the craft booths.

I had promised my mom that I'd come over for lunch later that day, so I couldn't buy as much food as I wanted. However, I did go to Bella Mia to buy their special ziti pasta to take home. The portion was huge and it came with two very tasty garlic cheese rolls. I wanted to buy dim sum from Happy Day, an Ono Pop, some shave ice, treats from Bentos Mochi, sugar-free mochi, macaroons, and a KC Waffle Dog, BUT like I said, I couldn't since I had promised to have lunch with my mom. I guess I could have bought some and saved some for later…

There were a variety of booths and I thought it was a great way for the community to come and celebrate. I'm looking forward to visiting again next year.

It's Kaimuki's own street bazaar, complete with vendors and a festive atmosphere to ring in the 2012 holiday spending blitz. I first noticed this event a few weeks out on a banner posted at the former Liliuokalani Elementary School walking home. The event is mostly on Waialae Avenue, with one part on 12th Avenue going just past the First Hawaiian Bank. Since I live in the area, I just walked to this event without much thought. If you require parking, there is street parking past 7-Eleven on Waialae Avenue, paid parking at the Kaimuki Municipal parking lot, paid parking lot behind 3660 On the Rise on Wilhelmina Rise.

It was a hot, humid day and it probably took about 20 minutes to see everything. You get pretty much everything here: from food, clothing, and specialty items, including jewelry and other nicknacks. From Waialae Ave and Koko Head Ave to Waialae Ave and Sierra Dr, it was certainly a short stretch of road for a road showcase that displays what is unique to Kaimuki and the surrounding communities.

Its strange that there were vendors that were not even part of the Kaimuki business community and had set up shop to sell and promote themselves and their business. White tents lined the street, along with a stage in the middle of the festival, which a mc and a young singer belted out some songs while I was there.

There was plenty of people checking things out. While I didn't buy anything at the time, it's pretty cool to have these community type events to showcase the community and the common bonds that make everyone of us who live here be proud to live, work, and play in Kaimuki. While I was disappointed at the lack of variety of stuff to be offered and the small event venue, it was a positive experience that I hope that it will be a continued event that will be a regular thing at various points of the year.

Support local!

B+

Celebrate Kaimuki Kanikapila gets better every year!

What is it?
An annual celebration / craft fair / street festival put together by the Kaimuki Business & Professional Association (KBPA) to celebrate local thriving businesses and the Kaimuki community.

Think of it as a mini block party craft fair with food and live entertainment.
Here's what I remember for this year (2012):
– Bella Mia – pizza, calzones, etc.
– Happy Days Restaurant – the dim sum looked great, but I didn't buy any this year
– Bentos Mochi & Delectables
– Primo Popcorn
– Boy Scouts & KC Waffle Dogs – I had to buy one and I'm glad I was able to support the cute little Boy Scouts!
– Hawaii Bone Marrow Donor Registry – I'm already registered, but I was glad to see these guys here
– North Shore Goodies – Dressings, sauces and syrups galore. The bf and I are a fan of their dressings, as we have some at home. But I always love sampling their stuff.
– Olay's Thai Food – I wanted a spring roll so badly, but it's too hot today.
– Waiola Burger – I ordered a burger bc the sample was so darned good. At least I know the mix is sold at Don Quijote!
– Ono Pops Hawaii – Super awesome on a hot day like today! I had the POG. YUM.
– Royal Hawaiian Hot Dog Co. – hot dogs and stuff

Where is it?
On Waialae, between Koko Head Ave. and 11th Ave.

How much is it?
Admission is FREE!

What about parking?
– Kaimuki Municipal Lots 1 & 2
– AMPCO Lot (Behind 3660 Wilhelmina Rise)
– Street Parking

**Make sure to stop by the Kaimuki Business & Professional Association (KBPA) booth (on 12th, near the stage): http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/nseZHuXjYFoEfIbdnR6BiA?userid=U-7EVbeRf1wlSZfHW_gujQ#N6oRw96BKlqE9vzmfIelvQ
.. to buy a CKK Coupon Booklet: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/nseZHuXjYFoEfIbdnR6BiA?userid=U-7EVbeRf1wlSZfHW_gujQ#fai4fxj9K9vvU039Vh3HtA It's packed with coupons for nearby Kaimuki businesses and it's only $1. Proceeds support the KBPA scholarship fund, revitalization projects and community events.

So………..
Even if you're not a Kaimuki resident, I encourage you to Celebrate Kaimuki anyway! It's a great little (pet friendly) get together with food, crafts and live entertainment.

See you guys next year!