2009 New Year's Eve Fireworks in Waikiki

I am very happy to announce that their *will* be a 2009 New Year's Eve fireworks display in Waikiki, thanks to the efforts and generous donations of the members of the Waikiki Improvement Association. The show will begin at 11:55 p.m. on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2009. Fireworks by Grucci will fire one announcement salute every minute until one minute before midnight. From the one minute mark, they will fire one salute at 60 seconds, 45 seconds, 30 seconds, 20 seconds, and then one each as we count down 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1. At midnight, a rousing rapid-fire New Year's fireworks crescendo will unfold utilizing two computer systems. Grucci will fire specialty shells such as Magenta Comets, Double Popping Brocade Chrysanthemums, Gold Glitter Palm Trees, accompanied by both traditional New Year's Eve and Hawaiian music simulcast on local radio station KCCN FM 100, and end with a rousing Grucci Grand Finale.

2009 World AIDS Day Events in Hawaii

December 1 is World AIDS Day, and there are several World AIDS Day events in Hawaii this week. Some of the events are fundraisers for AIDS research and support services and some were founded to educate the general public about AIDS prevention measures, facts, and common myths. Hawaii's Life Foundation estimates there are approximately 3000 people living with AIDS in Hawaii.
AIDS DAY EVENTS:

World AIDS Day Events in Hawaii

World AIDS Day - Official Web Site
AIDS RESOURCES IN HAWAII

Life Foundation of Honolulu

Hawaii Island HIV/AIDS Foundation

Maui AIDS Foundation

Kauai AIDS Project (Malama Pono)

Honolulu AIDS Walk (2010 April 18)

Paradise Ride Kauai (2010 August 7-8)

Join Me at Ukulele Bill Tapia's 102nd Birthday Party in Southern California on Saturday December 5!

I have some extra seats at the table I reserved for the incredible Bill Tapia's 102nd birthday concert and afternoon dinner party at noon next Saturday (that's Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 12:00 noon at Stevens Steakhouse in the City of Commerce, Southern California). You want to hear 101 year old Bill Tapia play the ukulele, guitar, and banjo - and meet one of my 3 fun sisters - all on the same day? How fun would that be!!?? Maybe we can works something out. (And no I am not scalping the tix... if you really really love Bill Tapia, and you *promise* to come, I will even consider subsidizing your attendance). Send email to kathiefry@gmail.com or post a note on my Facebook page.

View Larger Image of Bill Tapia in His Studio

More About Bill's 102nd Birthday Party

Hawaii's Best Christmas Concerts in 2009

Hawaii's most popular Christmas concerts sell out fast, so it's not too early to decide which events you will attend. Tickets for these holiday concerts featuring big name performers are on sale now:

Nov 27-29: Jim Nabors Honolulu Christmas Concert

Nov 29: Amy Hanaialii's Maui Holiday Concert

Dec 04: Amy Hanaialii's Big Island Holiday Concert

Dec 05: Willie K Waikoloa Big Island Christmas Concert

Dec 11-13: Brothers Cazimero Honolulu Christmas Concert

Dec 20-23: Na Leo Holiday Music Spectacular Waikiki Concert

Other Popular Christmas Concerts in Hawaii:

Nov 28: Maui Choral Arts "Home for the Holidays" Concert

Dec 05: Honolulu City Lights Opening Night Christmas Concert

Dec 05: Kamehameha Schools Honolulu Christmas Concert

Dec 13: Maui Pops Orchestra Holiday Concert at Maui Arts

Dec 19: Honolulu Boys Choir Christmas Concert

Dec 20: Messiah Sing-Along at Hyatt Regency Maui

Dec 21: Kauai Christmas Hula Concert

If I left off your favorite holiday concert in Hawaii please send me a message using the email address on our contacts page. See also

Award Winning Hawaiian Music Christmas Albums

New Obama's Hawaii Children's Book Includes Amy Hanaialii CD

The July 2009 book, "A President From Hawaii" teaches young people about the history, cultural values, and language of Hawaii, using quotes from United States President Barack Obama and illustrations by Kauai artist Joanna Carolan. The included CD features songs by two of Hawaii's top award winning recording artists, Amy Hanaialii and former HAPA lead singer, Kelii Kaneali. The CD also includes a chant by Kelii's wife, former Miss Aloha Hula Healani Youn. "A President from Hawaii" was selected to represent the State of Hawaii at the Library of Congress September 2009 National Book Festival on the National Mall in Washington DC.

Buy "A President from Hawaii" at Amazon.com

2009 Veteran's Day Events in Hawaii

Most of Hawaii's 2009 Veteran's Day Events, including parades, family festivals, and ceremonies, will take place on Wednesday, November 11, 2009, which is Veteran's Day. There will also be a few early events this weekend, including the Kauai Veteran's Day Parade, and the Waianae Veteran's Day Parade in West Oahu, and the Hilo Veteran's Day Parade on the Big Island, all of which take place on Saturday, November 7. Veteran's day is an official state holiday in Hawaii so city and county offices will be closed and public bus lines may run on their weekend schedules. For more information see: Veteran's Day in Hawaii

Hawaii Events This Weekend: November 6-8, 2009

Events in Hawaii this weekend, Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8, 2009, will include Arbor Day events on Oahu and the Big Island, Pre-Veteran's Day Parades on Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island, the Celebrate Kaimuki Street Festival in Honolulu, a drag race on Kauai, the Kona Coffee Festival and the Moku o Keawe Hula Festival on the Big Island, a gay-friendly Mama Mia Movie and Sing-Along on Maui, a Healing Arts Expo at the Unity Church of Hawaii in Honolulu, and many other events. For more information see

Calendar of November 2009 Hawaii Events

More About November Events in Hawaii