Flavors of Honolulu Festival Begins Friday

Save your appetite and round up the kids, this weekend brings the second-annual “Flavors of Honolulu” festival on the Honolulu municipal grounds (near Honolulu Hale and the Frank F. Fasi Building). The three-day event mixes over a dozen restaurants, live performances by several local artists, and highlights including a wine-tasting tent and a celebrity cook-off.

Of course, “Flavors of Honolulu” is the new name of the former “Taste of Honolulu” event, which was put to rest two years ago when its former organizer found it, essentially, too successful. Under the guidance of its new non-profit steward, Abilities Unlimited, the “Flavors of Honolulu” is a much more modest affair (the restaurant list is half as long, for example)… but that could be a good thing, as crowds and long lines were becoming one of the hallmarks of its predecessor.

Participating kitchens include India Café, Mangea!, Ichiriki, Planet Hollywood, Señor Frog’s, Laveren’s Catering, Mark’s Specialties, Koi, Village Steak & Seafood, Bali by the Sea, Le Crepe Café, Da Spot, and Cream Pot.

Among the notable musical offerings? My friends Mighty J will take the stage at 2 p.m. on Saturday, and the wonderful Pali will perform at 5 p.m.  Saturday will also bring a special evening tribute to the late, great Auntie Genoa Keawe, featuring her incredibly talented granddaughter Pomai Keawe Lyman. Other acts include the Royal Hawaiian Band, Maunalua, Kapena, and Natural Vibrations.

The “Flavors of Honolulu” festival runs from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5, but kids under 12 are free.