Mother’s Day brunch debuts at Hawai‘i Convention Center

The Sunset Mele concert series moves up to morning with an inaugural Sunset Mele Mother’s Day Brunch this Sunday at the Hawaii Convention Center.

Don’t be fooled by the “Sunset” title. The brunch really is within the normal brunch time frame, and in addition to chef-driven brunch choices, the best in Hawaiian music by Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning artists will fill the ballroom.

“Mother’s Day is one of our team’s favorite occasions of the year, so we decided to create an event that will celebrate mom in a way that makes her feel extra special,” said Teri Orton, Hawaii Convention Center general manager.

“From the time mom arrives, she will be treated like a queen with a red carpet welcome, refreshing cocktail, a great lineup of award-winning entertainment, and a delicious buffet prepared by our talented executive chef Kevin Nakata,” she said.

Upon arrival, mom and family can take advantage of the photo booth and meander through Treat Street Marketplace for shopping opportunities.

The menu by Nakata and his culinary team will showcase many local ingredients.

Local flavors will include adobo-marinated pork shoulder with Ho Farms tomatoes, red onion and shishito peppers; pipikaula Caesar salad; Pier 38 fish sauteed with Chinese black bean sauce, jalapenos and sesame; kalbi short ribs; and much more.

Dessert offerings will enable sampling of several types so mom will be able to taste many varieties of sweet goodies.

“If you really want to do something special for mom,” Orton said, “consider purchasing a koa tree through the center’s Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative and plant it in her honor on the island of Hawaii.”

Entertainment will be provided by longtime island favorites Marlene Sai, Kapena, Kuuipo Kumukahi and more, with Da Braddahs’ brand of hilarity adding to the fun of the day.

Attendees also can enter to win a trip for two on Alaska Airlines. The prize will be awarded during the brunch.

Tickets start at $85 for adults, with lower rates for children. Higher-end VIP packages also are available.