Send Obon info to Today section
The summer Obon season honors the Buddhist tradition of commemorating family ancestors, who are said to return to this world to visit relatives. In Hawaii the colorful and lively festivals have become a must-do cultural event for residents and visitors alike, regardless of religious persuasion.
The Today section will publish its annual Obon calendar May 28. To list your event, email the dates, time, address, sponsor’s name and contact information to features@staradvertiser.com by May 21.
It’s tai chi for free at Kapiolani Park
Find stress relief and other benefits at World Tai Chi and Qigong Day, Saturday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Diamond Head end of Kapiolani Park.
No experience is necessary to participate in the free event hosted by Chin Lung Martial Arts School. Wear loose-fitting clothes and bring a bottle of water. Light refreshments will be served.
For information, contact Kieran Tong at 781-4320 or email ktong@ChinLung.com.
Students to compete in ancient-style hula
Students from middle and high schools throughout the state will compete in the 2012 Malia Craver Hula Kahiko Competition on May 12.
The competition, established to showcase the students’ achievements in ancient-style hula and chant, will begin at 10 a.m. at the Pearl City High School gymnasium, 2100 Hookiekie St.
Mililani High, ‘Iolani, Punahou and King Intermediate are among the 11 schools that will be represented at the event.
The competition is sponsored by the Kalihi-Palama Culture & Arts Society and supported by funding from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
Tickets, $10 for adults and $8 for students, will be sold on the day of the event. Call 521-6905 or visit www.kpcahawaii.com for more information.
MORSELS
Shop at Whole Foods, help nonprofit
The newly opened Whole Foods Market in Kailua has partnered with Paepae o He‘eia today for the store’s first Community Support Day.
The store will donate 5 percent of its sales today to the nonprofit, which is dedicated to preserving the ancient He‘eia fishpond.
The store is at 629 Kailua Road. Call 263-6800.
Learn about chocolate at workshops
Study the art of chocolate at Madre Chocolate shop, 20-A Kainehe St. Call 377-6440 or email info@madrechocolate.com. Register at www.madrechocolate.com.
» Madre Shop Pau Hana (4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday, free): A behind-the-scenes look at how the shop uses single-origin chocolates from such locales as Indonesia, Vietnam, Venezuela, Waiahole and Kona. Held on the last Friday of every month.
» Bean-to-Bar Chocolate-Making with Slow Food Oahu (1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 6 in Hilo, May 27; $50): Learn the history of chocolate, taste samples and learn to make your own. Take home recipes and a bar of handmade chocolate.
» Mother’s Day Chocolate Truffle-Making Classes (1 to 4 p.m. May 6 and 20, $50): Use local, raw and vegan chocolate. Take home recipes and three flavors of truffles.
Waikiki hosts annual Spam Jam
Taste an array of dishes featuring Hawaii’s favorite luncheon meat at this year’s Waikiki Spam Jam from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Royal Hawaiian Center.
The center’s restaurants, including Okonomiyaki Chibo, Doraku Sushi and P.F. Chang’s, will create their own Spam entrees.
The center will also host the H.I.S. Lea Lea Food Festival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday in the Royal Grove. The event will feature dishes from Okonomiyaki Chibo, Panya Waikiki, Senor Frog’s and Wolfgang’s Steakhouse; in addition, there will food from Pa‘ala‘a Kai Bakery, Big Wave Shrimp, Aqua Cafe and Marie’s Health Foods.
Pre-sale tickets are $40 for eight coupons (one coupon per dish), available at the center’s H.I.S. Lea Lea Lounge. Additional coupons can be purchased at the event. Call 923-3412.
Cooking class targets bone health
"Strong Bones Strategies" is the next cooking class at the Castle Medical Center, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 3 at the Wellness Center auditorium.
Cost is $15, $20 couples and $10 seniors and students. Call 263-5400 or visit castlemed.org.
Cinco de Mayo infuses food festival
Cinco de Mayo is the theme of the East Honolulu Food Festival, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. May 5 at Star of the Sea Church and Schools, 4470 Aliikoa St.
Food and beverages will be offered by 21 restaurants, including Big City Diner, Blu Water Grill, 5-0 Hawaiian Style Smoked Ribs, Formaggio Grill, JJ’s French Bistro, Kona Brewing Co., Maile’s Thai Bistro, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Soul Patrol.
Tickets are $60 advance, $70 at the door and $25 children ages 3 to 13. Call 734-0396 or email ehffinfo@gmail.com.
