Made in Hawaii began in 1995 with 61 booths, operated by vendors selling items largely produced in the islands. This year, more than 400 vendors will present their hand-crafted, original designs and edible products in the Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall and Arena.
It’s nirvana for those who love to shop local. Marlee Ornellas may be a record-holder; she says she’s attended every Made in Hawaii since 1995.
Ornellas said she develops a “plan of attack” before she enters the door. She has a kit: “an extra pair of shoes, band aids, water bottle (to refill at the water fountains), at least three extra fabric bags to carry home my treasures, credit card and just-in-case cash in small bills, a highlighter pen to mark a ‘shopping-plan attack’ on the booth-location handout and a Christmas list.”
Her preparation comes with a payoff, she said: “I feel so good after the show; all my holiday shopping is pau. I even buy the holiday cards and the hand-printed wrapping paper!”
MADE IN HAWAII FESTIVAL 2018
>> Where: Blaisdell Center
>> When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
>> Cost: $6 general admission; free for ages 6 and under
>> Info: madeinhawaiifestival.com
It’s called Made in Hawaii because at least 51 percent of every product must be made in the islands. That figure would be higher except for the fact that some basic products like T-shirts, fabric, caps and even elastic are not manufactured locally.
NEW VENDORS this year will present innovative products from unexpected sources.
‘Ulu Mana gives ulu — breadfruit — new life, producing 100 percent natural hummus in an assortment of flavors, such as beet, sun-dried tomato, turmeric and sweet potato. Creator Loren Shoop said his goal was a gluten-free product agreeable to the Paleo (unprocessed) diet. According to fans it is totally delicious. He calls the hummus a “super food,” and has also added ulu chips, called “addictive” by his fans.
Working out of his Hawaii Kai garage, Kristopher Marr creates stunning jewelry, using wood fusion and epoxy resin — the material used on surf boards. The pendants and earrings are “lighter than you would ever think,” Marr says, with a very “watery effect.”
HoneySown Herbs, a family-run company, started keeping bees three years ago. The company sells raw honey and incorporates it into baked goods, tea and skin products.
Da Big Island Burn is a small-batch hot sauce company. Owner Erin Byrne came from Virginia to open a State Farm office; eventually, like many local folks, she was faced with too many mangoes in her yard. Instead of foisting off the crop on neighbors, Byrne “let her imagination run wild” and created Burn Da Mouth mango hot sauce with mango and habanero chilies. That was followed by Kona coffee hot sauce and sauces made with other fruits.
Kuleana skincare products, by Maiden Hawaii Naturals company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific Biodiesel, launched three years ago. Everything the company makes is from plant-based oils: macadamia nut, kukui, coconut, avocado and sunflowers, all from Maui. “Blends with Benefits” concoctions incorporate purified rain water.
When the time comes to give your feet a rest, there are two good options: tasting a chef’s creations or enjoying the music.
In the arena, some of Hawaii’s top chefs will offer cooking demonstrations, tasting options and the opportunity to walk right up and ask a question. Participants include chefs James Aptakin (Layers of Flavor), Curt Nakamura (Koko Head Café), Jongkol Sucodt (Noi Thai), Ronnie Nasuti (Tiki’s Grill), Rob McDaniel (Harbor Restaurant at Pier 38), Lawrence Nakamoto (Mariposa), JJ Reinhart (Hilton Hawaiian Village) and TV star and longtime favorite Sam Choy.
In the Pikake Room at the Exhibition Hall, every hour on the hour, some of Hawaii’s great entertainers and entertainment hopefuls perform. Melveen Leed, Jay Larrin, Jerry Santos, Glenn Medeiros, Nathan Aweau, Maunalua, Kawika Kahiapo, Frank DeLima, Danny Couch and Josh Tatofi are on the bill, along with the winners of the Outrigger Hotels and Resorts 10th annual Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search.
Artists on the new “Songs of C&K” album will sign autographs at the First Hawaiian Bank booth. Meet Henry Kapono, Alx Kawakami, Kalani Pe‘a and Tavana, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday; Kimie Miner and Mike Love, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday; Pe‘a again, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; Starr Kalahiki, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday; Paula Fuga, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday; and Josh Tatofi, 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday.
It’s a lot of talent, creativity and ingenuity squeezed into a three-day event. To enjoy it fully, wear comfortable shoes and make a plan.
