This 17th Annual Event, hosted by the Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle, Kaneohe Ranch and the Castle Foundation, promises to be a great time for residents from all parts of the island and visitors too. Held in the center of Kailua town, on Sunday, April 27 from 11 am to 4 pm, this event is Kailua’s biggest party of the year. Kailua Road, from Kuulei Road to Hahani Street, will be closed off to automobiles for the event. Thousands are expected to attend, enjoying food, music, live entertainment, and handmade arts and crafts of local artists. You can also buy plants and learn more about many local businesses.
The event benefits the Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle. This organization, founded in 1948, focuses on keeping Kailua beautiful, green and clean, and is dedicated to planting trees, shrubs and flowers in parks, public spaces and along streets of Kailua. At the festival, they will be selling “I Love Kailua” buttons and t-shirts, so don’t forget to pick one or two up to help support the cause. You will need a button to purchase food and get “A Taste of Kailua.” Buttons are already on sale at various Kailua merchants for $3 each. Children 12 and under are free.
Restaurants participating in “A Taste of Kailua” are A Cup of Tea, Agnes’ Portguese Bak Shop, Baskin Robbins, Big City Diner, Buzz’s Steak House, cakelava, Chip n Cookie, Cinnamon’s, Crepes No Ka Oi, Down to Earth, Formaggio Grill, Great Harvest Bread Company, India Cafe Curry Express, Kalapawai Cafe and Deli, Laikai Catering Company, Los Garcias Mexican Restaurant, Na ‘Ono, Pikinini Donuts, Pinky’s Pupu ar and Grill, Tat’s Shaved Ice, The Bistro, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Tokoname Restaurant, and more.
Entertainment for 2009 will include a stage devoted to the theme “I Love Hula.” Performers at the festival include: Harry Koizumi, Mihani Souza, Keiki Hula with Pattye’s Hula Studio, Coconut Joe, PJ Smoketrain, Kamakakehau Fernandez, and the Navy Pacific Fleet Band.
Park in the two-level structure in front of Long’s Drugs, or think green and walk or ride your bike! Extra bike racks will be available too. See you there!!! I Love