13th Annual Great Waikoloa ‘Ukulele Festival

Posted on February 24, 2013 by Damon

Waikoloa Beach Resort presents the 13th Annual Great Waikoloa ‘Ukulele Festival, Saturday March 2, at Queens’ MarketPlace.  Starting with a free ‘ukulele workshop with Roy Sakuma, the celebration of Hawaii’s favorite  musical instrument includes nonstop entertainment from 12 to 7 p.m., with a special appearance by multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winner Sean Na‘auao.

Roy Sakuma performs with his workshop students at the Great Waikoloa 'Ukulele Festival.

Roy Sakuma performs with his workshop students at the Great Waikoloa ‘Ukulele Festival.

With Hawaii’s “Ambassador of Aloha” Danny Kaleikini as Master of Ceremonies, the ‘Ukulele Festival spotlights thirteen performances on two stages, and lots of giveaways.  Lei-making, ‘umeke making (decorated gourd bowl), ‘ukulele making demonstrations and ‘ukulele lessons will be offered throughout the afternoon.

“If you play the ‘ukulele or you just love the music, the ‘Ukulele Festival is a great way to spend the day,” said Margo Mau Bunnell, Queens’ MarketPlace Sales & Operations Manager.  “It’s a real pleasure for us to bring these amazing musicians to Queens’ MarketPlace for everyone to experience—keiki to kupuna.  And, it’s always fun to see so many people come and bring their ‘ukuleles for the free workshop with Roy, stay for lunch and enjoy great Hawaiian music all afternoon.”

Roy and wife Kathy created the first annual ‘Ukulele Festival in 1971, while Roy was a maintenance worker for the City and County of Honolulu.  Today, their efforts have grown into a series of events on four islands, with over 20,000 participants.  The original ‘Ukulele Festival at Kapi‘olani Bandstand in Waikiki, hosts a performance by an 800-member ‘ukulele orchestra every July.  Their 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, ‘Ukulele Festival Hawaii, was established in 2004, “To bring laughter, love and hope to children and adults throughout Hawaii and the world through the music of the ‘ukulele.”

Appearing with Roy at the ‘Ukulele Festival will be his mentor for over 50 years, Herb “Ohta-san” Ohta, jazz guitarist Nando Suan, and his protégée Nelly Toyama-Baduria.  Sponsors include Waikoloa Beach Resort, Queens’ MarketPlace, ‘Ukulele Festival Hawaii, Roberts Hawaii, ‘ukulele companies: MGM ‘Ukulele, KALA, Kamaka ‘Ukulele, Kanile’a ‘Ukulele, KoAloha and Ko’olau Pono Guitar & ‘Ukulele Company. For more information, call Queens’ MarketPlace office at 886-8822 or visit www.QueensMarketPlace.net.

Since it opened in 2007, Queens’ MarketPlace in Waikoloa Beach Resort has earned a reputation among visitors and kama‘āina as “the gathering place of the Kohala Coast,” full of shopping opportunities, services and great food, along with entertainment and arts programs, movies under the stars and large-scale concerts in Waikoloa Bowl at Queens’ Gardens.  For more information, visit www.QueensMarketPlace.net or call 886-8822.
‘UKULELE FESTIVAL:  SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Queens’ MarketPlace Studio
10:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m.
‘Ukulele Workshop with Roy and Kathy Sakuma. BYOU (bring your own ‘ukulele).  Free.

Stage 1: Coronation Pavilion
12:00 p.m.   ‘Aoia!
1:00 p.m.    Na Kupuna O Kona Ali‘i
2:00 p.m.    Kupuka‘as
3:00 p.m.    Kona Pacific Public Charter School
3:30 p.m.    Aidan James
4:00 p.m.    Roy Sakuma’s Super Keiki with Nelly Toyama Baduria and Daniel Baduria
5:00 p.m.    Sean Na‘auao
6:00 p.m.    Ohta San and Nando Suan

Stage 2: near Romano’s Macaroni Grill
12:30 p.m.   Kris Fuchigami
1:00 p.m.    Roy Sakuma’s Super Keiki with Nelly Toyama Baduria and Daniel Baduria
2:00 p.m.    Benny Uyetake and the Samuel E. Kalama Intermediate School ‘Ukulele Band (Maui)
3:00 p.m.    ‘Ukulele Lehulehu
4:00 p.m.    Ohta San and Nando Suan

Queens’ MarketPlace
2:00-5:00 p.m.
‘Ukulele Making Demonstration with Bob Gleason
‘Ukulele Lessons with Aunty Barni Fischer
Lei-Making with the Ladies of the Ka‘ahumanu Society (while suppl

Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Entertainment, Hawaii, Kohala, Tourism | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Queens’ MarketPlace Gets New Businesses

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Damon

Queens’ MarketPlace continues to grow and evolve, as new and expanding businesses enhance the total shopping experience of the popular Waikoloa Beach Resort mall. Recently opened Harry Wishard Gallery and Century 21 All Islands, plus a larger space for Blue Wilderness Dive Adventures, bring additional fine Hawaii arts, real estate services and ocean activities into the Queens’ MarketPlace ‘ohana, just in time for the holiday season.

“We are feeling a recent sense of energy and optimism,” said Waikoloa Beach Resort Vice President of Resort Operations Scott Head, “These three new venues, plus Ippy’s and Lemongrass Express restaurants joining us soon, each bring their own excitement into Waikoloa.  And as visitors, kama‘āina and our seasonal ‘snow birds’ come to Queens’ MarketPlace to check out what’s new, it’s going to be a lot of fun, and good for all of us.”

From mauka to makai, acclaimed Hawaii artist Harry Wishard brings the fine works of art that delighted upcountry Waimea customers into a second location by the ocean at Queens’ MarketPlace. Open since early November, the Gallery features Wishard’s evocative oil paintings of Hawaii and around the world, in addition to an eclectic group of fine Hawaii artists such as Kathy Long, Victoria McCormick, Lynn Capell, Mary Koski, Ed Kayton and other favorite island artists.  For more information, visit www.harrywishard.com or call 769-5077

For those vacationers daydreaming about their own “home away from home” in Hawaii, Century 21 All Islands stands ready to assist. Broker-in-Charge Charlie Perry says their independently-owned Century 21 office is happy to assist with beautiful vacation or second homes, investment properties, condos or townhouses.  Within the Resort or elsewhere, they welcome opportunities to show their wide variety of listings, and assist sellers of homes as well.  For more information, visit www.hawaiimoves.com or call 808-883-3321.

Enhancing its already engaging location in Queens’ MarketPlace, Blue Wilderness Dive Adventures expands its retail space with a great selection of underwater cameras and equipment, diver’s watches, dive and snorkel gear, UV sunwear and beach necessities from the best names in diving:  AquaLung, Suunto, Excel and more. Their top-rated ocean adventures include daily charters with snorkel ride-along, dive instruction and PADI certifications, one- or two-tank daytime dives and black water night dives along the vibrant Kohala Coast. And, for those who like to adventure on their own, Blue Wilderness offers dive and snorkel equipment, surfboards and boogie boards for rent as well. For complete information and reservations, visit www.divebluewilderness.com or call 886-0980.

Since it opened in 2007, Queens’ MarketPlace in Waikoloa Beach Resort has earned a reputation among visitors and kama’āina as “the gathering place of the Kohala Coast,” full of shopping opportunities, services and great food, along with entertainment and arts programs, movies under the stars and contemporary concerts in Waikoloa Bowl at Queens’ Gardens.  For more information, visit www.QueensMarketPlace.net or call 886-8822.

For more information visit www.WaikoloaBeachResort.com.

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Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Economy, Hawaii, Kohala, Something New?, Tourism | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

New Chefs and New Restaurants at the Waikoloa Beach Resort

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Damon

Foodies have three new reasons to celebrate at Queens’ MarketPlace, as new chefs and restaurants add their special flavors to the popular shopping center in Waikoloa Beach Resort.

Ippy Aiona at the 2012 Mealani Taste of the Hawaiian Range

First up, “Food Network Star” Season 8 finalist Philip “Ippy” Aiona premiers his new dining option in the Food Court.  Highly-anticipated, Ippy’s Hawaiian BBQ is scheduled to open in early December, serving Aiona’s special twist on the iconic Hawaiian “plate lunch.” Diners can look forward to brined rotisserie chicken basted in homemade teriyaki sauce, furikake mahi burger, miso fried chicken, BBQ ribs and more, served with Ippy’s specialty sauces, homestyle gravies, and indulgences like corn and bread puddings.

Aiona grew up in the restaurant business, learning from New York-Italian and Hawaiian parents, and is presently executive chef of the family’s Italian eatery and coffee bar, Solimene’s in Waimea. He attended California Culinary Academy and Le Cordon Bleu in San Francisco, and refined sophisticated culinary techniques with mellow island style to help win a spot on Chef Giada De Laurentiis’ team on the Food Network competition.  Easy going and popular on the show, Aiona’s excellence in the kitchen, combined with a winning personality, won acclaim through the gamut of challenges to Season 8’s last episode before its grand finale.

Next, in mid December, Chef “TK” Thepthikone Keosavang opens Lemongrass Express—sister restaurant to his popular Lemongrass Bistro in Kona, in an abbreviated version for the Food Court.  With focus on quality fresh food (locally sourced whenever possible), Chef TK says Lemongrass Express will feature excellent value with inexpensive lunch and dinner specials and return-customer incentives.  He plans to offer select beers, wines and sakes to compliment the Asian Fusion cuisine, he describes as “not strictly Thai, not strictly Japanese, Chinese or any one style.”

Chef TK’s award-winning style comes from a long career with some of the best restaurants in the business, including 13 years with the MGM Grand Hotel, where he helped win “Best Japanese Restaurant in Las Vegas” two years in a row for Shibuya.  Most recently Chef de Cuisine of the AAA Four-Diamond Brown’s Beach House at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i, Chef TK brings worlds of experience to Lemongrass Express, blending French and Asian techniques into his “nouvelle Asian fusion” cuisine.  For more information, visit www.lemongrasskona.com.

Nearby, Sansei Seafood, Steak & Sushi Bar announces the appointment of Executive Chef Paul Goodwin to their award-winning team. A solid professional, Goodwin brings broad knowledge and experience from working with some of Hawaii’s top chefs into the kitchen at Sansei.  Originally from Oregon, his culinary career has included Merriman’s two Hawai‘i Island locations, Wolfgang Puck’s Spago at Four Seasons Wailea, Roy’s in Kihei, Waikoloa and San Diego, and most recently D.K. Kodama’s Sansei Seafood Restaurant in Kihei.

While he works with the staff to maintain and improve high service standards and food excellence, Chef Paul assures loyal customers that their longstanding Kama‘āina, Early Bird and Late Night specials will not change.  Specializing in New Wave Sushi and Contemporary Japanese Specialties, Sansei has won recognition from Honolulu Magazine, the Honolulu Advertiser, Wine Spectator magazine and the Gayot website. For more information, please visit www.sanseihawaii.com or call 886-6286.

Since it opened in 2007, Queens’ MarketPlace in Waikoloa Beach Resort has earned a reputation among visitors and kama’āina as “the gathering place of the Kohala Coast,” full of shopping opportunities, services and great food, along with entertainment and arts programs, movies under the stars and large-scale concerts in Waikoloa Bowl at Queens’ Gardens.  For more information, visit www.QueensMarketPlace.net or call 886-8822.

For more information visit www.WaikoloaBeachResort.com.

Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Food & Drink, Hawaii, Kohala, Something New?, Tourism | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Fall Fashion Show Presented by Queens’ MarketPlace & Maximum Capacity

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Damon

To wrap up summer and ramp up the school year, Queens’ MarketPlace and Maximum Capacity have teamed up for a fun Fall Fashion Show on Monday September 5 at 4:30 p.m.  A splashy variety of children’s, women’s and men’s apparel, accessories, shoes, shades and sportswear will be in the spotlight, from numerous Queens’ MarketPlace award-winning retailers.

Fashion Show

Featured fashions include contemporary looks from Persimmon (voted Best Clothing Store in North Hawaii by readers of North Hawaii News), aloha wear for all ages by Blue Ginger Family, Exclusive Designs and Reyn’s, the latest board shorts, swimsuits and beach “musts” from Pac Sun, Local Motion and Quiksilver—accessorized with great gear from BikeWorks Beach and Sports, Blue Wilderness and Ocean Sports (Best Snorkel Cruise/Sunset Sail).  Sunglass Hut adds cool shades for every lifestyle and pastime; and fun props, toys and gifts from Local Lizard and Friends, Island Gourmet Markets and Giggles (Best Toy Store) make it fun.

The first 200 registered attendees will receive a free Queens’ MarketPlace tote bag, filled with merchant specials. (Registration takes place on-site.)

Partner organization Maximum Capacity, run by Big Island residents Jon Sabati and Lilinoi Grace, is a free program that helps people of all ages develop fundamental skills and confidence to maximize their ultimate potential for success. By providing free workshops, Maximum Capacity encourages participants to explore their interest in careers and education, and to reach their goals.  The Fall Fashion show is a fun way to showcase their Media Arts group’s production and modeling talents, in style.

Recently voted “Best Shopping Center in North Hawaii,” Queens’ MarketPlace in Waikoloa Beach Resort has earned a reputation among visitors and kama’āina as “the gathering place of the Kohala Coast.”  Filled with shopping opportunities, services and great food, Queens’ MarketPlace also offers free entertainment and arts programs, movies under the stars and contemporary concerts in Waikoloa Bowl at Queens’ Gardens.

For more information visit www.QueensMarketPlace.net or call 886-8822.

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Schedule for July 4th at the Queens’ MarketPlace at the Waikoloa Beach Resort

Posted on June 26, 2011 by Damon
Media Release:

Queens’ MarketPlace packs a lot of celebration into Independence Day, Monday, July 4 at Waikoloa Beach Resort. Free, day-long “Family Fourth” festivities take place 11:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m. at the Coronation Pavilion and throughout the shopping center, concluding with a grand finale as the Air Force Band of the Pacific plays the prelude for a fireworks extravaganza at the Waikoloa Bowl at Queens’ Gardens.

Queens Shop in Waikoloa

Proceeds from the day’s events will benefit the Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s Food Bank. A collection point for non-perishable food items and monetary donations will be available throughout the day, and script sales for the carnival games and activities will support the Food Basket’s efforts to feed Hawaii Island families.

“Queens’ MarketPlace is one of our community partners,” said Food Basket Executive Director Nani Lee, “And the reason we are still alive and running and have food is because the Food Basket has partners like this. It’s about how the community addresses a problem we have. In this case the new buzzword is ‘food insecurity.’”

According to Lee, many children can expect a hot meal at school, but may not be sure when the next meal will be served at home; seniors on fixed incomes face similar food insecurities. The Food Basket has seen a 17% increase in the number of people they are serving and a decrease in the amount of food and donation dollars, creating a serious shortage. A “supplementary food program,” the Food Basket helps provide and distribute food through its partner programs such as soup kitchens and food pantries. “One important message is—people who are food insecure are our friends, neighbors, families,” said Lee. “The Big Island is very generous… We care.”

“This is the third year that Queens’ MarketPlace has helped us,” said Lee. “From 11:00 a.m., they have a lot of fun, family things to do, and fireworks and the concert at the end of the day… So as you’re standing in line to ride the Zoo Choo train around, play a game or get a balloon from Balloon Monsoon, we hope you might reach into your pocket and make a contribution to the Food Basket.”

In addition, Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company will participate in the effort, giving a free can of their popular new Spam-flavored mac nuts with a $5 donation.

In the morning, “Balloon Monsoon” entertains with balloon twist art, creating animated cartoon characters for the keiki. After cotton candy, carnival games, popcorn, and more, the Zoo Choo train rides roll out, for a small fee donated to the Hawaii Food Basket. Non-stop family entertainment includes strolling magicians, live music by seven different bands throughout the day, carnival games and more. (See schedule below)

And when the sun goes down, the sky lights up with Fourth of July fireworks, following a celebratory concert by the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific in the Waikoloa Bowl. The Band and its primary performing ensemble “Hana Hou” perform a wide variety of music, including classic rock & roll, Grammy-winning country songs and Top 40 hits, as well as island favorites and American patriotic music. A highlight of the show will be the Band’s rousing medley of favorite patriotic songs for everyone to sing along.

Families are invited to come early, beat the crowd, enjoy the day and cap off the Family Fourth with a bang. Beach mats or chairs are welcome for open lawn seating, however coolers, alcoholic beverages and smoking are not permitted. Admission is free. For more information visit http://www.WaikoloaBeachResort.com or call 886-8822.

July 4 Schedule of Events at Queens’ MarketPlace

11:00 a.m. Arneleo the Magician

11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Zoo Choo rides, Carnival games, Popcorn, cotton candy

and balloon twist art by Balloon Monsoon

12:00 p.m. Honoka`a Alumni Band

12:45-2:45 p.m. The Great Barusky, Strolling Magic

1:00 p.m. Lorenzo’s Army

2:00 p.m. Hot Lava 808

3:00 p.m. Mystik Rhythmz

4:00 p.m. Ryan Hiraoka

5:00 p.m. I‘land Boiz

Waikoloa Bowl gates open

6:00-8:15 p.m. U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific, Waikoloa Bowl

8:00 p.m. FIREWORKS SHOW

8:30 p.m. Music by Full Circle

For more information visit http://www.QueensMarketPlace.net or call 886-8822.

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11th Annual Great Waikoloa Ukulele Festival

Posted on February 23, 2011 by Damon

Hot licks, cool music and great ‘ukulele giveaways

Media Release:

Waikoloa Beach Resort will present the 11thth Annual Great Waikoloa ‘Ukulele Festival, Saturday March 5, 1:00-7:00 p.m. at Queens’ MarketPlace.  With Hawaii’s “Ambassador of Aloha” Danny Kaleikini as Master of Ceremonies, the Festival spotlights ten different performances on two stages, a free workshop with Roy Sakuma and chance to win one of seven top of the line ‘ukulele from Kala ‘Ukulele, KoAloha, Kamaka ‘Ukulele, Kanile‘a ‘Ukulele, MGM ‘Ukulele, Ko‘olau Pono Guitar and ‘Ukulele Company and the ‘Ukulele Festival-Hawaii.  Lei-making, ‘umeke making (decorated gourd bowl), ‘ukulele demonstrations and lessons will be offered throughout the afternoon.

Sakuma and wife Kathy created the first annual ‘Ukulele Festival in 1971, while Roy was a maintenance worker for the City and County of Honolulu.   Today, their efforts have grown into a series of events on four islands, with over 20,000 participants.  The original ‘Ukulele Festival at Kapi‘olani Bandstand in Waikiki, hosts a performance by an 800-member ‘ukulele orchestra every July.  Their 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, ‘Ukulele Festival Hawaii, was established in 2004, “To bring laughter, love and hope to children and adults throughout Hawaii and the world through the music of the ‘ukulele.”

Appearing with Sakuma at the Waikoloa ‘Ukulele Festival will be Roy’s protégée Nelly Toyama-Baduria, his mentor for over 50 years Herb “Ohta-san” Ohta and jazz guitartist Nando Suan.  In addition, Horace Dudoit, Chris Kamaka and Glen Smith, members of the Grammy-nominated band Ho‘okena make a special appearance.

Sponsors include Waikoloa Beach Resort, Queens’ MarketPlace, ‘Ukulele Festival Hawaii, ‘ukulele companies Kala ‘Ukulele, KoAloha, Kamaka ‘Ukulele, Kanile‘a ‘Ukulele, MGM ‘Ukulele, Ko‘olau Pono Guitar & ‘Ukulele Company and the ‘Ukulele Festival-Hawaii, in addition to Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa and Roberts Hawaii.  For more information, call Queens’ MarketPlace office at 886-8822 or visit www.QueensMarketPlace.net

Schedule of events, Saturday, March 5

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa:

  • 10:00 a.m.-Noon  ‘Ukulele Workshop. BYOU (bring your own ‘ukulele).  Free.

Queen’s MarketPlace:

  • 2:00-6:00 p.m.  ‘Ukulele Making Demonstration by Bob Gleason of Pegasus Guitars & ‘Ukuleles
  • 2:00-6:00 p.m.  ‘Ukulele Lessons with Auntie Marjorie Spencer
  • 2:00-6:00 p.m.  Lei-Making with the Ladies of the Ka‘ahumanu Society
  • 2:00-6:00 p.m.  ‘Umeke Making with Auntie Donna Jensen

Island Gourmet Markets Stage

  • 1:00 p.m.  Auntie Lani Lee & Na Kupuna O Kona Ali‘i
  • 2:00 p.m.  Roy Sakuma’s Super Keiki and Nelly Toyama-Baduria
  • 3:00 p.m.  Herb Ohta and Nando Suan
  • 4:00 p.m.  John Keawe
  • 5:00 p.m.  ‘Ukulele Lehulehu

Coronation Pavilion

  • 2:00 p.m.  The Kupuka‘a’s
  • 3:00 p.m.  Kris Fuchigami
  • 4:00 p.m.  Roy Sakuma’s Super Keiki and Nelly Toyama-Baduria
  • 5:00 p.m.  Herb Ohta and Nando Suan
  • 6:00 p.m.  Chris Kamaka, Horace Dudoit and Glen Smith of Ho‘okena

Since it opened in 2007, Queens’ MarketPlace in Waikoloa Beach Resort has earned a reputation among visitors and kama’āina as “the gathering place of the Kohala Coast,” full of shopping opportunities, services and great food, along with entertainment and arts programs, movies under the stars and contemporary concerts in Waikoloa Bowl at Queens’ Gardens.  For more information, visit www.QueensMarketPlace.net or call 886-8822

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Community Invited to Meet Santa at Queens’ MarketPlace

Posted on December 6, 2010 by Damon
Media Release:

He knows when you’ve been bad or good, according to the song, so the community is advised to be good for goodness sake, and come to Queens’ MarketPlace for Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 18, 10:00-11:30 a.m. at Romano’s Macaroni Grill.  A fun way to start a festive day, the event is a Queens’ MarketPlace holiday tradition.


“Queens’ MarketPlace has some great opportunities for those of you that need to do some holiday shopping, so why not invite your family or friends to our Breakfast with Santa at Romano’s Macaroni Grill?” said Sales & Operations Manager Margo Mau Bunnell.  “It’s a great way for the keiki to meet Santa, tell him what they’re wishing for, and have your camera ready to get that memorable photo with good ol’ Saint Nick.  Then stroll around the shops and take a look at our colorful new decorations.”

Admission to Breakfast with Santa is $15 Adults, $10 children 5-11 years old, free for keiki 4 and under.  Prices include a family-style breakfast buffet, tax and gratuity, visit from Santa, face painting, creating an ornament and a photo opportunity with Santa. Reservations are required.  886-8822.

This is the first of a series of “photo ops” with the Santa, with picture-taking sessions scheduled December 18 and 19, 12:00 noon-2:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.  And, December 20-23, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
“So don’t forget to bring your cameras and snap that memorable shot at the Coronation Pavilion,” said Mau-Bunnell.  “And then post your photos with Santa or with the “Retro Holiday Décor on the Queens’ MarketPlace Facebook page, so you will be entered to win a $50 gift certificate.”

For more information, visit www.WaikoloaBeachResort.com or call 886-8822.

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