What You’ll Eat at the 2025 Hale ‘Aina Gala Plus Everything Else You Need to Know
Indulge in dishes from Hale ‘Aina Award-winning restaurants from past and present, and immerse yourself in an evening of Moroccan-themed entertainment, henna stations, psychic readings and dancing under the stars.
HONOLULU’s biggest party of the year is right around the corner on Saturday, Sept. 6, at The Royal Hawaiian Resort. As soon as you arrive at the Pink Palace of the Pacific, you’ll step into an exotic bazaar inspired by the buzzing souks of Morocco. This fabulous foodie experience is coupled with a VIP red carpet treatment at this year’s Hale ‘Aina Celebration presented by First Hawaiian Bank x Mastercard. Our moorish theme extends to the food, which you can expect from award-winning restaurants, lots of flowing drinks and entertainment that will enchant you throughout the night.
Click to the info you want to explore:
Photo: Redefined Media
When & Where
The 2025 Hale ‘Aina Gala is on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. VIP entry is at 5:30 p.m. General entry is at 6:30 p.m. The event will take place at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikīkī, 2259 Kalākaua Ave.
How Much It Costs
General tickets are $155 and include entry at 6:30 p.m. VIP Access tickets are $225 and include early entry at 5:30 p.m. You can also purchase an Inside Reserved Seating ticket package for 6 people for $1,800, which includes early entry at 5:30 p.m. Each ticket includes a one-year subscription to HONOLULU Magazine.
Where to Park
Valet and self-parking is available at The Royal Hawaiian.
What to Wear
Come dressed to impress—think Casablanca-chic, rich jewel hues and glamorous caftans. And when planning footwear, keep in mind that much of the event will be on The Royal Hawaiian’s Ocean Lawn.
Entertainment
The night offers a dazzling array of entertainment inspired by Morocco’s famous street festivals, from enchanting belly dancers and stilt-walking camels to a snake charmer puppeteer. Get inked at a henna station, enjoy a psychic reading, snap pics at a photo booth and dance under the stars to a live DJ. You’ll also be able to play Moroccan-inspired games.
The Swag
Score a festive hand fan and a commemorative wine glass, which you can have personalized with hand-painted artwork at a calligraphy station.
Food & Drinks
Indulge in dishes from Hale ‘Aina Award-winning restaurants from past and present, plus brews, wine and signature cocktails. Check out what you’ll be enjoying at our Night in Morocco:
Photo: Courtesy of Aloha Beer
Oven-roasted miso salmon belly from Aloha Beer
Served over crispy rice and garnished with garlic aioli, furikake, Aloha teri glaze, sesame seeds and green onions.
Scallop ceviche from Azure Waikīkī
Served with black garlic aioli, ají-yuzu emulsion, plantain chips and chile oil.
Photo: Courtesy of Arden Waikīkī
Macadamia Nut Briwat from Arden Waikīkī
Moroccan spiced lamb tacos from Beachhouse at the Moana
Photo: Courtesy of ChefZone
Merguez sausage from ChefZone
With spiced lentils.
Photo: Thomas Obungen
Nairagi crudo from Giovedì
Tataki nairagi (striped marlin) crudo topped with Giovedì’s chile crunch, smoked eggplant and herbs.
Sweet and savory bites from Hau Tree
Photo: Courtesy of Hy’s Steakhouse
Beef tagine from Hy’s Steakhouse
Aromatic beef and veggies served over couscous.
Photo: Courtesy of Lady Elaine
Charred octopus from Lady Elaine
Served with MA‘O Farms frisée greens, ‘olena rice, Castelvetrano olives and sherry vinaigrette.
2025 Hale ‘Aina Gala: A Night in Morocco, Saturday, Sept. 6, 5:30 to 9 p.m., The Royal Hawaiian, 2259 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, hnltix.com, @honolulumag
