5 Things to Know About the 2022 Hale ‘Aina Celebration This Month

On Sept. 16, we head to the streets of Havana, Cuba, for a one-night-only celebration of our best Island restaurants.

September 6, 2022

HONOLULU Branded Content Team,

Photo: Courtesy of Taqueria El Gallo Rosa

HONOLULU’s biggest foodie event of the year returns on Friday, Sept. 16, 6 to 9 p.m., with the 2022 Hale ‘Aina Celebration presented by First Hawaiian Bank Priority Destinations World Elite MasterCard. This year’s theme? Havana Nights! Head to Lau‘ula Park in the Ritz Carlton Waikīkī—dressed in your best guayabera or sundress—and you’ll be whisked away to the sultry streets of Cuba, filled with bright colors, lively music, salsa dancing and, of course, bottomless dishes and drinks all night long. Keep your eye out for a few special surprises as well.

Need a reason to buy your ticket now? We’ve got five. Here they are:

1. You get two events in one.

Welcome To Havana

For the first time this year, Hale ‘Aina guests will get to enjoy two experiences rolled into one special event. Head to the Ritz Carlton Waikīkī’s cordoned-off parking lot area for Little Havana, a street food fair buzzing with salsa dancers, colorful vintage cars and street food-inspired bites. Just a few steps over, Lau‘ula Park is transformed into Club Cubana, a sultry Havana-themed club atmosphere bathed in glowing neon lights, bright décor and a stage featuring live entertainment by Rolando Sanchez.

2. Sample award-winning restaurants in one place.

Restaurateurs of the Year Olay Somsanith and Macy Khounkeo will serve up authentic Thai-Lao eats on Sept. 16. Photo: Courtesy of Olay’s Thai-Lao Cuisine

This year’s lineup is filled with current and past Hale ‘Aina winners, plus a couple of newcomers offering sweet eats to top off your meal. You’ll also have the chance to experience two extra special 2022 Hale ‘Aina winners: Restaurateurs of the Year Olay Somsanith and Macy Khounkeo of Olay’s Thai-Lao Cuisine, and Nature Waikīkī, our Gold winner for Best New Restaurant.

RESTAURANT LINEUP:

Hy’s Steak House

Queensbreak Waikīkī

Kalele Eats

Mad Bene

Minasa Hawai‘i

Nature Waikīkī – Best New Restaurant, Gold

O’Kims Korean Kitchen

Taqueria El Gallo Rosa

Olay’s Thai-Lao Cuisine – Restaurateurs of the Year

4. Snap a pic and make memories.

Head to our photo booth for some free photos to take home with you! Don’t forget to grab a fun Panama hat from BMW of Honolulu.

4. Did we mention the rum and cigar lounge?

If you purchase a VIP ticket, you’ll get access to the swanky Rum and Cigar VIP lounge presented by First Hawaiian Bank. Plus, all First Hawaiian Bank cardholders have a special perk as well: A VIP ticket for the price of general admission. Simply select the First Hawaiian Bank Priority Access ticket and enter the first 6 digits from your card number into the promo code box upon checkout. You must use your First Hawaiian Bank personal Mastercard credit card to purchase.

5. Make it a staycation with a special room rate.

Why not stay the weekend? The Ritz-Carlton Residences is offering a special room rate for Hale ‘Aina guests. Visit ritzcarlton.com/Waikiki and use promo code: Z43 for a spectacular staycation deal that includes: