Best of HONOLULU Family 2017: Party

Our readers’ and editors’ 10 picks for the best places, services and treats for your next party.

June 13, 2017

Honolulu Family Team,

Photos: Karen DB Photography

Best Party Entertainment

Readers’ Pick

Dave & Buster’s

It’s already a favorite for kids (and parents) of all ages, but one thing we love about Dave & Buster’s is its early-entry option. For an additional fee, you can get the party started two hours before the doors open to the public, so little ones can play all the games they want without having to compete with older kids or adults. Then, wind down with lunch when the crowd starts coming in. Larger parties of more than 50 can take advantage of private rooms with buffets and even capabilities to show movies. But there is another perk for parents of smaller parties seated in the main dining room: They can order off the menu. Here’s a tip: If your school group wants to have an end-of-year party, you should reserve your space early. Some have already saved their spots for May 2018.

Photo: David Croxford

1030 Auahi St., 589-2215, daveandbusters.com/honolulu.

Best Favor Sculpted on a Stick

Editors’ Pick

Candy Art Hawai‘i

Lollipops aren’t just a sweet surprise, they’re an art when Chika Tanaka sculpts everything from dragons and flowers to Hello Kitty in front of your eyes. The art of amezaiku does take some time, but husband Nathan can keep kids occupied with balloon art while they wait. They can also whip up more complicated designs as favors for baby lū‘aus, weddings and every occasion in between.

candyarthawaii@gmail.com, candyarthawaii.com.

Photo: Thinkstock

Best Mobile Cotton Candy Cart

Editors’ Pick

Love Puff

Spun sugar is always a surefire winner, especially when offered in Hawai‘i-favorite flavors. Love Puff brings its adorable cart to parties to serve up your choice of 15 flavors of cotton candy including lychee, coconut, watermelon and even caramel.

ilovepuffhawaii@gmail.com, love-puff.com.

Best Face Painters

Readers’ Pick

ColorWhims

This local company offers everything from balloon twisting and magic shows to projector screen and toy animal ride rentals. But it’s the hand-painted face and body art that earned accolades from our voters. ColorWhims artists can whip out butterflies and dinosaurs galore, but, in minutes, they can also do intricate face masks and full-face characters. Got a Moana fan in the family? ColorWhims can decorate the little ones with arm tattoos in true Maui style. Owner Sandy Rosa does suggest reservations at least two months in advance.

295-5479, colorwhims.com.