Did this: Aloha Nights Waikiki Block Party
DFS Galleria in Waikiki threw a crowded New Year’s block party Monday evening that closed down one block of Kalakaua Avenue to showcase local food and entertainment. Performers included Jake Shimabukuro, Keola Beamer and Raiatea Helm, as well as a special performance by renowned transgender Japanese beauty expert and TV personality IKKO and a b-boy corner. We were there to scout out the sights and tastes… See what we found.
Scenes from the event (by Tracy Chan)
Aloha Nights Waikiki Block Party
The food… (by Melissa Chang)
Aloha Nights Waikiki Block Party
We didn’t know what to expect when we heard about this block party that DFS Galleria was throwing in Waikiki. For the first time, DFS was celebrating the year with a shindig for their Japanese client base, other tourists, and locals and closed off Kalakaua Ave. in front of their store. A variety of local and Japanese celebrities took the stage, like Jake Shimabukuro, Raiatea, and Japanese transgendered model Ikko. Tracy Chan bravely took that side of the block to cover the crowd and celebs. Meanwhile, 12 Oahu restaurants had food booths to showcase their best dishes on the other end of the block, so I made a beeline for that area.