Weekend Picks – September 22, 2011
Eat
Downing the Isles
What: Big Island shortribs on Molokai sweet potato mash at Brasserie du Vin. Molokai sweet potato shave ice, Big Island cinnamon, and Tropical Dreams vanilla ice cream at Uncle Clay's House of Aloha. It's easy to eat local when the menu is so tasty. For the final weekend of Kanu Hawaii's "Eat Local" challenge, 11 restaurants are featuring ingredients and for every $15-$30 you spend on their delicious dishes, they will donate $5-$10 to Kanu Hawaii and its work toward creating a more sustainable society.
When: Now through Sunday.
Where: See the list of restaurants and local-inspired dishes here.
Details: Just drop your receipt in the "Yelp" box in each restaurant to ensure the donation. Get more details on the "Eat Local" challenge at Kanu Hawaii's website.
Laugh
Improv-able Party
What: Most of the time, your tendancy to loudly blurt out things to strangers just gets you in trouble. But teams of comedians are waiting for you at the 6th Annual Improv Comedy Festival. Catch performances from improvisation troupes from Hawaii, Seattle, and Oklahoma or learn yourself how to think on your feet, in a funny way of course.
When: Tomorrow and Saturday, various times.
Where: the Venue and the ARTS at Marks Garage.
Details: Check out the action on the Improvaganza website.
Visit
Sight-Freeing
What: Absorb culture without the price of admission with Smithsonian Magazine's Free Museum Day. Seven spots on Oahu, Kauai, and Maui are offering passes for two so you can examine everything from World War II planes to ancient Hawaiian artifacts scot-free.
When: Saturday, each museum's opening and closing times vary.
Details: You must print out your voucher from the Smithsonian Magazine's website ahead of time. It also offers a link to each museum's website.
Shop
Pet Projects
What: Get a sweet overdose of eye candy with Padma and Pickles first ever trunk shows. Check out Kelsey Nishi's newest designs of wire-wrapped gemstone goodness and enter a drawing for a free pair of earrings. 20 percent of every sale goes to medically treating and fostering abandoned animals.
When: Saturday and next Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: This week, Cinnamon Girl Ala Moana. Next week, Cinnamon Girl Kahala Mall.
Details: You can also score 20 percent off of Padma and Pickles designs on her website through the end of September with Lei Chic's Shopping Pass.
Hike
Last Ditch Efforts
What: Get out and about with this guided six-mile hike along an abandoned water ditch. Watch for slippery stream crossings and wear your swimsuit so you're ready for the serene swimming pools.
When: Sunday, 8 a.m.
Where: Meet at Iolani Palace. You'll then drive to the trail.
Details: $3 donation is requested. Bring water and lunch. Call 808.778.8629 to sign up or for more information.
Buy
Wedged In
What: Score Shoe Fetish boxes before the local company ships its products off to a mainland warehouse. You can snag a set of the collapsible shoe storage boxes (complete with a built-in picture frame for easy identification) with free shipping and handling until supplies run out.
Details: The Diva Deal includes 36 boxes at $10 a box. Check Closet Fetish's website for a closer look.
Volunteer
Film Fan-atics
What: The Hawaii International Film Festival kicks off in less than a month and it's looking for help. Volunteers gain free admission to one movie for every 4-5 hours of work and an official ti-shirt to mark their star status.
When: HIFF is October 13 – 23. Tickets go on sale to the public October 3.
Where: Regal Dole Cannery Theatres
Details: For more information, to check the movie schedule, or to sign up go to the Hawaii International Film Festival website.
