After the Civil War ended in 1865, Americans began to hold tributes to our fallen soldiers. In 1868, May 30 was designated as “Decoration Day”, when soldiers graves were decorated in remembrance of their ultimate sacrifice. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act to take effect in 1971, establishing Memorial Day as the last Monday and also declaring it a federal holiday in honor of all service men and women who have died in U.S. wars. Monday, May 30 … [Read more...] about What’s closed and open Memorial Day Weekend 2022
Seasonal
May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi
Lei Day is a uniquely Hawaiian celebration, honoring the tradition of making and wearing lei. The first Lei Day occurred in downtown Honolulu in 1927. Honolulu Star-Bulletin writer and poet, Don Blanding suggested the idea. In 1929, Lei Day became a state-wide celebration. Always celebrate on May 1st, Lei Day is not a state holiday, so businesses are open as usual. The celebration is marked by making and wearing lei, parades, contests, music, and traditional … [Read more...] about May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi
Target Stores annual child car seat trade-in event
Target Stores annual child car seat trade-in event allows you to trade in an old car seat and receive a 20%-off coupon toward a new car seat, stroller, or select baby gear when you trade in your old car seat. You must be a member of the Target Circle™ loyalty rewards program, which is free and easy to join online. Your car seat 20%-off trade-in coupon can be applied to a selected list of childcare items, including a new car seat, car seat base, travel system, … [Read more...] about Target Stores annual child car seat trade-in event
Where to get Easter bunny photos
The Easter Bunny's in town! Hop in to have a photo taken. Listed below are places to get a professional photo as well as any BYOC (bring your own camera) and free appearances with the EB. In the past two years, many Easter events were altered or replaced to keep our ʻohana safe and healthy while enjoying some seasonal fun. This year, we are beginning to see a greater return to "normal". Maui Easter Bunny Photos Kahului. April 9 - 16, 2022. Queen Ka'ahumanu … [Read more...] about Where to get Easter bunny photos
Academy Awards and Oscar film nominees
Each year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes excellence in the motion picture industry. Hundreds of millions of movie fans turn in to watch the glamorous ceremony as members of the academy are awarded an Oscar statue. Listed below are this years' Best Picture nominees and where to see them before the Academy Awards show. 2022 Oscar Awards The 2022 Oscar Nominations Announcement took place on February 8, 2022. The 94th Oscars will be … [Read more...] about Academy Awards and Oscar film nominees
Malasada Day: sweet way to celebrate Mardi Gras in Hawaiʻi
Mardi Gras is a holiday with roots in the Christian calendar. The story begins with Christmas. Twelve days after Christmas is the Epiphany (January 6), when the Magi or Wise Men from the East were said to follow a bright star to Bethlehem, bringing the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ child. Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season. After the Epiphany begins Carnival season (or Carnaval in other languages, such as Portuguese and French). … [Read more...] about Malasada Day: sweet way to celebrate Mardi Gras in Hawaiʻi
Best bakeries and restaurants to celebrate National Pi Day (3/14)
"Pi", the sixteenth letter of the Greek alphabet (π), is used by mathematicians to define the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Regardless of the size of the circle, pi always calculates to 3.14. Therefore "Pi Day" is celebrated around the world on 3/14 (March 14). Anyone and everyone celebrates the day with a slice of pie, pizza, quiche, piroshki, hand pies, pot pies, or any other pie your heart desires. Unlike Pi, which never ends and the … [Read more...] about Best bakeries and restaurants to celebrate National Pi Day (3/14)
Honolulu Festival
Since its inception in 2000, the Honolulu Festival has become one of Oʻahu's premier cultural events. Each spring, the festival attracts thousands of spectators over a 3-day weekend. By showcasing the many vibrant of cultures in Hawaiʻi to the world, the event seeks to promote understanding and peace among all peoples. Performers from around the Pacific Rim come together for music & dance performances, traditional arts demonstrations, food & beverage … [Read more...] about Honolulu Festival
HJJCC Cherry Blossom Festival in Honolulu
Started in 1953, the Cherry Blossom Festival (CBF) in Honolulu is the longest, continually running ethnic festival in Hawai‘i. The purpose of the festival to perpetuate Japanese culture and enrich the lives of young women of Japanese ancestry in our state. A project of the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce (HJJCC), the festival includes the crowning of a Queen at the Cherry Blossom Festival ball. The culmination of the festival is an annual ball to … [Read more...] about HJJCC Cherry Blossom Festival in Honolulu
Lunar New Year events across the Hawaiian Islands
Lunar New Year is also called Chinese New Year. However, this festival heralding the spring season and is observed throughout Asia. In Vietnam, it is called Têt, which is short for “Têt Nguyên Đán”, meaning "Festival of the First Morning of the First Day" (referring to the first day of the first month in the lunar calendar). About the lunar calendar The Gregorian calendar is based on the solar year–the time is takes Earth to rotate around the sun. However, the … [Read more...] about Lunar New Year events across the Hawaiian Islands