Waikiki and Honolulu Artfests

By Aubrey Hawk

At Artfest, the art happens right before your eyes, as Hawaii’s local art community makes Hawaiian quilts, paintings, elaborate lei and other island crafts while you shop.

Attendance at these events is free, but be sure to bring your wallet to take advantage of the rich array of handmade delights at these two upcoming arts and crafts festivals. The Waikiki and Honolulu Artfests will include more than 100 local artists and artisans, giving Christmas shoppers a huge, exciting assortment of crafts and gifts that are 100% Hawaiian and 100% handmade.

Honolulu Artfest will be held on December 10 and 11 from 9:00 a.m, until 4:00 p.m. in Thomas Square, across the street from the Honolulu Academy of Arts. This is perfect if you are still hungry for art after taking in the Artfest, as the Academy is an amazing and delightful museum, just a stone’s throw away, that simply should not be missed.

On the National Register of Historic Places, Thomas Square was one of the first public parks in Hawaii. In an interesting historical footnote, the British occupied Hawaii for five months in 1843. Thomas Square was the site of the British restoration of the Hawaiian islands to King Kamehameha III, who christened the park in honor of the Admiral who ended the British occupation. The walkways in the park were actually planned to resemble the British flag.

The Waikiki Artfest will be held on November 19 and 20 in Kapiolani Park from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Kapiolani is one of the oldest public parks in Hawaii, known for its incomparable view of Diamond Head and beautiful beach. It’s the perfect place for one of Hawaii’s best values: a family picnic with sandwiches and kites or Frisbees, a whole day of fun for a budget price. If you get tired of making your own fun, Kapiolani also boasts soccer fields, tennis courts, a three-mile jogging track, an archery range, and even a cricket club!

With 500 acres of fun, Kapiolani Park offers plenty of room for visitors to spread out and relax. Kick back for a bit after your visit to the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, and the world famous beaches and shopping in Waikiki. Bring the family and make a day of it!

The Artfests are a proud monthly production of the Handcrafters & Artisans Alliance, which also hosts the Pacific Islands Arts Festival held in Thomas Square each January.

Multimedia

Discover Honolulu: Thomas Square

http://youtu.be/C1kO0oJ85S0

Kapiolani Park-Waikiki. Honolulu, Hawaii

http://youtu.be/fmcAMO88vLk