Char’s Chopsticks: Celebrating Aloha Friday

It’s Aloha Friday, which means the end of the workweek, for me at least.

To celebrate the impending weekend, I spent my lunch break near the ocean, eating endless amounts of Hawaiian food.

Wish you were here?

HAWAII Magazine was invited to attend the Aloha Friday Luncheon at Shore Bird Restaurant in the Outrigger Reef on the Beach hotel.

On the menu: kalua pig and cabbage, lomi lomi salmon, chicken long rice, poi, Hawaiian beef stew, fresh pineapples, ahi and tako (octopus) poke, sweet potatoes, haupia and more.

Topping off the meal were hula and music, including performances by the famous Brothers Cazimero and Grammy award-winning musician John Cruz.

In the crowd were Hawaii’s recording artists like Mihana Souza, Pali Kaaihue, even 100-year-old professional ukulele player Bill Tapia (pictured below). Plus Kamehameha Schools’ Class of 1958 was having a 50th reunion.

As the Hawaiian music played, I could see the waves washing onto Waikiki Beach. I wished I brought my swimsuit.

The Aloha Friday Luncheon is hosted by Hawaiian music radio station 105.1 KINE. If you can’t be there, check out the live broadcast on KKNE 940 AM. Each month features different contemporary musicians from Hawaii.

The next luncheon is set for July 11. Normally, the event is held on the first Friday of each month, but, of course, not on the 4th of July. For info: (808) 922-2887.

In the meantime, here’s a clip of the performances by John Cruz and the Brothers Cazimero at the Aloha Friday Luncheon.