Haute Weekend Happenings

This year marks the 10th annual Joy of Sake: America’s Largest Sake Celebration. For the second year in a row the party takes place at the Honolulu Academy of Arts. The tranquil gardens make the museum the perfect location for this popular cultural event. This year’s menu will feature more than 300 sakes to pair with tasting plates from some of the islands best restaurants including: Chai’s Island Bistro, Doraku, Hoku’s, Lewers Lounge, Nobu Waikiki, Town, Zenshu, Cakeworks, and more. Ceramists will be selling handmade sake cups making for ideal souvenirs and fully functional of course.

The Joy of Sake is at the Honolulu Academy of Arts. 6 to 8 p.m. Individual tickets are $80 per person and available at www.honoluluacademy.org or by calling 808.532.8742.

Friday, Aug. 20: Return to Waikiki

Master slack key guitarist, Makana has opened a new show at the International Marketplace, Return to Waikiki. The lu’au and cocktail show is produced by Sakara Blackwell. Every Thursday through Saturday the production showcases traditional and contemporary Hawaiian entertainment, celebrating Waikiki’s past and present. “I’ve created a vaudevillian-style presentation combining comedy, theatrics, dance, and storytelling to entertain visitors and locals alike,” says Makana. Set under the breezy banyan and palm trees, dinner show guests can enjoy Kalua pig, steamed opakapaka, lomi lomi salmon, poi, and sweet potato, while listening to the magical tunes of Makana. A cocktail show is also offered from 8:15 to 10 p.m.

Return to Waikiki is located at the International Market Place. Dinner show is from 6 to 8:15 p.m. Tickets range from $95 to $125 per person.  There’s a two for one Kama’aina (local resident) special for August. For more information visit www.returntowaikiki.com or call 808.542.6567.

Saturday, Aug. 21: Symposia

Poolside from 6:30 to 10 p.m., The Kahala Hotel & Resort will be presenting wine selections from nine Californian wineries. Guests will get to interact with vintners and sample wine selections from: Black Sears, Dyer Wines, Plumpjack, Shrader, and Double Diamond Wines while Executive Chef Wayne Hirabayashi prepares special dishes to compliment libations. Cigar connoisseur and Haute Living contributor Michael Herklots of Davidoff will also be on hand to cap off the sure to be haute night.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort is located at 5000 Kahala Ave. For more information visit www.kahalaresort.com or call 808.739.8760 for reservations. Tickets are $80 per person.