First 5th Friday Lanai a Hands-Down Success

The streets and businesses around Dole Park were buzzing with activity as residents and visitors got the chance to experience some of the best food, drink, live music and art the island has to offer at the first-ever 5th Friday Lanai event on Aug. 29.

Inspired by the popular Maui Fridays events, the Lanai Chamber of Commerce organized 5th Friday Lanai as a way to increase traffic to local businesses and provide a night of fun for the whole family. More than 500 participants hit the streets and visited the various participating merchants around Dole Park to take advantage of special discounts and offerings.

Plenty of food and entertainment

The food scene was epic with options from Mexican to Japanese cuisine and more. Pele’s Other Garden served up ono pizzas, No Ka Oi Grindz sold garlic chicken and dry mein, Carmen’s Mexican Food made homemade tamales and green salsa, and Café 565 served up mini sushi platters. Kumu Ola Farms offered fresh salads and kale, while Anuenue Juice Bar invited participants to create their own juice blend. Mimi’s Place Salon & Spa gave away tacos and desserts, while Fusion Food Truck served shave ice and mini tostadas. Participants also enjoyed venison sausage and miniature cupcakes from Four Seasons Lanai, and smoked guava glazed kiawe grilled baby back ribs with a green papaya slaw from Richard’s Market.

Local musicians included Tamatea Nui, Bobby Zarsoza, Michael from Maui, Dr. Greg Sanders and Pierce Myers, performing at Café 565, and Saul Kahihikolo and AJ Vergara, otherwise known as Pili Aloha, jamming at Richard’s Market. Lanai’s very own Redkrown performed after hours at Pele’s Other Garden, rocking the house until 11 p.m.

Lanai Art Center hosted an artist reception showcasing entries from their Trash 2 Art competition, giving Lanai youth participating in Project CAYA the opportunity to display their work.

Prizes galore

5th Friday attendees purchased stamp cards for the event for the chance to win one of 32 prizes from Ohana by Hawaiian Airlines, The Spa at Four Seasons of Lanai, Manele Golf Course, Expeditions Ferry, Dollar Rent-a-Car, Hawaii Western Adventures, Mike Carroll Gallery and more.

If you missed out on the festivities last month, mark your calendar for the next 5th Friday event on Oct. 31. Yes, it’s Halloween night — so get your costumes ready!

For more information on the Lanai Chamber of Commerce and 5th Friday Lanai, please visit www.lanaichamber.com and www.fifthfridaylanai.com. Stay up to date with upcoming events and announcements on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.