HMSA Island Scene Festival
Several thousand families came to Kakaako Gateway Park on Saturday, Sept. 27, to
participate in the HMSA Island Scene Festival. The festival celebrated health, fitness
and fun for the entire family with Island Scene, Hawaii’s favorite magazine. From
keiki to kupuna, there was something for everyone, including lots of delicious,
locally grown produce.
The festival featured healthy cooking demonstrations by local vendors, a farmers’
market, food booths, health information, and entertainment throughout the day. A
portion of the event proceeds supported Lanakila Pacific’s Meals on Wheels program.
Local chefs included Frank Chun and Alan Cabebe from Xpress Chefs, Jiva Segaran
from India Café, Michelle Yamaguchi from Umeke Market Natural Foods & Deli, and
Sharon Kobayashi from Kapiolani Community College. Under a large tent, they prepared
healthy dishes on stage and shared samples with the audience.
In addition to a rock climbing wall, the festival featured a Keiki Pavilion with
games, the go activity course, a petting zoo, Honolulu Fire Department trucks, and the TumbleBus.
Kids and adults also participated in a fun watermelon-eating contest.
A variety of local groups provided entertainment, including the Polynesian Cultural
Center, Gee Yung International Martial Arts and Lion Dance Association, Zumba by
Joy Longfield, Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii – Taiko, and Sugarland Farms (sponsor
of the watermelon contest).
Nearly 20 nonprofit organizations provided health information and advice, including
the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters
of Honolulu, Child and Family Services, Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation, Kalihi-Palama
Health Center, and Weight Watchers Hawaii.
The purpose of the HMSA Island Scene Festival was to encourage families to embrace
good health, fitness and fun, including learning how to eat a nutritious diet. Attendees
tasted a variety of healthy foods and learned about locally grown produce and how
to include more of it in their diets. Families learned the many benefits of having
a healthy lifestyle.