HMSA Island Scene Festival
Several thousand people came to Kakaako Gateway Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 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 health
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, activities for the kids, 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, Arin Antonio from Whole Foods, 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 Fun Zone with
games and inflatables. 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
Leeward YMCA, Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii (taiko), the Keiki Palaka Band, and
Sugarland Farms (sponsor of the watermelon contest).
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.