Arts and Flavors of Hawaii

I missed several of the big food expos in Honolulu so I was excited to hear about this small one - and in my neighborhood! I found out about it through Ubae, an ube dessert business that I stalk on social media to find out where they're going to show up next. I was nonplussed when they posted that they'd be at a festival at a retirement center, but they assured me it was open to the public.We got there close to opening time and were able to find parking in the lot - the retirement center welcomes festival goers and had a staffer in a golf cart showing people where they could park. When the lot filled, I'm sure they had people park on the street - easy to do since it's a great walkable neighborhood.The first vendors you see are in the other section of the parking lot - mostly food including a couple of food trucks. Up in the retirement center, vendors are arranged on the patio and foyer - I can imagine it got pretty crowded there later in the day.It was a great mini foodie Mecca - I discovered new local favorites like The Stick and The Ball granola with creative flavors like coconut and lavender; a rainbow of homemade marshmallows from Mandie's Munchies; dragonfruit slushie by Wicked HI; and delicious curry rice with cranberries from Ka'iulani Spices. There was also a great range of clothing, gift, artwork and jewelry vendors - I was surprised by the level of craftsmanship, it wasn't swap meet goods at all (not knocking the swap meet, love that place). Can't wait for the next one!

Great outdoor event. Make sure you stop by Mandys Munchies booth and sample her gourmet marshmallows. Her assortment of tropical flavors make them perfect for gifts. Especially if youre looking for something Made in Hawaii thats both different and delicious!They pack and are easy to ship. Her Aloha tropical mix is the bomb. Lots of food and other items to purchase. Free parking and free admission. Timing is perfect. Holidays are coming!

I came here for tacos, and more than succeeded! This was a good venue showcasing locally-made foods and crafts. We picked up a really nice plant for our coffee table, a quilt made of aloha shirt-type designs, delicious tacos, and tasty banana bread! So, a successful afternoon! When my wife showed this event to me, and I saw Alejandro's Tacos was going to be there, I was sold. I've had Alejandro's two previous times, and loved it. I got my tacos! Twice! And they're still delicious. This event was held at a local retirement community, and while I can't be sure, I think some of the vendors are people from within that retirement community. For example, the kind older lady who makes the aforementioned quilts, and another with the banana bread and a random assortment of other handmade crafts. There are also more broader local food and craft vendors. My wife enjoyed a slushy (not shave ice!) vendor, with natural ingredients and raw honey from Waianae. However, I think the selection rotates each time they have the event.We ended up spending about an hour here, and much of that time was spent waiting for or eating delicious tacos. I think that's a bit of a problem for the long-term success of the event, though. The selection of vendors is well curated; however, beyond making a loop or two around and having a snack, there's not much else to keep you here. Maybe that's the intent, but a seating area and some form of outside entertainment would be a great addition. So, while I enjoyed the experience, I would have been disappointed if it was more than a 5-minute drive from my house.

Arts & Flavors is one of my favorite events! As a vendor and a consumer, there's always the best variety of street food and locally made items. The parking is always so convenient and the vibe is chill and laid back. All of the vendors are so friendly and offer such well made and on trend items. The food vendors are of the best around! I always come starving so I can try 2-3 different dishes. I'm never disappointed!

Great to have an outdoor event in beautiful Hawaii Kai! Great local food and refreshing drinks, the sparkling water with fruits and organic herbs were amazing- "Gazoz"! The crafts and art were unique and beautiful as well, I bought a beautiful succulent plant which I'm so excited for!

We love arts and flavors! Super fun local vendors and great food!

I love craft fairs! Arts and Flavors of Hawaii is a great mix of local product and food vendors. Julie, the coordinator, puts together a different array of vendors at each event with enough variety to satisfy your craft fair fix, without feeling overwhelmed! You always walk away feeling like you got great products that are unique to Hawaii. Check it out!!!!

I love this event right around Hawai'i Kai neighborhood with popular and one of a kind street food, fashion and arts and craft vendors. Sure to find your favorite Made in Hawai'i products!