Made in Hawaii Festival

I live in Hawaii, so what is the point of going to the MADE IN HAWAII Festival?Right???Took place in the Honolulu Convention Center this year. Tickets were $8/adult. Thought I'd save on online service fees by purchasing in person, but it was CARD ONLY, and still had to pay the extra fees! What's the point of having people there then?Parking wasn't available at the Convention Center. But that's okay cause even available, $15 parking fee is steep. Just park at Ala Moana and walk over.There were quite a lot of vendors, and it was crowded. The middle sections were quite tight and just not enough space for people trying to walk through, and for people who were shopping. I can't count how many times you're just stopped and waiting to go around because someone in front stopped to look (while some just stopped to talk and didn't have any consideration that they're in the middle of the aisle and in the way of everyone).Overall, it's a nice event for vendors to showcase their products, and $8 tickets is a good deal for convention center events. I purchased several items, with some I found being sold in regular stores (and for less), but discovered new products that were very good, such as the Aloha Bakehouse coffee and homemade Spicy Chili Oil from Maui.

First time at the Convention Center with over 700 vendors. We parked at Ala Moana and walked over about 15 minutes before the doors opened, and the line was already to the YMCA. Line didn't start moving till about half an hour later, and that was so painful because it snaked through a neighborhood before getting to the front door.Once inside it was a mass zoo of people. Every type of snacks, crafts, and clothing you can imagine. People said they flew in from neighbor islands to attend, and it seemed like the entire state took Friday off to come here.Next time I'd recommend going later in the day to avoid that huge line, I don't think the vendors really run out of stuff that first day.

Overdue lol. Went to check out what's there this year. Prices were high in general, kinda like what you would find at farmers markets, local small businesses need to charge higher prices to make up for the lower sale volumes. That's understandable! So as long as you could go in with a budget in mind then you wouldn't overspend coz it's basically a giant shopping center, but for everything made in (or partially) Hawaii!There's admission price to get in, but that didn't deter people from going. There were looonnnnggg lines when they opened on Friday; luckily I went around 3 pm that day and I just walked straight in. I know a lot of people were going for the local apparel stores, as you could see the long lines for those stores, kinda like last year, but that's not what I went there for. My highlights at the festival:- Roselani ice cream $3 pint. I bought 6! It's $8 at the supermarket... their cappuccino was bomb!- Ruby D's cutting board. I've been eyeing on one since I saw them at the Lanakila meals on wheels event at the bishop museum. It took me a few months to finally take the plunge to buy a $50 cutting board. One of the great kitchen investments I've made. - banana bread - sorry forgot the name but I remember there's a van... it's expensive. $15, but it's delicious. - Noho home. Fabrics of good quality and nice patterns for your home. Their travel blanket is nice. Also I like the free luggage tags they're giving out. Normally it costs $15. So generous of them. - fermented garlic honey from big island. It tastes weird but it's a great immune booster!Had a great time here. It's always nice to walk around and check out what Hawaii businesses have to offer! But gotta pick a good time to come. Also try to Uber or use public transportation. It was easy to take the bus there.

Shopping in Honolulu, Hawaii...All of these years, I avoided going to the Made in Hawaii Festival because I thought it would be crowded and busy with traffic and challenging parking. I went this year because my friend from California wanted to go. She knew many of the vendors from Farmer's Markets here in Honolulu! Wow... I felt so out of it! Haha!This is the 30th year of this special event. It has outgrown the Neal Blaisdell Center and is currently at the Hawaii Convention Center from August 23 to 25, 2024, from 10am to 8pm on Friday 9am to 8pm on Saturday, and 9am to 5pm on Sunday. I did see some of my favorite small businesses:VH07V (Aloha Revolution), Hana Tea, Hawaiian Pie Company, Holey Grail Donuts, and Sun Cheong Grocery Store!I bought a purple bunny passport pouch; got some seasoned macadamia nuts from a vendor from the Big Island (Ahualoa Family Farms), and ate a lot of samples such as: cookies, tea, and coconut bacon! Note: There are many types of beef jerky chips. We were able to compare them side-by-side!My former co-worker had a booth! She sews towel sets, seat belt covers, bowl covers, etc. It sure was nice to see her again!I learned about local businesses that have been around for a while and saw long lines for certain clothing lines! I guess these companies know what residents like to wear - for our climate, body types, and lifestyles! Purchase your $8 admission ticket online. There was a small transaction fee of $1.37. Onsite, there were people standing at the entrance, holding signs with QR codes, which let customers purchase admission tickets at the door. Go and see the talented crafters and entrepreneurs! Besides clothes and jewelry, there were treats and toys for dogs, many food and snack items, and all kinds of merchandise like stationary, stickers, and artwork!Everything is Made In Hawaii!

Always support local...Made in Hawaii festival has always been the signal start to the holidays as it's the first large event to host everything local.In the past it has been searching for a new location as it's always been at the Blaisdell which was great for the parking is currently here at the Convention Center. Huge large area does make it perfect though the parking situation which is always an issue here in Hawaii is the biggest pain in the...did make it somewhat a solution with shuttle service from downtown.The vendors...this year 2024 is a lovely refreshing selection though i didn't get to quite enjoy it as i hoped though running through the entire floor in less than an hour after a long day at work did make it more budget friendly but did walk away with some items that i was searching for and is all that matters.Thank you!

The 30th annual Made in Hawaii Festival. The largest gathering of local small businesses all showcasing their unique creations. Great! But are you physically and mentally ready? You ready to sweat? Ready to squeeze between people who can't text and walk at the same time? Ready to rub up against sweaty strangers to buy your crispy cow? Are you tough enough to withstand getting hit by overstuffed backpacks when the dude in front of you suddenly turns around? Dodge strollers with no babies in them rather dogs all while trying not to trip the blind woman? Let's go!First:1. No parking at the convention center except for handicap placard holders. 2. General parking at Ala Moana Center. It's worst than Christmas. Mall security directing traffic make it worse. You'll be lucky to find a stall at the far end of the mall within 45 minutes. (I gave up and parked at Walmart; shhhh.)3. Buy your tickets in advance. It's worth the 16 percent service fee.4. Do not go to the front of the convention center. Instead follow the line of people down the side of the convention center on Kahakai Dr. Yes, the line to get in is that long.5. Dress for the gym. Light weight moisture wicking fabrics. The convention floor is a sauna. You will sweat profusely. Take the free water from the Pepsi booth.6. Be prepared to walk. 5,000 steps to and from Walmart parking, 10,000 in line and on the convention floor.The larger space of the convention center definitely allows for vendors to showcase more of their products. Integrating food vendors throughout the space decreases congestion. WiFi throughout the space allows all vendors to be cashless. All improvements.The gripe, USE THE ENTIRE CONVENTION CENTER! Aisles need to be wider, ie 20+ feet wide. Spread out so the HVAC isn't overwhelmed. Create an environment that is more conducive to shopping.So, was it worth it? No. Then again the racist comedian, hilarious. (I grew up with the comedy of Frank De Lima and think he's funny but to see the faces of the younger generations and to hear their comments about the racist on stage, priceless!)

It is probably the one of the more overwhelming Hawaii craft events I've been to! With over 700 vendors and taking up the entire Hawaii convention center I had to come up with a strategic plan to shop! Lol! Getting there early was key to getting in parking Space near the convention center $15 was worth it to me not to have to walk in the hurricane winds that were happening! I mean, lots of new friends with the vendors and also good contacts for resources what more could you ask for in the mist of a threat of hurricanes. I definitely bought more than I had planned! But it is all about supporting the Hawaii economy!I will definitely do this event again again

Lines lines lines...30 mins early and the line spiraled thru a neighborhood and down atkinson. Expect a line, always.Scan qr code and get a hand stamp for entry. If u want the free Hawn shopping bag, enter thru the middle main doors. Then go fill it up!More food vendors this year to grab a bite and sit, but the food we got was disappointing.. cowboy and adobo nachos and waffle dogs were not a good choice for us.Free water, pepsi and mtn dew handed out near the front, right. More tables than last year to sit and eat. And a beer garden in back.But shoulder to shoulder, stroller to stroller in a couple of hours. And if u choose to park at Alamoana to attend, use the QR to pay.. we saw many cars (by macys to hotel walkway)with tickets for failure to pay. Looked like ticket fine was $59.

If you are here in August make sure make time to go to the "Made in Hawaii Festival" held at the convention center (in 2024) ... throughly enjoyed our day there ... over 700 vendor.. picked up several unique products that only can be found at festival like this ... Can't wait for 2025 festival

Love strolling through Made in Hawaii Festival so much vendors a lot of cool exciting products I wanted to buy everything. This is a must go to festival for locals and our touristy peeps