Ho'omaika'i at The Willows (Friday 2/28/14)

The Willows Restaurant, a kama‘aina tradition, is very excited to be hosting the 1st Annual Ho‘omaika‘i, our inaugural wedding and special events fair, happening on Friday, February 28, 2014, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Ho‘omaika‘i will feature a variety of activities on the beautiful grounds of The Willows, as follows: • Buffet - The Willows will feature a heavy pupu buffet. • Live Music – Live performances by Kanoe Gibson & Randy Allen, Maila Gibson & Ben Vegas, and Smooth Remedy. Our emcee is Al Waterson. • Wine Tasting – A wine tasting will be presented by Liane Fu of The Wine Stop. • Wedding & Special Event Vendors – Lighting & Sound Specialists, Photographers, Videographers, Florists, Favor Specialists, Photo Booths, Bakeries, and other special event vendors will have exhibits and displays featuring their offerings. • Fashion Shows – Watch fashion shows from Bridal Boutique and other shops. • Seminars – Attend seminars from Hugo Higa, M.D. (Non-invasive cosmetic procedures), The Wine Stop (Choosing the right wine for your event), and Ho‘ala Salon & Spa (Preparing & de-stressing before your wedding day). • Prize Giveaways – Enter to win a trip for 2 to Las Vegas from Vacations Hawaii; A series of 3 VASER® Shape Treatments valued at $1,500 from Hugo Higa, M.D.; a special Wine Box featuring wines to open on your 1st, 5th and 10th anniversaries; $100 Aveda Products from Ho‘ala Salon & Spa; Dinner for 4 from The Willows, and more! • Hawaii Bride & Groom Magazine – Free copies will be available at the event. • The Bella Project – Donate a wedding or prom dress, tuxedo, or other formal wear and/or accessories to The Bella Project and receive a tax donation receipt, and an extra entry form for the Las Vegas trip. • And more!

Ho‘omaika‘i tickets are only $25 General/$12.50 Keiki (4-10 years old) and include admission to the fair, the buffet, entry form for the Las Vegas trip, raffle ticket for prize drawings, and a free photo at the photo booth.

A $10 admission-only ticket is also available with one soft drink or standard drink included, only. Tickets are available by calling The Willows at (808) 952-9200. Walk-ins will also be welcome on event day on a space available basis.

“We are very excited about the very first Ho‘omaika‘i at The Willows! It will be a different experience from other wedding expos because of our beautiful venue – you’ll actually be able to see lighting displays, taste the desserts, and listen to entertainers right in front of you, and ask questions,” said Keri Endo, Catering Director. “We’re also focusing on other special events, as well, so Ho‘omaika‘i is really perfect for everyone. We’ve done thousands of island weddings and receptions, bridal and baby showers, birthday, yakudoshi, anniversary, and graduation parties, office holiday parties, corporate events, large fundraisers, and every other kind of celebration, so we’ve really become event experts over the years, and truly love making our clients’ events extra special!”

Added Garret Kamei, General Manager, “Planning an event – whether for 15 people or 150 or more – can be really stressful. At The Willows, we provide a paradise setting, delicious buffets, and professional, friendly staff, all in a convenient location with ample valet parking. And our catering staff can help with all of your other event details and introduce you to trusted vendors for all your needs to make it as stress-free as possible.”

“Of course we hope attendees choose The Willows as their event venue, but even those who don’t will be able to pick up a lot of valuable tips at Ho‘omaika‘i because we’ve selected some of our favorite vendors to participate,” added Endo. “We chose the time of day, 5:30-9:30 p.m., so that we can showcase The Willows during the day and at night – two very different ‘personalities.’ The Willows by day really shows our waterfalls and landscaping at their best, while night time events can add their own little magic. Aaron Domingo of Island Event Logistics will set-up lighting throughout the event so our guests can embrace all the possibilities.”

For more information www.willowshawaii.com