Ho! I’ve been slackin’! It’s been almost a month since our last Where In Hawaii post! Gomen ah?
Since the posts have been getting shmall kine lengthy/wordy though, I think I’m gonna start cleaning them up and making them more concise (easier fo read). Start early for da new year. Whachu tink? Let’s give um one try:
* Orders for the Christmas rush has been going absolutely bonkers! Mahalo to all of y’all for your support!
* Online store is OPEN! Check it out at shop.vh07v.com!
The Kukui Children’s Foundation “Celebration of Partnerships”
Representatives from a number of organizations under the umbrella of the Kukui Center gathered to share in a celebration of partnerships to show their appreciation to all those who help their organizations continue to support the people of Hawaii.
It was a whirlwind 3 day, 2-night tour, but we definitely got to experience Brisbane the only way Hawaiian Airlines knows how: with Aloha. Here are some of the sights and sounds that we were fortunate enough to experience.
Hula dancers giving us a nice sendoff
HA443 departs Honolulu at 10:20am every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and arrives in Brisbane (BNE) at 4pm the following day.
Blessing by Kahu Richard Kamanu
The awesome Hawaiian Airlines crew for our HA443 flight to Brisbane
After about 10 hours in the air, we finally get to the beautiful city of Brisbane
These two (Melissa Chang and Catherine Toth) are happy to be on the ground
Our hale for the next few days was the French based luxury hotel chain called Sofitel Brisbane Central Hotel. Conveniently located in the middle of the city, it was in walking distance to quite a few key points during our trip, including ANZAC Square, which was literally across the street. Here's the view from my hotel room window!
Looking down at ANZAC Square from the Sofitel Brisbane Central Hotel
It wasn't long before we had to get dolled up (I wore a tie!) and head down to the Ballroom Le Grand for the official Welcome Gala.
Hawaiian Airlines Welcome Gala
It was a packed house filled with members of the local (Brisbane) media, tour industry professionals, airline executives, and local entertainers Sean Na`auao and Lehua Kalima (formerly of Na Leo), among others.
Lehua Kalima Sings "Waikiki" at the Hawaiian Airlines Welcome Gala
Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Mark Dunkerley addresses the crowd
And of course, we can't forget about the food p0rn shots! 😉
Bomboocha wok of fried rice!
My serving of fried rice
Poke samplers
Chef Chai's popular Fried Kataifi Prawns
Following the gala, we decided to take a stroll around our neighborhood.
The Shrine of Remembrance at ANZAC Square
Possibly the best named street in all the land: Edward Street. 8)
Since we weren't that hungry, we just got a side of "chips" (fries in the U.S.) to share.
Chunky Chips with Garlic Aioli ($8.90)
After all that eating and drinking, combined with our jetlag, it was time to call it a night. From the expressions on the ladies' faces, I think they agreed.
Cat and Melissa are either extremely drunk or jetlagged. You decide.
And that's it for our first night in Brisbane. I'll be back again soon to post more about our adventures including South Bank, King of Kings Seafood Yum Cha Restaurant in Chinatown, Alfred & Constance, koala and kangaroo sightings at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, The Shelter Bar, and our departure.
World Wide Ed 