HMSA Island Scene Festival

Several thousand people came to Kakaako Gateway Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009 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.