If the Olympic Games have turned you into a bit of an Anglophile thirsting for a spot of tea while watching the events on the telly, you’ll be pleased to know you don’t have to cross two oceans and a continent to get a true taste of England. The Hawaii state flag is proof enough of the isles’ historical ties with Great Britain, so stiffen that upper lip and consider these options for a world of fun:
It’s tea time, whether you’re in downtown, Waikiki or Manoa
Enjoy the civilizing effects of a proper cup of tea at the charming and quirky Tea at 1024 in downtown Honolulu, where you can sit in wicker peacock chairs while daintily feasting on an assortment of tea sandwiches that include chicken curry with apple, smoked salmon and pesto and, of course, cucumber. The Afternoon Tea Service ($18.95) also includes petite sweets such as Lilikoi Lemon Bars and flower-shaped brownies, as well as scones and a wide selection of imported and local teas. Hats are encouraged. Tea at 1024 is at 1024 Nuuanu Ave.; call 521-9596 for hours.
Also observing this elegant British tradition:
» The luxurious Halekulani’s afternoon tea in the Veranda is served daily from 3 to 5:30 p.m., featuring fine international teas, exclusive Halekulani blends, champagne and iced tea, accompanied by freshly baked cakes, savory tea sandwiches and scones served with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and preserves. Cost: $32-$54; call 923-2311.
» The venerable Moana Surfrider has its own version of afternoon tea on the veranda with savory finger sandwiches and delicate pastries offered noon to 3 p.m. daily. Try the Moana Sunset tea blend of tangy ohelo berry and sweet mango flavors or the Veranda Breeze, which mixes caramel and Hawaiian vanilla. Cost: $32.50-$48; call 921-4600.
» Waioli Tea Room in lush Manoa Valley offers high tea from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekends with all the appropriate trappings. Cost: $19.95; 24-hour advance reservations required, call 988-5800.
Palace features precious gems of monarchy
Hawaii has its own crown jewels in residence at Iolani Palace, where other symbols of the alii’s affection for British royalty are on display. Crowns for King Kalakaua and his wife, Queen Kapiolani, were made in London in 1882, decorated with precious gems, kukui nut jewels and veined taro leaves set with diamonds. One of the most stunning pieces in the Palace Galleries is a butterfly brooch containing 159 diamonds with two tiny ruby eyes.A hidden spring allows the wings to quiver.The pin was purchased by Princess Liliuokalani while in London with Kapiolani for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887. For information on palace tours, call 538-1471 or visit www.iolanipalace.org.
Waimanalo, Mokuleia polo fields serve up ‘the sport of kings’
Chukker up for polo action at Waimanalo and Mokuleia every Sunday in August. Although not an Olympic sport, visiting royalty and celebrities have matched mallets with local paniolo, military types and business executives to have a whack at "the sport of kings," even though the main stars are probably those agile polo ponies. The Waimanalo field, home to the Honolulu Polo Club, sits at the base of the Koolau Mountains at 41-1062 Kalanianaole Highway. Admission is $3 and play begins at 3 p.m. The Hawaii Polo Club plays in Mokuleia, 68-539 Farrington Highway, a few yards from the ocean. Admission is $10 and matches begin at 2 p.m.
If you have a sticky wicket for cricket, another British obsession, you’ll have to wait until Sept. 30, when the Honolulu Cricket Club resumes play at Kapiolani Park. Visit honolulucricketclub.org for information.
Beatlemania stays alive, thanks to cover band
Long before there was the Fab Five of U.S. gymnastics, there was the Fab Four of Liverpool — John, Paul, George and Ringo. Relive the glorious days of Beatlemania with Rubber Soul, a cover band whose members are Brant Swigart, James Roberts, Phil Daher and Larry Lieberman. The group next performs Aug. 29 at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki’s Swim Lounge, Sept. 9 at the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival finale in Ko Olina, and Sept. 28 at Chuck’s Cellar. Rubber Soul is also available for private and corporate events. Find them on Facebook or contact Lieberman at 741-7529 or info@beatleshawaii.com.
Join Sherlock Holmes fans for viewing, discussion
Grab a deerstalker cap and magnifying glass to find your way to the McCully-Moiliili Public Library, host of a special event focusing on England’s most famous fictional detective. "Read the Book, Watch the Movie: A Study in Scarlet" will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 16, with a screening of "A Study in Pink," the first episode in the popular BBC series starring Benedict Cumberbatch (pictured) as Sherlock Holmes. A 30-minute discussion of how the show compares with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel will follow, with snacks provided. To prepare, borrow a copy of "A Study in Scarlet" from your local library or visit Project Gutenberg (www.gutenberg.org) for a free download. The Friends of the McCully-Moiliili Public Library is sponsoring the free program, which is suitable for ages 12 and older. For information, call 973-1099.
Enjoy the flavors of England at Kailua pub
Throw back a pint of Newscastle, Bass Ale, Murphy’s Stout or Guinness (which is Irish, by the way, but close enough) at Kailua Town Pub & Grill, where it’s dark and cool, and you’ll find an old-fashioned British phone booth in the corner. The pub offers 30 drafts on tap, so you have plenty to choose from. Try the English Fish & Chips ($10.95) or a Kailua Pub Pastie ($13.95), a pie filled with roasted lamb, carrots, potatoes, onions and gravy. Chances are you just might meet someone from London, as U.K. transplants are known to congregate here. And you can follow the Olympics live on 10 flat-screen TVs. Kailua Town Pub & Grill is tucked away in a small strip mall at 26 Hoolai St., so look for the lamplights and hanging flower pots. Call 230-8444 or visit kailuatownpub.com.
Monarchs behave badly at Shakespeare Festival
You can’t get more British than the monarchy, and its checkered history gets a going-over in this year’s Hawaii Shakespeare Festival. The two remaining plays, "Henry VIII" (Friday-Aug. 19) and "Richard III" (Aug. 24-Sept. 2), feature two of the crown’s most devious monarchs, with Henry offing his wives as he seeks an heir and Richard angling to ascend to the throne. Watch it play out downtown at the ARTS at Marks Garage; tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, with discounts available. Call 800-838-3006 or visit Hawaiishakes.org.
