Homecomings and special events are marked with food. And the highly anticipated return of the Hokule‘a voyaging canoe on Saturday gives Kamehameha Schools a good reason to hold a food-filled block party at Salt.
“Home: A Salt at Our Kaka‘ako Dedication Celebration” brings back the food trucks and vendors of Honolulu Night Market for a party honoring the Polynesian Voyaging Society while commemorating the establishment of the Salt complex bounded by Ala Moana Boulevard and Keawe, Auahi and Coral streets.
Restaurants, food trucks, fashion and craft vendors, artists and entertainers will gather for a street-closing night of food, fun and fundraising.
The voyaging canoe Hokule‘a will return Saturday from its three-year global journey, and its homecoming celebration will begin early at Magic Island. Kamehameha Schools, which owns the restaurant and retail complex in Kakaako, is putting on a party that continues after sunset.
HONOLULU NIGHT MARKET: “HOME: A SALT AT OUR KAKA’AKO DEDICATION CELEBRATION”
>> Where: 660 Ala Moana Blvd.
>> When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday
>> Cost: Free
>> Info: saltatkakaako.com
Restaurants will be open, and outlets including 9BarHNL and Hank’s Haute Dogs are extending their hours. Village Bottle Shop & Tasting Room has prepared a special brew for the occasion. Moku restaurant by Peter Merriman, 18/8 Men’s Salon and others are donating a portion of the evening’s proceeds to the Polynesian Voyaging Society.
Honolulu Night Market, back after a hiatus since February, will feature nearly two dozen food trucks. Specialty outlets include Bao Tao’n (gourmet bao buns and more), Beyond Burgers, El Chamo (Venezuelan) and Istanbul Restaurant (Turkish).
Longtime local favorite food trucks and pop-ups including Koi, Local Stop and Uncle Lani’s Poi Mochi are participating.
More than two dozen retail vendors will participate, including Aloha Apothecary (beauty and wellness products), Pure Joy Hawaii (handmade jewelry) and 11Squid (clothing).
Meet Hokule‘a crew members in the courtyard at The Flats at Pu‘unui, 440 Keawe St. Navigators will take questions after the 7 p.m. screening of a video about the vessel’s voyage.
The Disney blockbuster “Moana” will be shown in the Salt complex courtyard at 8 p.m. Bring towels, mats or low-backed chairs for seating.
There will be two concert stages, with bands and artists including Kapena, Kupaoa, Taimane Gardner and Kimie Miner. Keawe and Auahi streets will be closed for the event.