HOLIDAY BY THE SEA

Over 250 guests gathered at the Royal Kona Resort Lu`au Grounds on Saturday, November 4th, to share in the spirit of the Holidays, as well as the spirit of charity. The 4th annual Holiday By The Sea charity benefit was blessed by a little rain as guests entered the grounds. The rain quickly subsided and Keith Vachon of KBIG FM welcomed the growing crowd before introducing the opening act. Guests enjoyed Polynesian dancing with Te `E`a O Te Turama, who showcased dances from Tahiti, Hawaii, and New Zealand.

Scrumptious offerings were served through the dinner line as Na Leonahenahe O Kona took the stage and serenaded the audience with both traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music. Three friends, Troy Keoho, Kaleo Kam and Kaleo Perry comprise Na Leonahenahe O Kona, and they began their group as a way to share their genuine love of Hawaiian music with both Malihini and Kamaaina.

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Keith Vachon secured bids to our three live auction offerings at various points in the night. Offerings included: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel package for two night accommodation with a Flumin' Kohala adventure; Sheraton Waikiki Resort package for two night accommodation with Polynesian Cultural Center's Alii Luau; and Royal Lahaina Resort package for four night accommodation and VIP seating to the Myths of Maui Luau. The live auction raised a total of $1,750 in additional funds.

Sixteen amazing silent auction offerings were up for bids including holiday baskets put together by the departments of Royal Kona Resort. Ranging from Tiki Bar Starter Sets, to culinary goods and a fun filled beach wagon, each item received its starting bid amount and raised a total of $1,100 in additional funds.

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The main event of the night was the ever popular comedy act, Da Braddahs! Dressed to impress these two local favorites had the crowd rolling in laughter the entire time. Da Braddahs, Tony Silva and James Roache, offer their self-produced sketch comedy through Da Braddahs and Friends, Volumes 1 to 16. As well as on OC 16.

Te `E`a O Te Turama closed the night with a spectacular fire presentation featuring both the keiki and the kane with the Siva Nifo Oti, the Samoan fireknife dance.

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This event was the result of the hard work and generous spirit of the Royal Kona Resort staff and our valued business partners. A special thanks the General Manager Jay Rubenstein for his support and to the Wellness Committee who spearheaded the efforts: Pansy Mendez, Criste Ching, Maria Claravall, Karen Wakata,  Marites Bravo-Bala, Judy Goto, Ashley Akamu, Michele Towler, Rhon Rarogal, Wendy Victor and Chef Paul Muranaka.

 

Thank you to our valued business partners for their generous contributions: Tihati Productions, Pacific Media Group, Armstrong Produce, Y. Hata & Co., HFM Foodservice, Suisan, Kona Fish Company, Triple F Distributing, and Bacardi.

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Our sincere Mahalo to our performers for a fantastic program: Keith Vachon of KBIG FM, Te `E`a O Te Turama (Maile & Kawika Tavares), Na Leonahenahe O Kona, and Da Braddahs.

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A big Mahalo to the local businesses that donated to the silent auction offerings including:

Umeke’s, KTA, Big Island Grill, Don’s Chinese Kitchen, Makalei Golf Course, Bacardi, Ace Hardware, Outback Steakhouse, Supercuts, Office Max, Bar Green, The Spoon Shop, Standard Bakery, Pine Tree Café, Hamakua Nut Company, Kai Ea Jewelry, Lynn’s at Royal Kona Resort, Atlantis Submarine, Body Glove, Fumi’s Kitchen, Jake’s Big Island BBQ, United Laundry, Pua Maka Hawaiian Arts and Crafts. 

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All ticket and auction proceeds will be directly donated to the 40th annual Hawaii Visitor Industry Charity Walk scheduled for May 2018. All together the night raised $7,806.00! Mahalo Kona, for your attendance and support. We look forward to our 5th annual Holiday By The Sea, November 2018!