Saturday, July 25, 2009

Made in Hawaii Festival Preparations Begin

The Annual Made in Hawaii Festival is scheduled for August 21-23, and although it’s still four weeks away, this year’s festival has already confirmed nearly 500 booths featuring local products and exhibitors, the largest number of exhibitors since the inception of this event in 1995.

This year, more than 35,000 visitors are expected to attend the festival, which will be held at the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and Arena in downtown Honolulu.

The Made in Hawaii Festival website has the full list of exhibitors, some of which include:

Aloha Kine
Ahhhloha Bath Salts
Alii Kula Lavender
Hawaiian Chip Company

and many more!

The Made in Hawaii Association estimates that booth vendors, who come from five of the Hawaiian islands, will sell more than 2008’s $1.5 million take, plus an estimated $10 million in residual sales for the following 12 months after the show. That's some serious sales given the current economy. If you can make it, expect to see some of the best local foods, crafts, and products as Hawaii celebrates its 50 years of Statehood.

Entry is just $3 and this looks like one of the best local festivals to be held all year - perfect for those wanting to stock up on local Hawaiian products.

1 comment:

Kris said...

Looks like a great event.

We shopped the booths at the Whale Day Festival on Maui back in February, and there's something rewarding about knowing you're buying something made right there on the islands, and in many cases, meet the folks that made it.