A popular island fish dish at the Taste of the Movies party
Takako Kenoi and Hawai‘i Island Mayor Billy Kenoi
Takako Kenoi and Hawai‘i Island Mayor Billy Kenoi
Arielle Kebbel and Leiomalama Tamasese Solomon
Arielle Kebbel and Leiomalama Tamasese Solomon
Chocolate mousse and a madeleine at the Taste of Mauna Lani party
Michelle Yacoob and Laurell Turell
Michelle Yacoob and Laurell Turell
Performers John Cruz, Henry Kapono and Brother Noland
Performers John Cruz, Henry Kapono and Brother Noland
An outdoor screening at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii
Will Estes with his Golden Honu Award
Will Estes with his Golden Honu Award
THE PARTY While Honolulu and Wailea boast their own cinematic spectaculars, Hawai‘i Island is far from left out. In fact, Big Island Film Festival feted 10 fabulous years, drawing international and island filmmakers, industry insiders and the local social circuit. THE GUESTS When stars show up on Hawai‘i Island, they usually go off the radar—a choice residents always respect. So, the chance to rub shoulders with celebs was more than welcome, especially when it meant meeting this year’s Golden Honu recipients—actress Arielle Kebbel, best known for her role on Gilmore Girls; and actor Will Estes from the CBS hit Blue Bloods. THE HIGHLIGHTS When attendees weren’t headed to a screen, the question was which party to attend. Of course, everyone wanted to attend Hawai‘i Island Mayor Billy Kenoi’s invitation-only reception at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii. (Singer Amy Hānaiali‘i was spotted in the crowd.) Other must-attend parties included the Taste of the Movies party. The finale event wasn’t to be missed either, given that top local enterainers John Cruz, Henry Kapono and Brother Noland took the stage as their new group, the Rough Riders band. –Photos by Kirk Lee Aeder
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