Show Stoppers

THE PARTY
Hundreds turned out to catch some of the islands’ best performers at Hawaii for Hawaii, the first edition of the benefit concert for Institute for Human Services, held on the Great Lawn at Hilton Hawaiian Village.

THE PEOPLE
Honolulu’s movers and shakers gathered around the tables in the VIP section and admittedly had the best seats of the evening. As aloha attire was the dress code of the evening, Mayor Kirk Caldwell donned a signature Sig Zane long-sleeved shirt. Jazz songstress Starr Kalahiki went mod with a printed ensemble from Manaola.

THE HIGHLIGHTS
While a few light passing showers sent early arrivals scattering for cover, the sky cleared so the show could start with a perfect Waikīkī sunset. With the rays dancing off the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, Hawaii News Now presenter Mileka Lincoln and comedian Kaleo Pilanca took the audience through the evening. Renowned vocalist Jimmy Borges and songstress Amy Hānaiali‘i wowed the crowd with classic tunes. Of course, everyone was waiting for the debut of the Rough Riders, the ensemble formed by award-winning musicians Henry Kapono, John Cruz and Brother Noland. Plus, the benefit garnered over $400,000 for the nonprofit. Now, we call that a real hit. -Photos by Travis Okimoto