There are many booths with kids’ activities available during the Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest. The Japanese cultural center of Hawaii operates a booth that has various games for kids. One of the most popular games here is the Kingyo Sukui, where one attempts to pick up a goldfish using a rice paper net before it dissolves.
Another fun activity for kids is decorating lanterns and Uchiwa paper fans, which they can later take home as souvenirs. They can also write a wish on a tanzaku (a piece of paper), and attach it to a Tanabata-festival bamboo tree.
At the Cherry blossom Festival booth, children can learn origami folding, get souvenir books, and get acquainted with the new Cherry Blossom Queen and her court.
The Hawaiian Humane Society operates a booth where you can learn about animal rescues and buy pet supplies. You can also Visit the Mō’ili’ili Community Center to view historic photos of the region.
Places to eat and find drinks
Although the theme of the event is predominantly Japanese, you can find more than just traditional Japanese cuisine. With more than 20 food vendors, the options of what to indulge one’s taste are virtually endless. Some of the popular vendors at the Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest include Bao Tao’n, Okinawan, Olay’s Thai Food, Boba Bros, The Pig & the Lady, Waiāmanalo Country Farms, Aloha & Mabuhay, Mō’ili’ili Hongwanji Mission, Otsuji Farms, Kamoa’s Food Truck and many more. At some vendors, you can find delicacies that you do not often encounter in your day-to-day life, such as andagi-corndogs.
Other vendors available include Bonfire Pizza, Beyond Burgers, Buenos Antojitos, Cold Fyyre, Bobalicious, Cake Works, Firehouse, Made in Hawaii, Hawaiian Waffledog Co., Honolulu Gourmet Foods, Il Gelato, Aloha Pops, Karai Crab, Holoholo Bar and Grill, Onda Pasta, Miso & Ale, Pacifikool, Soul Patrol, Credco, Special Gifts by Clarice, Whyz Wagon, Spun, Simply Ono, Hawaii Doggie Bakery, and Wow Wow Lemonade.