A Taste of Kalihi

First of all, this event is not meant to be like an Eat the Street kine event so don’t be coming to this event with that type of mentality. This event is held annually every year at the Dillingham Shopping Plaza, specifically on Colburn St. the road in between where you have Popeye’s Chicken and Foodland/​PriceBusters/​Saver/​etc. on the other side right across. This is always like a mini version of the Filipino Fiesta because it is organized by the Filipino Chamber of Commerce. Even though the event is called «A Taste of Kalihi,» the entertainment, organization, vibe, and atmosphere of the event is predominantly, Filipino. Why you ask? Just look at the demographics, can you tell me what is the largest ethnic group in Kalihi? What about the state of Hawaii? Nonetheless, the event is overall diversed with a whole day’s worth of programming though local entertainment, food booths, community booths, and local business booths. When you come here, parking may be an issue because the event shares it with your regular customers that come in and out just to go to the other stores in the area. They also have stuff for da keiki with bounce houses, games, etc. The event goes from dusk till dawn so everyone can join in on the fun.

I was driving home from work, and after stopping for gas at Costco, I decided to go down Dillingham to see what I could pick up for dinner.
When I pulled into Popeye’s parking lot, I came across all the white tents and music. when I rolled down my window, and asked what was going on, the young filipino guy said «Taste of Kalihi!»
So I decided to stop to see if there was anything that suited my taste buds.
They had a live band and the Filipino Association going on. Some booths that had giveaways, Koi Food truck had a huge line, some Candied apple booth, G catering who had fresh fish plates, and the filipino booth was almost out of their pansit and eggplant dishes.
A far cry from Eat the street.
One booth was selling Mandoos and SMALL Lumpia rolls for $ 1 each. A little over priced for me.
Overall, I either got their too late, and food was slim pickens, or I just got there, and food was really slim pickens.
Music was nice, but I ended up walking to Popeyes Chicken for diinner…