Hawaii in Chicago This Weekend and Throughout October

 Here's ChiIL Mama's own daughter, Sage Ani, with her new friend, Kanani at American Girl Place, Chicago.   We have a photo filled "Kanani Visits Chicago" feature coming this week.

PERFECT MOMENTS IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

Chicago Calendar of Events
October 2011

(subject to change)

The fall months bring cool weather and a changing of seasons in Chicago, but summer doesn’t have to be an afterthought! The Hawaiian Islands are bringing warmth and aloha spirit to the Windy City all month long with events showcasing the unique music, dance, flavors, history and culture of Hawaii. Experience the allure of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii Island in the comforts of your own backyard. 

For the most current information on Hawaii happenings in and around Chicago and the latest travel offers to the Islands, visit gohawaii.com/perfectmoments.

Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.HAWAII AT CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook RoadImmerse yourself in the unique natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands! HVCB partners with Food Network Magazine to create a Hawaii paradise on the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Island and surrounding areas. Enjoy lei making with fresh orchids and Molokai plumeria, poi pounding demonstrations and tasting with Mana Ai, chef demonstrations with ingredients flown from Hawaii, travel information, and Hawaii-themed seminars and displays about the ahupuaa (land division) system, different types of lei, Hawaii plants, ponds, and laau lapaau (Hawaiian herbal healing). Visit the Hawaii treats sampling station where you can savor the different tastes of the Hawaiian Islands, including Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts, Waialua Estate Cacao, Kauai Coffee and Tisane Molokai Style Tea. Dine in the Garden Café featuring an island-inspired menu. One lucky person will win a trip to Hawaii. Admission to Chicago Botanic Garden is free. Parking fees apply. This event is open to the public. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org for more information and presentation times.




Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.DISCOVER KAUAI AT AMERICAN GIRL PLACE
American Girl Place, Water Tower Place, 835 North Michigan AvenueDiscover the island of Kauai, the inspiration behind American Girl’s 2011 Girl of the Year, Kanani Akina. Learn about the endangered Hawaiian monk seal through the Kauai Monk Seal Watch Program, and enjoy hula lessons and live Hawaiian music from Kauai entertainers. Kids can also enter to win one of four Kanani dolls and free Kauai travel information will be available. This event is free and open to the public. 
 


Thursday, October 13, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
MAGIC OF MAUI NUI AT BOB CHINN’S CRAB HOUSE RESTAURANT
Bob Chinn’s Crab House Restaurant, 393 South Milwaukee AvenueEnjoy your delicious seafood dinner while surrounded by the “Magic of Maui Nui” – Maui, Molokai and Lanai – through live Hawaiian entertainment and hula by Maui’s own Keoni Manuel and Halau Hula o Na Pua o Pakipika. Dining guests will receive a fresh flower lei and have an opportunity to learn more about Maui Nui with free travel information and a representative from the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau. This event is open to the public. Be sure to make your dinner reservations early by calling 847-520-3600.


Friday, October 14, 5:00-7:00 p.m.MAGIC OF MAUI NUI AT ROY’S RESTAURANT
Roy’s Restaurant Chicago, 720 North State StreetOn this special night, be greeted by a fresh flower lei and enjoy live Hawaiian entertainment and hula by Maui’s own Keoni Manuel and Halau Hula o Na Pua o Pakipika. Learn more about Maui Nui with free travel information and a representative from the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau. This event is open to the public.

Sunday, October 16, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.MAGIC OF MAUI NUI AT THE NAVY PIER FASHION SHOW AND EXPO
Navy Pier Fashion Show and Expo, 600 East GrandBe sure to visit the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau booth and experience the “Magic of Maui Nui” – Maui, Molokai and Lanai – featuring live Hawaiian music and hula by Maui’s Keoni Manuel and Halau Hula o Na Pua o Pakipika. Brides-to-be will receive a fresh flower lei. Admission is $10 at the door. This event is open to the public. Visit www.chicagobridemagazine.com for more 
information. 

Saturday, October 22, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.OAHU AT LINCOLN PARK ZOO’S “SPOOKY ZOO SPECTACULAR”
Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 North Clark StreetCome and join in on some haunted Hawaii fun at Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual “Spooky Zoo Spectacular.” This family-friendly event provides a free, safe and family-friendly environment for kids to dress up in their favorite costume and learn about animals, make crafts, enjoy entertainment, and collect goodies. Keep an eye out for the Oahu area, featuring fun Hawaii keiki (children) crafts and island treats. This event is free and open to the public. Visit www.lpzoo.org for more information.


Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.HAWAII AT SHEDD AQUARIUM
John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 South Lake Shore DriveDiscover the intriguing marine life of the Hawaiian Islands at Shedd Aquarium! Make your own fresh flower lei, sample Hawaii treats, learn about the unique and rare Niihau shell, and enjoy fun activities with the Pacific Whale Foundation, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Waikiki Aquarium. This event is open to the public. Visit www.sheddaquarium.org for more information.