The first in a series of centennial events to celebrate Lili`uokalani Gardens was held Saturday, January 14, from noon to 6 p.m. Events were scheduled throughout the afternoon at various locations on Banyan Drive (Makaoku) in Hilo.
Although the day dawned with rain, by noon the skies cleared and perfect weather for strolling the area was afforded to hundreds of residents and visitors.
Christy Lassiter Trio plus enthusiastic hula dancer
photo by K.T. Cannon-Eger
Kicking off the day was the Christy Lassiter Trio at the Grand Naniloa while nearby, en plein air artists gathered in Lili`uokalani Gardens to demonstrate their talents and speak to people pausing to watch.
William Wingert begins a painting in the reconstructed pavilion at Lili`uokalani Gardens
photo by K.T. Cannon-Eger
At 2 p.m. presentation of the grand prize of a helicopter ride over an active lava flow was made in the photo calendar contest at Banyan Gallery. Nearby, Puna Taiko set up in the old sumo ring adjacent to Shoroan, an Urasenke tea house in Lili`uokalani Gardens.
photo by Alvis Upitis 2017
Photographers Bruce Omori and Ken Goodrich join Cal Dorn of Paradise Helicopters to present the grand prize in the calendar contest to Kenneth W. Jackson
photo by Alvis Upitis 2017 Puna Taiko performs in Lili`uokalani Gardens
At 3 p.m., Brandon Tengan demonstrated gyotaku (fish printing) to a crowd of more than 70 at Suisan Fish Market.
Throughout the day, exhibits were open at Banyan Gallery, Hilo Hawaiian Wai`oli Lounge, and the Palm Room of the Grand Naniloa, a DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton.
A crowd of 100 gathered at the old sumo ring for Puna Taiko’s first performance. A different crowd, slightly larger, gathered for their second performance at Banyan Gallery. Every dining venue was filled all day long. Nearly 430 people were counted going through the exhibit at the Naniloa to cast People’s Choice ballots.
Bambu closed the day with two performances at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and Grand Naniloa with selections composed by Lili`uokalani, continuing the theme “Celebrate Lili`uokalani: the Queen and her Legacy.”
Doug Espejo (left) and Desmon Haumea (right) are BAMBU
Residents and visitors strolled from one location to the next holding their map/schedules.
a map brochure of the event: front cover features the juror Dick Nelson’s first choice “Queen Lili`uokalani and her Gardens” by Valentina Montoya
created by Derek at Hawaii Printing Corporation, the map gave clear directions and a schedule to all attending
U.S. Japanese Gardens 