HONOLULU (KHON2) — This year, the Made in Hawaii Festival is living up to its name – not just in products, but in patience.
The line just to get in started on the Ala Wai Bridge and wrapped around the block, with people lining up as early as 1:30 a.m. Friday morning.
“We got here at 10 a.m., so we’ve been waiting for about two hours now, but it’s well worth it. Made in Hawaii, support local,” said festival attendee Lokelani Oliveros.
For some vendors like Fighting Eel, the lines inside matched the lines outside.
When asked why she and her daughters were waiting for more than 45 minutes in line to get into the Fighting Eel booth, after waiting over an hour to get into the festival, Deanna Shidaki said, “I don’t know, I think we just kind of like the hype.”
The Made in Hawaii Festival has grown and evolved from 60 vendors 31 years ago, to over 500 this year.
Lynn Shimabukuro of Lynn’s Treasures has been a vendor at the festival for 17 years. “Not as much small cottage style crafters anymore, but it’s great to see collaborations and the community coming out,” she said.
A few businesses, like Active by Teal, had sold out of some items in the first couple of hours of the festival.
“Crazy, hectic, but amazing,” said Teal Salvadore, owner of Active by Teal. “I feel like just being around this many people and everybody’s here just to support local and be around all these amazing businesses here, it’s just such a good feeling.”
“I think a lot of people wanna support local and I think it’s also the vendors. They really go all out. They build out their shops, they do exclusive launches and drops you can only get here,” said Olena Heu, Made in Hawaii Festival spokesperson.
When asked what was the number one “Hawaii” item found at the festival, Lily Cabinatan said there was too much being offered to single out any one thing.
“There’s no number one thing. The clothes, the food, the jewelry, you name it, Hawaii people are very creative,” said Cabinatan. “We need this kind of stuff for Hawaii. We need to support the entrepreneurs, the vendors and everybody.”
Festival organizers are expecting a record turnout this year. Last year, there were over 70,000 in attendance. As of noon on the first day, there were just under 30,000 tickets sold. From the experienced shoppers, a suggested strategy.
“Just have fun and enjoy all the vendors. That was the strategy and then that way no matter how long the line is, you have a great time,” said Terry Foy, who was pulling a large, rolling tote bag full of purchased items.
If you do plan to come down, be sure to bring your patience and comfortable shoes, and know that once you get in, it’s a feast for the senses and definitely a big win for local businesses.