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Prepare to be Amazed by Pomaika‘i Ballrooms

Features Inside Feature

October 20, 2013

Story By: Kyle Galdeira | Photos by: Leah Friel

As Honolulu’s newest special event venue, Pomaika’i Ballrooms brings an enhanced level of quality and value to the table via delectable dining options and impeccable customer service.

Situated conveniently on the second floor of Dole Cannery in Iwilei, Pomaika’i Ballrooms offers elegance and style along with a warm, inviting atmosphere without the stress. The venue opened earlier this year after the space, formerly known as Dole Ballrooms, underwent a six month ceiling-to-floor renovation. Customers are encouraged to utilize Pomaika’i Ballrooms for a wide array of events, including business functions, weddings, baby luaus and graduation parties.

A revamped air conditioning system, WiFi internet throughout, enhanced stages and accompanying sound and lighting systems serve as key amenities available for virtually any event or gathering.

The facility offers approximately 1,200 parking stalls, and prices are much lower than competing venues in Waikiki — where traffic and other logistical hurdles can prove problematic. Members of the staff are well-versed in providing top-of-the-line hospitality and many bring a wealth of hotel and food and beverage experience to each event and customer they serve.

“One of the highlights of our facility is its convenient downtown Honolulu location, and customers remark that when they are in the facility, it feels like a hotel setting,” says Jeff Marcello, general manager of Pomaika’i Ballrooms. “Our staff is made up of hospitality professionals, and we’re capable of handling everything from weddings to first-birthday parties to proms and project graduation events.”

The spacious facilities include Hokulei Ballroom (upwards of 11,000 square feet) and Pi’ilani Ballroom (nearly 7,400 square feet), which are capable of accommodating 700 and 400 people, respectively, based on stage set up, and more than 1,000 and 600 guests, respectively, when the spaces are arranged reception style. Pomaika’i Ballrooms also features a large 6,000 square-foot foyer, which can also be set up to accommodate various events, from receptions to expos with booths and product showcases.

Pomaika’i Ballrooms feature a menu bursting with local flavors and Pacific Rim cuisine inspired by the mastery of executive chef Freddie Billena. While the facilities are part of FCH Enterprises, the same culinary experts who have served Hawaii for generations via Zippy’s Restaurants, Napoleon’s Bakery and A Catered Experience, Pomaika’i Ballrooms takes the dining and event-service experience to the upper echelon of customer satisfaction.

“We are a new brand, and Pomaika’i Ballrooms is a hospitality venue for Oahu that’s totally different than what customers have experienced in the past,” Marcello says.

The ballrooms’ stellar dining options feature multiple levels of customization, including: lunch ($26-$36) and dinner buffets ($36-$46); served lunch starting from $21; and served dinner starting at $39 per person.

Customers may choose from an extensive selection of entrées and accompaniments (prices vary by event size and specifications) including Seared Tenderloin with Okinawan Sweet Potato, which is garnished with mushroom and asparagus, and accented with a Cabernet wine reduction sauce. Additional favorites enjoyed by diners thus far include Blackened Ahi with papaya tomato relish, Furikake Crusted Ahi with wasabi cream, the elegant and tasty Ahi Poke Tower and Seared Lamb Chops. One’s meal would not be complete without the inclusion of assorted dessert options such as the decadent Chocolate Cheese-cake Crescent.

Prospective clients are encouraged to log on to www.PomaikaiBallrooms.com to view additional menu options, learn about the venue’s accommodations and even take a virtual photo tour of the facilities. And, while available dates and times are filling up fast, there are still limited openings for Christmas and holiday celebrations.

Pomaika’i Ballrooms accepts checks and credit card payments, and its skilled staffers are standing by to assist with arranging the ideal event. Call 369-8600 for more information and to reserve one’s desired space. Deposits are required to confirm each catered event.

Pomaika‘i Ballrooms

Dole Cannery, second floor
735 Iwilei Road, Honolulu
369-8600
Hours vary by event
www.PomaikaiBallrooms.com

Honolulu, HI 96819

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