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Pomaikaʻi Ballrooms Elevate the Event Experience

Features Inside Feature

April 27, 2014

Story By: Kyle Galdeira | Photos by: Anthony Consillio

As the summer months signify the arrival of memorable family celebrations including Mother’s Day and graduation parties, Pomaika‘i Ballrooms serves up an enhanced level of quality and value via delectable dining options and impeccable customer service amid an inviting setting.

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 involved with fighting traffic to get in and out of Waikiki. The venue opened nearly a year ago after the space, formerly known as Dole Ballrooms, underwent a vast ceiling-to-floor renovation. Customers are encouraged to utilize Pomaika‘i Ballrooms for an array of events, including business functions, weddings, baby luaus and graduation parties.

The spacious facilities include Hokulei Ballroom (11,194 square feet) and Pi‘ilani Ballroom (7,399 square feet), which accommodate 700 and 400 people, respectively, based on stage set up, and well over 1,000 and 600 when arranged reception style.

Pomaika‘i Ballrooms also features a large 6,000 square-foot foyer, which can accommodate various events, from receptions to expos with booths and product showcases. The facility offers approximately 1,200 parking stalls, a revamped air conditioning system, WiFi internet throughout the space, enhanced stages and accompanying sound and lighting systems that serve as key amenities available for virtually any gathering.

“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 an elegant hotel setting,” says Jeff Marcello, general manager of Pomaika‘i Ballrooms. “Guests continue to be amazed by what this space has turned into.”

Pomaika‘i Ballrooms feature a menu bursting with local flavors and Pacific Rim cuisine. The facilities are part of FCH Enterprises — the same culinary experts that have served Hawaii for generations via Zippy’s Restaurants, Napoleon’s Bakery and A Catered Experience — and elevate the dining and event-service experience to the upper echelon of customer satisfaction.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Pomaika‘i Ballrooms offer a special luncheon buffet on Sunday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with doors opening at 10 a.m. Diners are encouraged to make reservations by calling 695-4380 or 695-4376 as the memorable event will feature entertainment by Danny Couch, Jay Larrin, Kupaoa, Melveen Leed and Mark Yamanaka (lineup subject to change), and is just $55 per adult and $27.50 per child (ages 6 through 10; prices inclusive of tax and service charge; $6 validated parking available).

The Mother’s Day buffet will include: salads and fresh fruit including macaroni potato salad, mixed greens with assorted dressings, watercress, sweet onion and pipikaula salad and kim chee; ahi and tako poke; lau lau with pork and fish; kalua pig; oven roasted chicken with jus; ox tail soup station with condiments; steamed white rice, poi and roasted sweet potatoes; haupia squares and other dessert such as cakes and pies, French pastries and warm vanilla-raisin bread pudding with English custard sauce; and freshly brewed coffee, tea and mango breeze iced tea.

“Last year, the ox tail soup station did so well that we are bringing it back,” Marcello explains. “This is your chance to bring your mom and enjoy great food and entertainment in a relaxing environment, without having to worry about the hustle and bustle.”

Pomaika‘i Ballrooms also serve as a one-stop shop for graduation celebrations, as its Graduation Packages include food and use of the facility coupled with entertainment by Dynamic Sounds, which offers professional deejay and emcee services along with a sound system and music. Lunch and dinner buffet packages start at $38 and $48 per person, respectively, based on a minimum of 150 people, and include a graduation cake, fruit punch station, rolls and butter, dessert, freshly brewed coffee or a selection of hot teas.

The menu options provide customization at every level of the dining experience and include a variety of choices. Guests may enjoy: salads (macaroni potato, mixed greens with choice of dressings, kim chee, lomi lomi salmon); soup (clam chowder, Portuguese bean soup); seafood (blackened ahi with wasabi cream sauce, macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi with ginger butter sauce, steamed hoki Oriental style with ginger, cilantro and sesame oil); poultry (chicken Marsala with mushrooms, mochiko chicken, island-style chicken katsu with katsu sauce); beef/pork (teriyaki beef with soy and scallions, roast pork with Madeira wine, Hoisin braised short ribs); hot vegetables; starches (steamed white rice, mashed potatoes, fried noodles, assorted sushi); and desserts (cakes and pies, French pastries, warm vanilla-raisin bread pudding with English custard sauce).

Guests 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. 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.

Pomaikaʻi Ballrooms

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

Honolulu, HI 96819

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