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Grad Parties that Deserve an A-plus

Features Order of the Day

March 8, 2015

Story By: Kyle Galdeira | Photos by: Anthony Consillio

As high school and college seniors wrap up their final semesters on campus, families and friends are ramping up preparations for memorable graduation celebrations to signify the momentous occasion.

Nearly two years after undergoing a host of upgrades and renovations, Pomaikai Ballrooms serves as an ideal locale for any graduation celebration, and offers an enhanced level of quality and value, thanks to delectable dining options and impeccable customer service.

Conveniently located on the second floor of Dole Cannery in Iwilei, Pomaikai Ballrooms offers elegance and style, along with a warm, inviting atmosphere ,without the stress involved with fighting traffic into and out of Waikiki. People are encouraged to utilize Pomaikai 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 Piilani Ballroom (7,399 square feet), which can be subdivided and accommodate 700 and 400 people respectively, based on stage set up, and well over 1,000 and 600 when arranged reception style. Pomaikai Ballrooms also offers a 6,000-square-foot foyer, which can accommodate various events from receptions to expos with booths and product showcases. The venue features approximately 1,200 parking stalls, a revamped air conditioning system, WiFi Internet throughout, enhanced stages, and accompanying sound and lighting systems, which 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 Pomaikai Ballrooms. “Guests continue to be amazed by what this space has turned into.”

Pomaikai Ballrooms features a menu bursting with local flavors and Pacific Rim cuisine crafted by executive chef Freddie Billena and sous chef Eddy Ayau. The venue is a one-stop shop for graduation celebrations, as its Graduation Packages include stellar cuisine and use of the facility coupled with entertainment by Dynamic Sounds, which offers professional DJ and emcee services, along with a sound system and music. Lunch and dinner buffet packages start at $39 and $49 per person (based on a minimum of 150 people), and include cake, fruit punch, dessert, freshly brewed coffee and a selection of hot and iced teas.

The menu options provide customization at every level of the dining experience and include a variety of choices. Guests may enjoy salads (fried tofu salad, Oriental chicken salad, macaroni potato salad, mixed greens with choice of dressings, kimchi and lomi lomi salmon); soup (clam chowder, Portuguese bean soup); seafood (blackened ahi with wasabi cream sauce and fresh papaya relish 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).

“Pacific Rim, or what we now call Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, basically is composed of the dishes we grew up with, and we add a refined touch,” Ayau explains. “I want to create food that people know and are comfortable with, while adding my personal touch.”

Pomaikai Ballrooms

Dole Cannery, second floor
735 Iwilei Road, Honolulu
369-8600
Hours varies by event
Note: Guests are encouraged to log on to 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.

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