Third time's the charm, according to organizers of the Kāneʻohe Night Market, who also host the Kailua Fall Festival.
“This is our third rendition of the event and we had to plan for traffic increases,” Krave Marketing Owner Ben Marumoto told Aloha State Daily by email. “The creation of Kāneʻohe Night Market was partially due to the constant nudging of vendors and the Windward community to do more events.”
The Kāneʻohe Night Market will run from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, at Lot 44 on Alaloa Street, across from Windward Mall. Organizers expect more than 10,000 patrons over the five-hour event, which will feature more than 125 vendors, free keiki activities and live entertainment.
Entrance into the event is free; however tickets for VIP seating ($7 plus booking fee and tax) and parking and trolley rides ($8 plus booking fee for six riders roundtrip/ $1 plus booking fee one-way for trolley ride, $2 roundtrip) can be purchased here.
“We partnered with King Intermediate and have trolleys running continuously throughout the event,” Marumoto continued. “We pay for the trolleys and the school’s facility fees, but donate all the parking and trolley funds back to King Intermediate.”
Last year, he said the event raised more than $2,000 for the school’s band program, and this year, the company expects “a slight increase in trolley usage.”
According to Marumoto, the first Kāneʻohe Night Market debuted in April 2024, where “costs were high and we had almost zero sponsorship.”
“It was very well attended and despite being nearly rained out, mostly everyone stayed and had a great time. So even though it was a muted success, we knew what was possible.”
Sponsors this year include Hardware Hawaiʻi, Coors, AT&T, ALU Services, Hawaiian Ice and Waiakea Water “that make this $37,000 show a little more bearable,” Marumoto said.
He added, “Putting on a show like this is no small feat. We use zero volunteers for our show and believe that everyone that works should get paid.”
Kids activities such games, face painting and balloon art will be free.
“Entertainment is also free at this event and we have great acts,” Marumoto said, adding that there are also games and drinks in the beer garden for adults 21 and older. Kaʻimi Hananoeau, Peni Dean and the Imposters Band will be performing.
Remember to wear green in celebration of St. Patrickʻs Day, which is Monday, March 17.
For more information, visit kaneohenightmarket.com or checkout the eventʻs instagram page: @kaneohenightmarket.
Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
