The Fashionably-Forward Foodie: Iolani Family Fair

Every April, The Iolani Family Fair comes around for a Friday/Saturday weekend. As a Punahou Grad and loyal Alum (Iolani is our big rival), I always seem to make the early decision not to go. Then that Thursday comes rolling around, and as usual, my friends and I head on over. What a routine this has become! Although the Iolani Fair is a much smaller affair with no EK Fernandez rides or games, I do however, really enjoy the variety of food. Yes, you can't beat the Punahou Carnival with its lovely array of all homemade/schoolmade food, including Portuguese Bean Soup, Smoothies, Fried Noodles, Chicken Plate, Hawaiian Plate, Greek Gyros, May's Hamburgers, hand-dipped ice cream bars, and of course, the ever-so-popular MALASADAS!

But The Iolani Fair does have its perks, like its KC Waffle Dog. They used to have their very own restaurant in Kapahulu, but it closed down many many years ago, and now you can only find the dog at catered events, fairs or in a small Panini stand in Kahala Mall. So yes, the KC Waffle Dog is hard to find and is definitely a commodity in high demand! When it's being offered, I never turn a waffle dog down! Many other people have the same idea too, as the line was extra long!

Another hit? French Dip Sandwich that my friend, Paddy, kept raving about. Never got a chance to taste it, since he woofed it down, thus I'm assuming it was delicious. Some other great food options are the Hawaiian "Have It All" Plate, which came with Laulau, Kalua Pig and Cabbage, Rice, Beef Stew, Lomi, Long Rice, Poi, and Haupia. It was only 23 scrip~ $5.75. Pretty decent. Only con? They ran out of Lomi Lomi Salmon! How could they!!? Instead I got 2 cups of Long Rice which in my opinion, was a bit bland and not hot. We'll let that one slide, I guess.......

They also had specialty drinks including Plantation Iced tea, Smoothies, and then also Caramel Apples!!! This was probably my favorite. Apples are cut up for easy eating and they don't skimp on the caramel either! If you're not a caramel fan, they also serve Li Hing Apples by the bag. Great to take home for dessert!

As far as parking goes, this can get a little tricky. You can either walk from a close house in the neighborhood, find street parking (but you're lucky if you do!) or park in the $3 lot at Kaimuki High. The ladder is the best option. I have to say that at least Iolani provides parking (for a price). The Kaimuki High lot is huge and even if you arrive late on the last night, you will get parking in there.

So far, I hope you have seen that although I am a true, loyal Punahou Alum and will always be, I gave The Iolani Fair a pretty fair critique, right?!! Not as biased as you thought!