Posted | 2 Comments

Truth from Dare: Another busy week

BY DERIN DEREGO / Special to the Star-Advertiser

People who say there’s nothing to do in Honolulu have their heads in the sand. We’ve just tip-toed into February and I feel like I feel like I’ve been on autopilot since the New Year’s Eve.

Granted, I like to jaunt to party capitals across the country to get my fix of events that are of a larger caliber. But there’s definitely no shortage of things to do around here.

Case in point: On Monday, I abandoned the comfort of my couch — my usual Monday night post-up place — to check out the launch of a brand new industry night hosted by Sailor Jerry’s Rum at RumFire in the Sheraton Waikiki.

RumFire is the quintessential Hawaii postcard bar. The tiki torches and fire pits further illuminate the moonlit ocean just steps away, and the sounds of waves crashing remind you how awesome this place we call home is. Of course, the waves weren’t the only sounds to enjoy. The new party features resident DJs SuperCW and Soundcheck tag-teaming the turntables with an eclectic mix of music that’s a refreshing change from club bangers you’ve heard all weekend.

Another reason to check out this party is the sizable discounts they offer. RumFire boasts half-off food all night, a variety of $5 cocktails and $4.50 draft beers for those with Honolulu Liquor Commission cards. With its amazing location, its no surprise RumFire can get pricey, so take advantage of the deals being served up at this new industry night.

Monday was definitely a great start to what’s shaping up to be an amazing week. If you’ve got some time, check out R&D at 691 Auahi St. The spot just reopened yesterday after undergoing renovations. It’s a unique space that offers a hip and relaxed place to meet in the middle of burgeoning Kaka’ako.

On Friday, Feb. 8, comedian Jo Koy returns to Honolulu for three shows at The Republik. The American born Filipino comic is best known for this Comedy Central specials and recurring guest slot on “Chelsea Lately.” Early shows on Friday and Saturday are sold out, but a third show at 11 p.m. Friday was recently announced, so get your tickets.

Saturday, Feb. 9, offers another comedic experience as Margaret Cho takes the stage at Hawaii Theater. The comedian, whose impersonation of her Asian-American mother has become infamous, is a favorite among locals and returns to the islands quite frequently.

For you dog lovers, Saturday also brings the return of “Doggie Date Night” at Aloha Stadium. Bring your favorite four-legged friend out for a night out with doggie pedicures and massages, photo booths, all kinds of tasty treats and free microchipping by the Hawaiian Humane Society. There’s also going to be food trucks for you owners to grab a bite while your pooches are being pampered.

If you’d rather have some eye candy instead a date with your pet, and help a great cause at the same time, head to the “I Heart the Ocean” fundraiser for the Sustainable Coastlines Organization at the Elks Club Waikiki. The evening will be hosted by Alex O’loughlin (of “Hawaii Five-0″ fame) and will feature live music, a fashion show spotlighting garments made of recycled material, heavy pupu and a raffle. For more information, visit sustainablecoastlineshawaii.org.

Saturday also will see the kickoff of Pow Wow Hawaii 2013 with an opening group show at Fresh Cafe. The celebration of contemporary artists has blossomed into a week of activities revolving around large scale murals peppering buildings all over Kaka’ako. For a list of events and activities, visit powwowhawaii.com.

With a Saturday packed with so much variety, Sunday will definitely be a day of rest. Sometimes its nice to not have things to do and be able to just enjoy the paradise we live in. But luckily for the times when you get antsy, the options are becoming more and more plentiful.
———
When he’s not out and about at the hottest parties and other events in Honolulu, Derin “Dare” Derego works as an account executive at a local radio station group. Reach him via email at derinderego@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter.