Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience (Now until August 15)

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience opened yesterday in Honolulu at the Hawai’i Convention Center for a limited engagement. I didn't know what to expect, but the summary on the website describes the exhibit quite accurately: 

"In an imaginative and immersive presentation crafted for our unique times by world renowned audiovisual designers, Beyond Van Gogh uses cutting-edge projection technology to create an engaging journey into the world of Van Gogh. Using his dreams, his thoughts, and his words to drive the experience as a narrative, we move along projection swathed walls wrapped in light, colour, and shapes that swirl, dance and refocus into flowers, cafes and landscapes. Masterpieces, now freed from frames, come alive, appear and disappear, flow across multi-surfaces, the minutia of details titillating our heightened senses. Through his own words set to a symphonic score, we may come to a new appreciation of this tortured artist’s stunning work."

There are three rooms making up the exhibit. The first is an education room, the second room a sort of a light show that prepares the viewer for what's to come, and the third room - what we've all been waiting for - the immersion room. The entire experience takes about an hour with the last room's video lasting about 35 minutes before it loops again. 

In the education room, you'll learn about Van Gogh's life through a display of biographical information on the walls. Interspersed between his life's timeline are notable quotes taken from his letters to his brother.  

The second room is more of a transition room. The digital paint dancing is mesmerizing and if you stay until the end, you will see it transform into an image of Van Gogh.  

The immersion room is a 35 minute show that immerses the viewer with over 300 iconic artworks including Van Gogh's classics: "The Starry Night", "Sunflowers", and "Cafe Terrace at Night". The art comes to life on the walls. It flows all around you. If you can, grab a secluded place in the room and sit on the floor to watch it unfold around you.

On your way out is a small gift shop where you can pick up merchandise with Van Gogh's iconic masterpieces.  

Tickets can be purchased online here and are sold in 15 minute increments. There is special pricing for off peak (Monday thru Thursday) and peak (Friday thru Sunday, holidays) times as well as student, senior, military, and group discounts. Children 4 and under do not require a ticket. Premium tickets and VIP packages are also available.  

Thank you to Honolulu Magazine for hosting my admission.

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Sunday-Thursday 10am -10pm
Friday-Saturday 10am-11pm
Hawai'i Convention Center: Kamehmeha Exhibit Hall III

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Honolulu Magazine's BRUNCHFest Presented by American Savings Bank

(Left to Right):  Bi Bim Bap Boost Bowl (7-Eleven Hawaii); Bananas Foster (MW Restaurant); Open-Faced Kalua Pork Belgian Waffle Slider (Café Kaila); Breakfast Ramen (Kokohead Café); Sparkling Tropical Mimosa; The Elvis (Scratch Kitchen and Meatery); Ray Ray Pancake (Herringbone Waikiki); Vegan Bowl (Morning Brew); and Ube Manapua (7-Eleven Hawaii) 

Yesterday, Honolulu Magazine held their first ever BrunchFest at SALT at our Kakaako.  All the heavy hitters were there and guests were able to enjoy unlimited sweet and savory bites and wash them down with bloody mary’s, beer, and mimosas.  Presented by American Savings Bank, the sold out BrunchFest fulfilled Sunday Funday goals with delicious food, great live entertainment, and a photo booth! 

Guests stayed cool in the shade. Tables and sitting areas were set up inside and outside.



(Left to Right):  The 7-Eleven Hawaii Team; Scratch Kitchen & Meatery; Kokohead Café; Photo Bus Oahu; Café Kaila; MW Restaurant; Morning Brew Kakaako; Herringbone Waikiki; and Creations in Catering.

Thank you to 7-Eleven Hawaii for the complimentary tickets! 

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HONOLULU Family Fun Run 2017

On Saturday morning we laced up our shoes, slathered on the sunscreen, and headed to Honolulu Hale for the first annual HONOLULU Family Fun Run, presented by Kaiser Permanente.

The event consisted of two events - a 500m keiki dash for kids ages 3-10, and a 3K fun-run for family members of all ages.  The start/finish line for both races was located on South King Street right in front of Honolulu Hale.

First up was the keiki dash at 8:30 am. I wasn't sure if my boys would participate in the Keiki dash, so I signed up our family for just the 3K fun run that we could all do together. In hindsight, after watching the kids racing their hearts out and receiving their medals at the finish line (all finishers received a medal), I regretted not signing up the boys for the keiki dash. 

Just before 9 am, it was time for the 3K family fun run.  Before we lined up at the start line, we were guided through a 5 minute warm up led by Spiderman, Ariel and Elsa.  

After warming up, we were herded like cattle to the start line on South King Street. There people of all ages participating, including many kids who had just completed the keiki dash. 

After starting east on S. King Street, we turned left onto Alapai Street, then left onto South Beretania. 

The first snack station was just before the State Capitol - we received a water bottle from Kaiser Permanente.

The second snack stop, just before Richards Street, was sponsored by Meadow Gold Hawaii - chocolate milk!

At each turn along the route, there were signs held by volunteers, directing us to turn. 

We headed down Alakea street towards the heart of downtown. 

My son enjoyed the window shopping and looking at all the tall buildings in downtown Honolulu.

The next station consisted of packaged snacks and a selfie stop.

Next stop - Kona Red samples! 

We made another turn back onto South King Street and headed back towards Honolulu Hale. 

It was a great opportunity to take a selfie in front of historic Iolani Palace.

The last snack stop was manned by Le Jardin Academy - bananas! 

We made it! 

After the race, we hung out at the Best of Honolulu Festival, presented by American Savings Bank. There were lots of food booths, shopping booths, and free entertainment. 

We are already looking forward to next year's race. Thank you to our sponsors for providing us with complimentary passes to participate in this fun run!

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