Join our membership so you can attend this special event! All Italy lovers are welcome!

The Friends of Italy Society of Hawai'i is excited to invite you to our annual Christmas party! This year, we'll celebrate the holidays at The Kahala Hotel in the beautiful Waialae Ballroom. Join us for this memorable event and enjoy delectable Italian food, drinks, live music, and Christmas cheer (complete with a few gifts), all in a beautiful venue perfect for connecting with those near and dear.

In Italy, “Cin Cin” is used to make a toast when raising a glass, and expresses gratitude and joy to those around us. This year we return to our roots, The Kahala Hotel & Resort, where one of our founders and former Italian Honorary Consul in Honolulu, Louis Finamore, served as the General Manager in 1990.

Menu. Although there will be plenty of seating, the focus of this event will be on the flow of the party as opposed to a sit-down meal. Guests will enjoy a chance to visit with everyone and move around as they like with this Made for Mingling Menu:

• Bruschetta bar: Roasted Tomatoes, Balsamic Shallots, Tomato Coulis, Tomato Confit, Pesto, Prosciutto, Smoked Turkey, Mortadella, Manchego, Brie, Goat Cheese, Olive Oil, Assorted Grilled Breads
• Lobster Medallion with Roasted Tomato on Crostini
• Big Island Goat Cheese, Honey Pear, Roasted Macadamia Nut on Baguette
• Wild Mushrooms, Feta Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Olives in Mini Turnover
• Crab Meat Salad with Avocado on Endive Leaf
• BBQ Chicken Skewers with Honey Mustard Aioli
• Crispy Fried Truffle Corn Croquette
• Kalua Pig Quesadillas with Guacamole and Tomato Salsa
• Pizzette
• Salad (Mixed Greens, Kawamata Tomatoes, Shallot Red Wine Vinaigrette)
• Dessert: Amaretto Baba Espresso Tiramisu, Chocolate Budino, Fromage Blanc Cheese Panna Cotta, Chocolate Raspberry Torta, Biscotti
• Fruit platter

Cash bar. A bar of wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic cold drinks will be available for purchase. The venue does not allow outside alcohol:

• Wine (Ballard Lane white, red, blush)
• Mimosa
• Martini
• Cocktails – Epitome (Gray Goose Vodka, Kohana Rum, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, Crown Royal Reserve Whiskey, The Macallan 12-year Scotch)
• Beer (domestic, imported)
• Non-alcoholic beverages (beer, soft drinks, mineral water, fruit juice)

Live music: Holiday and Italian music by some of our local favorites, featuring soprano Jaime Blu Craycroft and Italian trio: Gustavo D’Amico (saxophone), Rafael Amaral (guitar), Dean Taba (bass).

Sweepstakes: We'll give away five awesome gifts:

• Complimentary Two-Night Stay at The Kahala Hotel & Resort (scenic view room, subject to availability and blackout dates)
• Complimentary Sunday Brunch for Two at Hoku’s
• Complimentary Dinner Buffet for Two at Plumeria Beach House
• Complimentary Breakfast for Two at Plumeria Beach House
• Complimentary Afternoon Tea Service for Two at The Veranda

Suggested attire: Cocktail attire.

Bring: Valid ID and cash for drink orders, sweepstakes, and tips for valet. ATM available by the ballroom.

Parking: Complimentary valet parking (please tip); always consider catching a Lyft or Uber.

Price includes: Meal, valet parking, and all gratuity for wait staff.

Register: As early as you can to reserve your seats and help us organize—No later than November 20th or when sold out.

No ticket swaps & no refunds, except if Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii cannot deliver this program.

For questions: Please email info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org.

Note: The Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii is not responsible for any liability, cost, and damages which could arise from the programs; and does not provide any refunds, except if it cannot deliver the program, for instance in the case of insufficient enrollment.

We look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you!