Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii upcoming events

Language class: Italian Travel Essentials (Spring 2026, Members Only) (7 Apr 2026)

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 02:30:00 GMT

Join our membership so you can attend our language courses! All Italy lovers are welcome!

Get prepared for your Italian adventure! In this language class, you'll learn essential phrases and vocabulary for traveling to Italy. From booking reservations and buying tickets to navigating hotels, restaurants, shops, and handling important documents—this course has you covered for a smooth and enjoyable trip.

REGISTRATION: Required. Max 12 students, classes often sell out, and walk-ins cannot be accommodated. All students must be members, no guests are allowed, not even for Dual members.

DATES: Eight Tuesdays. Pizza party at the end of the course.

LEVELS: Sign up for the class that you think fits you best. On the first day of class, you can try other levels and change class if you wish. In addition to your level, you can also audit other levels throughout the whole course (listening only, no talking).

Beginner Level 1 (4:30-6pm): For students who have no or minimal grasp of the Italian language—we’ll cover up to chapter 10.
Intermediate Level 2-3 (6-7:30pm): For students who have mastered all grammar and vocabulary of Level 1—we’ll cover chapters 11 on but mainly focus on conversation.

BOOK: “Italian grammar in practice” by Susanna Nocchi (2022, Alma Edizioni, English edition)--includes an interactive e-book which allows you to access all contents, audio files, and exercises with self-correction online.

PARKING: Abundant free parking on site.

INSTRUCTOR: Daniela Rocco Minerbi pursued classic studies at the Liceo Classico where she studied Latin for eight years and ancient Greek for five years. She earned a 5th Year Piano Diploma at the Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi, and obtained her Doctoral Degree in Architecture at the Polytechnical University in Milano. She has been Italian Court interpreter, hospital interpreter, and translator for the Government and for private firms. She has taught Italian language and culture at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa (UHM) and Kapiolani Community College outreach programs. At UHM, she also taught Painting in Italian and co-taught in Psychology, Architecture, and Peace studies. Daniela has organized peace seminars and is the co-author of the book “Macrohistory and Macrohistorians: Perspectives on Individual, Social, and Civilizational Change” (Galtung et al., 1997). As an artist, she has won prizes and awards, has had art exhibitions, and has been curator of several art shows in both Italy and Hawaii. She loves to perform piano four hands and two pianos. Daniela provides consulting services in Architectural Design.

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.

QUESTIONS: Please contact info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org.

Wine & Movie Night: Barolo Boys (26 Apr 2026)

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 03:30:00 GMT

Wine & Movie Night: Barolo Boys

Join the Friends of Italy Society of Hawaiʻi for another special Wine & Movie Night, featuring Barolo Boys: The Story of a Revolution (2014).

This acclaimed documentary explores the dramatic transformation of Barolo wine in Piedmont, Italy, focusing on the “modernist” movement of the 1980s and 1990s. Through the stories of visionary winemakers and importers, the film captures a pivotal moment in Italian wine history — when innovation, tradition, and controversy collided in one of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions.

Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026

Time: 5:30

Location: Movie room in a private residence; address to be provided upon confirmation. Please note: Couch seating so please be ready to sit near to your fellow members! BYOB and Potluck! What dish can you bring that pairs well with Barolo?!

Wine tasting experience

We are pleased to welcome Krystal Kakimoto, Certified Sommelier, who will bring the film to life with her Barolo tasting as she pairs the movie with the wine.

Krystal is a Kaua‘i native, Bishop Museum librarian by day and sommelier by night. She holds certifications from the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Society of Wine Educators and loves sharing wine knowledge with the community.

️Pricing & Registration

$30 per person (includes wine tasting & charcuterie)
Members only/Dual members may bring one guest
Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.
BYOB and potluck!

All tickets must be prepaid; registration is only confirmed after payment.

About the Film

Barolo Boys: The Story of a Revolution tells the story of the producers who helped reshape Barolo by introducing new approaches such as shorter maceration and the use of smaller French oak barrels (barriques). The documentary highlights the passion, rebellion, and debate that defined a generation of winemakers.

ℹ️ Notes

No refunds, credits, or swaps unless the organization cancels the event (e.g., insufficient enrollment).
FOISH is not responsible for liability, costs, or damages arising from the program.
Fee covers only the sommelier-guided wine tasting and assorted charcuterie.

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO NOTICE

Photography and video recording may take place during this event.

By entering and participating in this event, you acknowledge that you may be photographed, filmed, or recorded. You grant permission to the event organizers to use these images, videos, or recordings for promotional, marketing, and communication purposes, including use on websites, social media, and other publications.

If you prefer not to appear in photos or videos, please inform an event staff member upon arrival.

Questions: Email us at info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org.

Volunteer Day with Gigi at Hoa ′Āina O Mākaha Farm (2 May 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Caring for the ‘Āina (land) and sharing a meal together are cherished values in both Italian and Hawaiian cultures. The Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii will visit Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha (Land of Mākaha Shared in Friendship) for a day of community service, food, music, and fun!

Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha is a nonprofit farm that teaches keiki how to care for the land and build peaceful communities. Founder Gigi Cocquio, originally from Lake Como, Italy, established the organization in 1979. He is a pioneer in Hawaiian immersion, experiential learning, environmental education, and promoting world peace.

Parking: Drive to Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha, 84-225 Ala Naauao Place, Wai‘anae. Enter the gate, pass the house, and park in the large unpaved lot.

Schedule: Please arrive ready to begin promptly at 9am. We will start with an ‘Āina protocol, followed by task assignments from Gigi, such as cleaning the grounds, organizing, repainting, or gardening. At 11 am, we will conclude with a potluck lunch and a joyful sing-along of our favorite Italian songs!

Bring: A healthy and delicious dish to share, along with a water bottle, work gloves, and a hat. Please apply sunscreen and bring mosquito repellent if needed. All ages are welcome.

RSVP: Required by April 25 to allow for proper planning and preparation.

Private Italian lessons: Anytime during course breaks! (27 May 2026)

Wed, 27 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Our experienced Italian teachers offer private lessons during the course breaks, tailored to help you catch up or move forward with your Italian. All teachers are native Italian speakers, hold Italian university degrees, and bring solid teaching experience. Design lessons that suit your goals and interests, from conversational skills to advanced grammar.

Flexible Topics & Format: Customize your lessons by choosing the topics, learning format (in-person or online), and setting (indoors, outdoors, walks, even the beach!).

Rates: $60 per hour for individual lessons. Discounts for groups: $30 per person/hour for two students; $20 per person/hour for three students. Directly to the teacher.

Duration: Minimum three-lesson commitment, paid in advance as a package.

Location: Lessons available in Honolulu, Hawaii Kai, or online, with ample neighborhood parking options.

Optional Book: "Italian Grammar in Practice" by Susanna Nocchi (2022, interactive ebook version available). Purchase online from Alma Edizioni, Libreria Pino, or other retailers.

Dates: To be scheduled during course breaks, when regular group lessons are not in session.

Note: Lesson arrangements, including scheduling and cancellations, are directly managed between student and tutor. The Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii assumes no responsibility for any liability, costs, or damages related to these private lessons, and refunds are not available.

Questions: Contact us at info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org.

Language Class: Journey into Language and Memory (Fall 2026, Members Only) (1 Oct 2026)

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 02:30:00 GMT

Join our membership so you can attend our language courses! All Italy lovers are welcome!

Learn Italian through a detective story. Over eight sessions, we will explore themes of city life, memory, personal heritage, and personal connections to Italy, blending language practice with cultural reflection. Students of Intermediate and Advanced levels may choose to download the kindle version or paperback of Un Attimo Prima di Morire (One Moment Before Dying), a detective story by Armando Guarino, a Naples-based author. The course will feature:

Guided reading with explanations of vocabulary, syntax, and idiomatic expressions.
Grammar workshops focused on practical structures and appropriate verb tenses: present for beginner level, past for intermediate level, and conditional/subjunctive for advanced level.
Creative activities to develop natural spoken and written Italian.
Cultural insights on Naples and its surroundings, including Capri and the Amalfi Coast, and other Italian cities as narrative settings, with references to music, film and poetry.
Meet the author—a live online conversation with Armando Guarino, offering students the chance to engage directly with a native speaker.
This program welcomes learners at all levels—from new explorers to longtime students and those seeking to rediscover the language in a literary context. Our shared goal is to develop the ability to narrate personal stories, to remember and imagine in Italian, guided by a novel that speaks of life, death and rebirth.

REGISTRATION: Required. Max 12 students, classes often sell out, and walk-ins cannot be accommodated. All students must be members, no guests are allowed, not even for Dual members.

DATES: Eight Thursdays. Pizza party at the end of the course.

LEVELS: Sign up for the class that you think fits you best. On the first day of class, you can try other levels and change class if you wish. In addition to your level, you can also audit other levels throughout the whole course (listening only, no talking).

Beginner Level 1 (4:30-6pm): For students who have no or minimal grasp of the Italian language—we’ll cover up to chapter 10.
Intermediate Level 2 (6-7:30pm): For students who have mastered all grammar and vocabulary of Level 1—we’ll cover chapters 11-20 but mainly focus on conversation.
Advanced/Conversation Level 3 (7:30-9pm): For students who have mastered all grammar and vocabulary of Level 2—— we will use Italian exclusively in student-led conversations, across a range of topics and genres chosen by the students. Textbook exercises from Chapter 21 onward are used only at students’ request, and only briefly, to review specific grammar points as needed.

BOOK:

Italian Grammar in Practice by Susanna Nocchi (Alma Edizioni, 2022, English edition), which includes interactive e-book with access to all contents, audio files, and exercises with self-correction online.
Un Attimo Prima di Morire by Armando Guarino (Kindle version or paperback_ which includes a QR code with songs and poetry.

PARKING: Abundant free parking on site.

INSTRUCTOR: Iolanda Marinelli, friends and family call her Iole, is one of our Italian Language Teachers. Iole grew up in Italy where she received her Laurea Magistrale (M.A.) in Foreign Languages and Literatures from the University of Naples “L’Orientale”, and a Teaching Certification in English Secondary Education from Italy Department of Education. In 2006 she made Hawai’i her home. Here she began to teach Italian at Saint Anthony School in 2016, and in 2017 she completed her Hawai'i Certification as Substitute Teacher K-12 and started substitute teaching at public schools on Oahu. She continued to teach Italian and Spanish for the After School Malama Program at Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School, and Kailua Elementary School. Iole also served three terms on the Board of Directors of the Hawai’i Association of Language Teachers as Italian Representative. In 2023 she left the Hawai'i Department of Education and began a new career in federal service, building on earlier professional experience in Italy. She brings her experience working with children and adds fun to the Italian classes.

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.

QUESTIONS: Please contact info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org.

Try It Out Language Class (Free and open to all) (15 Oct 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 02:30:00 GMT

The Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii is hosting an open house for its language program in celebration of the Week of the Italian Language in the World. Every October, we join the diplomatic-consular network and the Italian Cultural Institutes to celebrate the Italian language. Join us for an informal and fun adventure with Professoressa Iole Marinelli. You will have the chance to observe a lesson from her Fall course, which started two weeks prior and runs through November. This is a great opportunity to get a taste of our language courses and decide whether to join future classes—offered once per season!

LEVELS: All levels of language learners are welcome, including those who are simply curious.

Beginner Level 1 (4:30–6:00 PM)
Intermediate Level 2 (6:00–7:30 PM)
Advanced/Conversation Level 3 (7:30–9:00 PM)

PARKING: Available on site.

RSVP: Required by October 1st. No walk-ins, and there are only 6 spots available per level.

QUESTIONS: Contact info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org

Italian Film Festival, Honolulu, 2026 (13 Nov 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 03:00:00 GMT

The Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii, Honolulu Museum of Art, and the Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco are excited to present the 2026 Italian Film Festival at HoMA Doris Duke Theatre in Honolulu on November 13-15.

Join us for a weekend of Italian cinema, community, and cultural celebration! The three-day festival offers a curated selection of contemporary award-winning films from Italy—in Italian language with English subtitles. Enjoy post-screening discussions, savor authentic Italian aperitivi, and connect with fellow Italy enthusiasts in a culturally vibrant and fun community event.

All films are open to the public. Join the FOI membership to receive discounts for all films. Follow our emails, social media, and website for film announcements and ticket sale updates.
SCHEDULE at HoMA

Friday, 11/13: Film 1
6:15 PM: Aperitivo for all ticket holders
7:00 PM: Film, followed by discussion

Saturday, 11/14: Film 2
6:00 PM: Aperitivo for all ticket holders
7:00 PM: Film, followed by discussion

Sunday, 11/15: Film 3
5:30 PM: Film

TICKETS:

Films: 280 seats available--each film ticket (starting on October 1)

General admission: $15– purchase on HoMA website
Discounted admission – in person at HoMA or by phone with HoMA at 808-532-8700 (required valid ID and proof of college enrollment/membership); Online purchase is not available for discounted tickets.
- FOI and HoMA member: $12
- Students: $5
- Ages 18 and under: Free

NOTES

Parking: HoMA parking information
No refunds: The Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii, Honolulu Museum of Art, and the Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco are not responsible for any liability, cost, and damages which could arise from the programs; and do not provide any refunds, except if they cannot deliver the program.
Questions: Please contact info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org