Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii upcoming events

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.

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.

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

Lecture & Social Evening: The Aqueducts of Ancient Rome (30 Oct 2026)

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

️ Le Acque di Roma — The Aqueducts of Ancient Rome

Join us for a fascinating evening exploring one of ancient Rome's most extraordinary engineering achievements — the aqueducts. Stretching hundreds of miles across the Italian peninsula, these magnificent structures carried fresh water to the heart of the Roman Empire and stand as a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of Roman civilization.

Registration now open!

️ Date: Friday, October 30, 2026

Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Location: Movie Room at

Tickets: $15 per person

Includes wine, focaccia, and charcuterie

Our speaker for the evening is none other than FOISOH's own Vice President, Mike Cote' — and there are few people better suited to bring this subject to life. A licensed architect since 1987 and a graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's School of Architecture, Mike has spent decades thinking about how buildings and structures shape human life. His deep connection to Italy began when he played professionally for La Libertas in Parma as a member of the US National Volleyball Team — an experience that forged lifelong friendships and ultimately inspired his career in architecture. He knows firsthand how Italy's built environment leaves its mark on you.

Come dressed in your finest Roman attire for a night of history, architecture, conversation, and buona compagnia — because if the Romans taught us anything, it's that knowledge is best enjoyed in good company.

Become a member to attend all events! All Italy lovers are welcome!
Members: Login to register for events or renew your membership (if you have any issues, contact the Help Desk)
Notes: 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, credits, swaps, except if it cannot deliver the program, for instance in the case of insufficient enrollment.

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO NOTICE

Photography and video recording may take place during this event.

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

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: La vita va così (Life Is Life)
6:15 PM: Aperitivo for all ticket holders
7:00 PM: Film, followed by discussion

Saturday, 11/14: Gioia mia (Sweetheart)
6:00 PM: Aperitivo for all ticket holders
7:00 PM: Film, followed by discussion

Sunday, 11/15: Nonostante (Feeling Better)
5:30 PM: Film

TICKETS via HoMA:

General admission: $15– purchase on HoMA website

Discounted admission – only in person at HoMA with required valid ID and proof of membership/college enrollment); Online and phone 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
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.

Caffe' Letterario: "The Lake’s Water is Never Sweet" by Giulia Caminito (Free, members only) (2 Dec 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 02:00:00 GMT

A Friends of Italy Society of Hawai’i Book Discussion

Wednesday, December 2, 2026

⏱️ 4:00–5:00 PM: Aperitivo · 5:00–6:00 PM: Book Discussion

Friends of Italy members, please join us for our next Caffè Letterario, where we’ll share an aperitivo and dig into a lively book discussion.

We’ll be discussing Giulia Caminito’s novel The Lake’s Water Is Never Sweet — a portrait of a young girl coming of age that captures the disillusionment and rage of a generation. Praised as raw, radiant, powerful, relentless, deeply observed, tender, and colorfully explosive, the novel promises a rich conversation.

The book is available from Amazon.com in English or Italian

Hosted by Dr. Tanya D’Avanzo, a current FOI Hawai’i board member, artist, mother of twins, book lover, and Italophile. Dr. D’Avanzo is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist who has hosted previous sessions of Caffè Letterario.

️ Free · Members only

Limited to 15 members—RSVP

Please bring an aperitivo to share

Limited street parking available

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO NOTICE

Photography and video recording may take place during this event.

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

Festa di Capodanno 2026 (New Year’s party) (28 Dec 2026)

Tue, 29 Dec 2026 03:00:00 GMT

Become a member to attend this event! All Italy lovers are welcome!

Save the date for the Friends of Italy Society of Hawai’i holiday gathering “Festa di Capodanno” a New Year’s celebration on Monday, December 28, 5pm-9pm at Outrigger Canoe Club. Buffet dinner served. Drink tickets are available for purchase at door. Games, prizes, and dancing with DJ Bo!

Menu & ticket price TBA

Registration will open soon!

Parking: Limited guest parking or metered parking (until 6pm) on Kalākaua Avenue.

Time flow: Guests are welcome to arrive at 5PM. Ends at 9PM.

RSVP: Registration required by December 15.

Attire: Festive New Year’s Cocktail, bring your dancing shoes!

Members: Login to register for events or renew your membership (if you have any issues, contact the Help Desk)

Notes: 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, credits, swaps, except if it cannot deliver the program, for instance in the case of insufficient enrollment.

Questions: Email us at info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org.

We look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you!

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO NOTICE

Photography and video recording may take place during this event.

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