That was the beginning of the odyssy from a Honolulu Airport hotel, by taxi, the night before Thanksgiving day, to a Walmart a few miles away. The concern was, of course, that things might not be open on Thankgiving on The Big Island... so, about $65 later (including the taxi ride), I had a pink princess potty seat for my son (there were no boy seats left and we didn't have the option of shopping around to other stores).

The upside was that, as usual, everyone was so lovely to us as has always been on our experience in the Islands, from the Hotel front desk person who nicely told us that the airport shuttle could not take us to the store, to the cab driver who shopped while he waited for me... with the meter running, and the Walmart employees who had no idea what I was talking about when I described a potty seat, but yet had them in stock, and very sweetly did their best to help me out as we searched for them together. I am not being sarcastic when I speak of their lovely sweet helpfulness... I do wish it had been less expensive, but that was my problem, not theirs. And I have this most excellent pink potty seat, which did indeed "do the trick" as a momento from our holiday.

I've checked it out with the promoters who notified me that this event is a special event. They will be featuring DJ Return from Las Vegas, San Lorenzo Brazilian Bikini Fashion Show and other special performances.

Lotus Soundbar is located alone Kuhio Avenue, across from Scruples. It is one of the newest clubs and has very chic interior decors. The music is a fusion of hip hop, reggae, house, funk and old school. With two floors and 5 different rooms, Lotus Soundbar is a melting area for the different music genres and people.

This party is for the 21 and over and is $10 to get in.

This party is proudly brought to you by Mix Sounds Entertainment. For more information, pre sale tickets or VIP reservations, contact Thomas at (8 349 5199.

Natalie Paul

Walk past the Honolulu Academy of Art at dusk on the last Friday of the month and instead of a closed sign swinging in the wind, you'll see hundreds of Hawai'i hipsters streaming past the large lion statues near the front entrance.

Once inside Academy patrons are instantly aware of a theme, which changes monthly and often ties-in with the featured exhibit. Live-music, festive drink specials, and pupus (appetizers) entice art savvy individuals to dress according to the night's motif.

At a recent event, “Let Them Eat Cake,” March 30, the celebration was impart to honor museum founder Anna Rice Cooke and commemorate the Academy's Birthday, which is actually April 8, but what's a week early when you've been going strong for the past 80 years? (The Academy opened its doors on April 8, 1927.) Yet instead of a 12-piece orchestra a la Cooke's era the ArtafterDark crew decided to blast '80s music and woo the crowd into decorating their own cupcakes, fresh from the Hokulani Bake Shop. Beer and wine along with colorful cocktails from Tiki's Bar and Grill helped the crowd get into the grove even if they were in skin-tight spandex or their best Madonna garb.

For those truly interested in art, and not just looking festive on a Friday, museum docents offer informative zip tours. Of course this month was dedicated to Mrs. Cooke and Academy guests were given a glimpse at her collection prowess with her, "A Vision of the World: The Anne Rice Cooke Collection."

Now in its fourth year ArtafterDark attracts a little over a thousand people each month and with the cost a mere $7 for non-members and gratis for members, the venue provides music, world-renowned art, and priceless people watching without a high price tag. Also, if you decide to become a member at AandD you're entrance fee counts towards your membership.

These monthly galas run from February through November each year and then go on a short hiatus so that AandD can plan its annual Starlight Ball held in January. Tickets for the ball are usually $75 with all of the proceeds going towards the Academy's youth art programs. Much more swanky than the monthly soirees the Starlight Ball is a black-tie event and a venerable whose who of Honolulu.

So before you dive in with the major collectors sample this month's “Wanderlust” on April 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. The event promises soothing jazz, zip-tours of Germany craftsman, Albrecht Durer's 15th century woodcuttings, and a chance to try your hand at printmaking with the guidance of Honolulu Printmakers. For this event you'll want to wear a frock and some flats, the perfect shoes for skipping through the courtyard and all the open galleries.

For more information visit the ArtafterDark Web site at www.artafterdark.org

Step into Dave Stewart's Hotel Street watering hole and you can't miss the towering wall of beer. From obscure labels to tried and true brands Bar 35 boasts 110 specialty beers every night of the week. And on an island where you're more likely to get an umbrella in your cocktail than a good stiff drink, being able to order a beer other than a Bud Light or Heineken is truly significant.

At 35 the laid-back atmosphere is also enticing and a rare find in this resort-town. Here, local women are casually clad in jeans and halter tops or office attire. Unlike other Honolulu bars, stiletto heels and skimpy skirts don't seem to be required.

Luscious black leather couches line the entire establishment and low lighting adds the appeal of a swanky jazz lounge. But if the situation calls for light, because you're tired of guessing if he's cute or not, there's a beautiful outdoor bar and garden grotto where you can refill your drink and see just who it is you've been talking to.

On your way back to the garden curious patrons can watch as a true Italian chef tosses thin-crust pizza in the air. The corner kitchen known as Valentini Fusion-Gourmet Pizza offers a slice of Chinatown, many of the ingredients are Asian-inspired and piled high on the requisite paper-thin crust. Our favorite, Cantonese Kiss, has char-sui pork, zesty plum sauce, and strips of won tons.

The pizza is satiating, but the beer is wonderful. Dead Guy Ale, Anchor Steam, Stella, Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale, Kona Fire Rock, etc. The bartenders are knowledgeable and even when the place is packed drinks flow fairly fast and everyone seems in good spirits.

Sometime during the night we found out that happy hour is everyday from 4 to 8 p.m. and that all 12-ounce bottles are $3, we heard those magic words - $3 and we couldn't contain our excitement. We almost peeled ourselves off the upholstery and danced, but the thought of leaving or spilling our microbrews kept us from being too hasty. Instead we opted to recline into our little leather alcove and watch the Honolulu nightlife pour in from Hotel Street.

Bar is located at 35 North Hotel Street, Honolulu. Hawaii. Check them out on the Web at http://www.bar35hawaii.com/ or call 808.537.3535.

It is located in pier 38 right off Nimitz Highway. Pretty easy to get to actually. Nimitz Highway hugs the coastline from the airport to Waikiki and if you're going that direction, it's right after you pass the Young Brothers sign on your right. Turn right right after that. Right. Just follow the road from there.

I had the Catch of the day, which today was the pan seared swordfish with garlic sauce, my daughter had the fish and chips, and the wife had a calamari salad. All were delicious and highly recommended by us. Prices are very reasonable, about 7 to 8 dollars a plate. It was pretty crowded, so it's pretty well known now I guess. We went right smack in the middle of the lunch rush, so I would suggest avoiding that time if possible.

Nico's is an order at the counter type of place, so you can either take it to go or eat it there. We ate it there, there seemed to be just enough tables to handle the rush. There were some tables right near the ocean also which I think would be neat too. Give it a try!     www.nicospier38.com

For whatever reason, I can't get the website to link.  Here is the physical address:  Pier 38 waterfront, 1133 N. Nimitz Hwy.  (8 540-1377

You can park in front of the zoo in metered parking for 25 cents an hour.  The zoo is open from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.  Admission to the zoo is $8 ages 13 and older.  Children 6-12 $1 , five and under, free.   If you're a resident 13 and older the price is $4.

This is for all visiting and remaining College Spring Breakers and for all who are living in Hawaii.

There will be several Spring Break parties during this week and many will be pricey and worthless. However, this event is a sure hit.

Spring Blast Addiction Thursday at Lotus Soundbar is the event for Spring Break. $5.00 entrance fee and $3.00 domestic beers till midnight.

This event is for 21+ and above.

The pictures above speak for themselves. Be there on Thursday to experience it.

Natalie Paul

Lotus Soundbar is the new darling of the Waikiki club scene. Unlike the older nightclubs in Waikiki, Lotus Soundbar offers a unique fusion of hip hop, reggae, house and dance music. Separated into 2 floors with 3 rooms, this nightclub is classy, chic and a place to be visited by all.

Located on Kuhio Avenue (Across from Jack in the Box and beside the ABC store), Lotus Soundbar looks chic even from the outside. Only 21 and over are allowed in this night club and it is nothing like the more mature crowd scene at Pearl in Ala Moana.

My favorite night has got to be Addiction Thursdays. This promotional night is managed by Mix Sounds Entertainment, the newest promoters in the industry. On their first night, they welcomed more than 300 people to the club which is comparatively higher than Lotus's usual crowds on any nights. It is merely $5.00 to get in and domestic beers and drink specials begins from $3.00. The crowd fills up the club with a mixture of all races. This is clearly the focal point of this event. The mixture of people brings an interesting twist to the clubs here in Honolulu. There isn't a dominant nationality or race. Last week, I met people from Germany, Israel, Australia and even Egypt. There was a fair share of locals as well so don't be worried if you want to mingle with the locals.

Lotus Soundbar is divided into two separate floors but their levels of sophistication remains prevalent. The ground level is furnished with plush sofas and a spectacular main bar. Walk right in and you're immediately brought into a different club scene. Take the stairs to the second floor and you'll be amazed by the spacious environment, great sound systems and a chilled out ambiance. The VIP room is on the third floor but to gain access to that level, you'll need to know the promoters. Reserving a table at the VIP lounge can range from $300 a table.

If you're looking for a new place to roam around at night, Lotus Soundbar is definitely a choice you would like to experience. Try their Thursdays nights with Addiction Thursday. It'll be a promising adventure you will not be disappointed.

Natalie Paul

Not only will you find great books at the fair, Bonnie has other gifts and fun trinkets like photoalbums, baby toys and learning projects, cookbooks, lotions and soaps, and a whole variety of fun things. 

All fairs are open between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.  I suggest getting there early since they sell out of things very quickly. 

You can see the upcoming schedule and locations at www.booksarefunhawaii.com . Here is the upcoming schedule for the rest of March and April:

March 27 - Haseko Bldg & Ocean View Center (Outside facing Mililani St.)

March 29-30 - First Hawaiian Bank - Bishop Street Branch (main lobby)

April 3-4 - TOPA Financial Center (formerly AMFAC Center - lobby by security desk)

April 6 - Kaiser Moanalua Hospital (main lobby)

April 12-13 - St. Francis Medical Center - West (in hallway to cafeteria)

April 17 - Aiea Medical Building (Aiea Heights Dr. - outside lobby)

April 19 - Honolulu Advertiser Building in Kapolei (2nd floor conference room)

April 24 - Rehab Hospital (Kuakini St. in main lobby)

April 26-27 - St. Francis Medical Center - Liliha (Sullivan Courtyard)

Keneke's is locacted in Waimanalo on Kalanianaole Hwy.  Don't let the looks fool you, they serve delicious plate lunches at resonable prices starting at $4.75 for a mini plate.  Bedsides plate lunches of all varieties they serve breakfast, sandwhiches, shave ice, ice cream, and smoothies. 

I like to try different things but so far my favorite is the teri chicken plate.  My friend always gets the Kailua pig and will order nothing else. My co worker made a very good reccommendation. They also do catering.  If you're looking for tasty food try Keneke's.