SATURDAY SCOOPS
Cheap date challenge
Advertiser Staff and News Services
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There are plenty of things to do on a Saturday in Hawai'i that don't cost a dime, unless you're springing for sunscreen.
It might seem like a challenge, but we're up for frugal fun with dates that won't break the bank.
Don't think of it as being cash poor. Think of it as being rich in imagination. And right here, we've done the thinking for you to come up with five dates for $50 or less. Here goes:
Work for your view: Even "cheapie experts" will tell you picnics are perfect (see "Cheap Dates: Fun, Creative and Romantic Dates That Won't Break Your Budget," by Steven C. Smith, $12.75, Prima Publishing). But put some punch in that picnic by packing a lunch and going hiking. Stop at Subway if you're too busy to do it yourself. Tip: Mariner's Ridge is a good hike for this. It's enough of a workout to break a sweat, but not too much that you'll be worried about how your hair looks. At the top, catch a breeze and a view, and if you're lucky, a kiss.
Total damage: Practically free, plus a $10 stop at Subway.
Sunset and a movie: Break out of the traditional dinner-and-a-movie concept by taking it outside. Bring a blanket and find a spot at Sunset on the Beach. If you park at the zoo, Mr. Thrifty, it's only a quarter an hour. And vendors sell bargain bites right there. The setting alone makes it seem romantic, even if there's a crowd. The next Sunset is scheduled for Aug. 30 ("Bringing Down the House") and Aug. 31 ("Chicago").
Total damage: Less than $20.
Hang 10: Maybe you're not about to enter any surfing contests, but you're game for testing the waters. Renting means no commitment, so try out the sport by renting some boards from one of the stands along the beach in Waikiki. The beach boys give excellent instruction for staying afloat at the surf spot known as Canoes.
Total damage: $20, more if you add a surfing lesson.
Get your groove on: You have a week to find a date and plan for this: Next Saturday is the third annual Taste of Puerto Rico, from noon to 4 p.m. at Windward Mall. You know what that means? Salsa dancing! Catch up on some moves with the sounds of the Son Caribe Salsa Band, and since it's free, you'll have moolah saved up for a salsa night on the town.
Total damage: Free, if you're a total moron, a little more if you spring for the food court.
Sing a little: If dancing's not your thing, maybe this is: karaoke. Karaoke bars are everywhere, and people apparently survive dates at them. If you think about it, it's really a true test. Not only is it a cheap date, but you may be picking up a microphone, and it may not be pretty.
Total damage: Bar food and drinks: $40. Two more drinks to get up your courage to sing in front of a crowd $10. Getting your date to agree to go out again when it's over: Priceless.
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Doors open at 9 p.m. and the music is scheduled to start at 10 p.m. Admission is $10, for those 21 and older. 941-0424.
Oops, did we say look no further? Well, OK, you could look a little further at alternative-music venues tonight such as:
- • The Hale'iwa Gym, which features Olivia, The 86 List, Vax, Upstanding Youth, 2face4 and Dork, at 5:30 p.m. $5. 384-5706.
- Club Pauahi, which brings in punkers Daykillers, DeBauch, Extra Stout and The Quintessentials at 7 p.m. $5. www.808shows.com.
The Wall reunion hangs out at park
Calling all those folks who used to (or still do) hang out at The Wall in Waikiki: There's a reunion party, where you can share your memories and and meet old friends. It's happening all day today at Kapi'olani Park, between the bandstand and the shell. More than 300 people are expected for the party, so show up, bring your own potluck, set up your tents and let the fun begin.
Summer's rolling into corner pocket
Yes, kids, the end of summer is coming. In fact, for some, the end of summer arrived a couple of weeks ago when school started up again. You can celebrate memories of a hot summer at today's Sunrise to Sunset Free Pool Party, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at Hawaiian Brian's. Students get to play pool for free, and there are — woo hoo! — 39 pool tables.
Hawaiian Brian's, a no-alcohol, all-ages venue whose specialty is billiards and other games, is at 1680 Kapi'olani Blvd., second level, behind 24 Hour Fitness.
946-1343.
Waialua Library holding fire sale
When is a book sale more than a book sale? When the island community comes together to donate books to the Friends of Waialua Library, which lost its inventory and its storage facility in a fire July 29.
And so the book sale will go on, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. today at the Waialua Public Library, 67-068 Kealohanui St. Proceeds from the monthly sales go toward things not included in the library's regular budget.
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The show starts at 7:30 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is $15, including a glass of champagne. Indigo is at 1121 Nu'uanu Ave. 521-2900.
Harry Potter does Magic Island
Waikiki watch: There's no Sunset on the Beach this weekend, but there is the potentially huge Friends for Family Fun Fair continuing today and tomorrow at Magic Island. We're talking games, food, inflatable rides, entertainment, an auction tonight and movies á la Sunset.
Tonight's movie is "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" at 7:45 p.m.; tomorrow's is "Shanghai Knights" at 7:30 p.m.
Fun Fair hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. both days, and admission is free. Scrip will be sold for food and rides. It's a benefit for several nonprofit groups.
Not too far away is the Sign Language Festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today at McCoy Pavilion. It's the sixth annual event and features workshops, exhibits, food, entertainment and arts and crafts. The rock band Beethoven's Nightmare will sign autographs, too. All are welcome to learn about the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Admission is free.
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The band recently released "Everything Must Go," which we have to thank for Steely Dan's concert stops in Honolulu and Maui in October. Tickets — gulp, up to $81 in Honolulu — go on sale today, and here are the details:
- 7 p.m. Oct. 10, Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets: $51, $66, $76; at the box office or charge through (808) 242-7469.
- 7 p.m. Oct. 11, Blaisdell Arena. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets: $66, $71, $81; at the box office and Foodland locations, www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at (877) 750-4400.
