With unobstructed ocean and Diamond Head views from the beachfront rental, invitees, including G.B. and I, and those who flew in from as far as Michigan, New Orleans and Seattle, lapped up the scenery ... and later the food.

In deciding the caterer, grandfather Matthew sought my advice. Aside from menu considerations, price and convenience were also factors.

Various caterers around town immediately came to mind. Both based in Kaimuki, Kahala Caterers (3454 Waialae Ave., 735-7775) and Current Affairs (1012 15th Ave., 732-9666) have impeccable reputations for providing elaborate spreads, arranging everything from location to tents to lights to music to tables to servers.

Both were appealing, but Matthew was seeking something a tad bit simpler.

A Catered Experience (677-7744) fit the bill, with prices starting at $5 per person and possible islandwide delivery service .

A People's Cafe (1310 Pali Hwy., 536-5789) and Ono Hawaiian Foods (726 Kapahulu Ave., 737-2275) were also possibilities. Both are well known for their Hawaiian food.

Given, though, where the party was going to take place, Matthew settled on LoCoMoCo Drive Inn in Ewa Beach (91-919 Fort Weaver Rd., Ewa Beach Shopping Center, 689-8321), which met his three criteria: price, convenience and tasty grinds.

Consistent with the day's theme, the menu consisted of traditional luau fare. Chafing dishes were filled with breaded mahi mahi with tartar sauce, stringy chicken long rice and chicken lau lau, which billowed out an aromatic steam once the taro leaves were unbundled.

The usual sides of steamed rice, poi, green salad and individual servings of lomi lomi salmon were also part of the day's feast.

However, the hit of the party — aside, of course, from "The Vi's," as her parents endearingly call her, piercing blue eyes and two-tooth smile — was the trio-colored layered cake from St. Germain's and the two-inch blocks of haupia provided by LoCoMoCo. Both were light and yummy and met everyone's approval, including the gummy guest of honor.