WAIPOULI — Kaua‘i has gained its share of recognition due to films done here, especially currently and recently. The Aston Kaua‘i Beach at Makaiwa here, where management is elated to be hosting crew members affiliated with Disney’s “Pirates of the
WAIPOULI — Kaua‘i has gained its share of recognition due to films done here, especially currently and recently.
The Aston Kaua‘i Beach at Makaiwa here, where management is elated to be hosting crew members affiliated with Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” currently in production, decided to celebrate Saturday the benefits Kaua‘i receives from the many film projects that have been done here.
Collaborating with Kaua‘i Film Commissioner Art Umezu, director of the county Office of Economic Development George Costa, and Kenny Ishii of Ono Family Restaurant, the Rotary Club of Kapa‘a and the Kapa‘a Business Association, the Waipouli resort rolled up its parking lot and transformed it into a local-style presentation of Hollywood glamour.
During the Thursday stop-over by the Mitsui O.S.K. Passenger Line’s cruise ship Nippon Maru, Capt. Hiroshi Murakami told Kaui Tanaka of the mayor’s office he is familiar with Kaua‘i because of the “Jurassic Park” movies filmed in part on the island.
On the other side of the harbor, a couple on an unrelated Polynesian Adventure Tours group wanted a toy dinosaur included in their photograph against the backdrop of Nawiliwili Harbor and the cruise ship because they were familiar with the island because of “Lost World,” another “Jurassic Park” offering also partially filmed here.
Both posters were on display among the craft and food tents at the Waipouli event.
Nelson Batalion, recently re-elected as president of the Associated Students of University of Hawai‘i at Kaua‘i Community College, was able to pull advisor John Constantino and more than a handful of the ASUH-Kaua‘i leaders to help.
Kathy Morishige, director of the Kaua‘i High School Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, had her junior students helping.
“Kenny Ishii called so I thought this would be a good thing for the students to help at,” Morishige said.
Daniel Sanchez, ending the school year as a junior at Kapa‘a High School, was helping at Umezu’s booth. Sanchez was a double in the filming of “Tropic Thunder,” where he said he played the double for the drug lord.
Margo, Deborah and Gary Lang of California and Larry and Gloria Moyer of Pennsylvania appeared as pirates, mingling through the various craft booths.
“Chef Raf invited us and told us to dress as pirates,” Deborah Lang said of resort Executive Chef Rafael Camarillo. “We follow instructions really good so here we are.”
Cynthia Powell and Ed Justus of the Talk Story Bookstore in Hanapepe made the trek over to Waipouli with box-loads of vintage and collectible books touting the silver screen.
“One of the workers at the hotel thought it would add excitement and the next thing you know, I got a call from someone at the hotel and here we are,” Powell said.
A “Celebrity Parking” sign opened up the parking lot where Kaua‘i Classic Cars had drivers arriving all afternoon with classic cars, Volkswagens and hot rods.
Ike Cockett, general manager of the Aston Kaua‘i Beach at Makaiwa, said he was hoping that there was a chance Johnny Depp might show up since the filming of the Walt Disney “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” has begun on the island.
Adam Sandler and wife this weekend checked out of the St. Regis Princeville Resort, having stayed in the same suite recently occupied by George Clooney and his girlfriend. The presidential suite reportedly rents for around $5,000 a night.
Clooney was here for the filming of “The Descendants,” and Sandler for “Just Go With It,” also starring Jennifer Aniston and Nicole Kidman.
• Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
