PO‘IPU — Thousands turned out at Po‘ipu Beach Park Dec. 31 for the 2nd annual New Year’s Eve Music Fest and Fireworks Celebration. This year’s bash included a stellar line-up of live music, food, a keiki tent sponsored by the
PO‘IPU — Thousands turned out at Po‘ipu Beach Park Dec. 31 for the 2nd annual New Year’s Eve Music Fest and Fireworks Celebration.
This year’s bash included a stellar line-up of live music, food, a keiki tent sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of Kaua‘i and, as always, a spectacular fireworks show.
Featured performers included two-time Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning musician Anuhea of Maui, Kaua‘i reggae band Revival, Hawaiian surf legend Titus Kinimaka, singer/songwriter Dustin Thomas and Westside alternative rock band Death By Starfish.
“I thought that the variation of music that we had was very accommodating this year for the diversity of the crowd,” said Jody Valente, owner of Kalapaki Joe’s.
Valente added that the turnout was much larger this year than last. “It went really smooth … everybody had a great time.”
The annual event is put on by Kalapaki Joe’s, in partnership with the Po‘ipu Beach Resort Association.
Next year, Valente said he is “looking to go bigger,” with a larger line up of national musicians.
1. Dustin Thomas kicks off the 2nd annual New Year’s Eve Music Fest and Fireworks Celebration Dec. 31 at Po‘ipu Beach Park with a set of soulful, high-energy tunes. His message for the evening: “God is love. The island is alive. And get rid of the GMOs.”
2. Zane Zollinger, Kaleo Tin, Teegen Zollinger, Anu Wichman, Kainoa Tin and Patsy Balmores take in the last bit of sunshine of 2012.
3. Stephanie and Kaikoa Kua enjoy the music and each other New Year’s Eve in Po‘ipu.
4. Festival-goers line up to grab copies of Dustin Thomas’ album.
5. The crowd enjoys the music as the sun begins to set New Year’s Eve.
6. Dawson Bickham, Laura Lee and Marshall Iacono of Koloa.
7. A crowd gathers on the ocean’s edge for photos of the final 2012 sunset at Po‘ipu Beach Park.
8. Hawaiian surf legend Titus Kinimaka performs.
9. Eric and Keilana Rohlffs of Hanapepe.
10. Event emcee Miguel “Migz” Graham of Kama‘aina Surf and Sport hands out hats between performances to an anxious group of youngsters.
11. Kaua‘i reggae band Revival take the stage.
12. Anuhea (left), who headlined the New Year’s Eve bash in Po‘ipu, signs autographs and poses for photos prior to her performance.
13. Olivia McSweeny, Cheyenne St. John, Luna Trevino and Kaira Kaaihue of Swim Kaua‘i Aquatics release a sky lantern New Year’s Eve.
