WAILUA — Auto enthusiasts and the public are invited to the second Cruisin’ in Paradise event Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Aston Aloha Beach Hotel. More than 60 cars, motorcycles, classic cars, hot rods and even
WAILUA — Auto enthusiasts and the public are invited to the second Cruisin’ in Paradise event Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Aston Aloha Beach Hotel.
More than 60 cars, motorcycles, classic cars, hot rods and even 4×4’s will be parked around the Wailua property, blanketed by rock and roll tunes from Richard Rasay.
“This should be bigger than last year when we had more than 60 cars around the property,” said Ray Blouin, the Aston Aloha Beach Hotel general manager. “I’m bringing out my 1968 Camaro RS, which we call ‘Rock.’”
Additionally, Blouin said Burt Hadama will be showing his 1932 five-window coupe for the first time.
“He’s been working on the project for a while,” Blouin said. “The car still needs a final paint job, but it’s definitely a work of art and he’ll be bringing it out for the public to view for the first time since he started the project.”
Joining Hadama, Wade Yamamoto of Kaua‘i Classic Cars will also debut his new Chevy Chevelle.
Harvey Maeda of Kaua‘i Classic Cars said two classics, his Ford Model A and Bobby Paik’s 1927 Ford Model T, were rolled into the lobby of the Aston Aloha Beach Hotel where visitors promptly stopped to admire and photograph the vintage cars.
“We’ll have all the cars out on Saturday,” Maeda said. “But for now, we’ll have these two cars on display. On Friday, owners have said they’ll bring another five cars to the hotel ahead of the Saturday Cruisin’ event.”
Among the array of wheeled vehicles, Blouin said the Aston will set up a food booth where children can get free hot dogs. Additionally, a beer garden area will be set up for adults.
George Nitta, a well-known auto expert from O‘ahu, will also be at the show where he will be doing his weekly radio show on A.M. 690, live from the Wailua property.
Maeda said in addition to the radio show and being available to talk cars to people, Nitta will also host a demonstration on ethanol, starting at 11 a.m.
The controversial gasoline additive was the center of attention during last year’s Cruisin’ event, and people were talking about Nitta’s ethanol demonstration for weeks following the event.
There is no admission to attend, and guests are encouraged to chat with auto owners, take in any of the Nitta demonstrations and sit in on the live radio show.
Call 823-6000 for more information on the free Cruisin’ event or for information on the Aston Aloha Beach Resort.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
