I was fortunate to find out on Christmas Eve that I'd get a free trip to New Orleans, Louisiana for the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day. It was an amazing start to the holidays for me.
We took a chartered flight on Aloha Airlines with Duane Kurisu of the aio Group. It was AMAZING! They decked out the check in counter for the "SUGAH PLANE EXPRESS", as well as the terminal and the aircraft itself. On the flight over, they served us ahi poke, tako poke, dried ebi, popcorn, chocolates, boiled peanuts, iso peanuts, arare and even served us plate lunches, local style. Each person on the charter received a goody bag with a UH rally towel, Warrior trading cards, Big Island Candies chocolate dipped shortbread cookies and UH beads, among other things. The group was able to attain a copy of K5's special program, "The Perfect Season" and played that instead of an on-board movie. It was a completely hosted bar, and everyone really enjoyed themselves on the plane.
Upon landing in New Orleans, we were able to go straight to the buses and to the Marriott where we were staying, along with the UH Football team and a bunch of other fans. That night, we had a hosted dinner at Bourbon Vieux restaurant, which is on the 2nd floor in the heart of Bourbon Street. We were able to throw beads to the passerbys on the streets, compliments of Mr. Kuriso and gang. Momi and I were able to walk the street and even came across Johnnie Write's, which is owned by Mufi Hannemann's classmate. It was CRAZY!!! While out front, we even bumped into Mufi making a stop at the bar and Vili, the Warrior, who stopped by to do a cheer on the street for the overlooking fans.
The next day (New Year's Eve) was spent catching up on some much-needed rest and getting to Generations Hall in the Warehouse district for the Cajun-Warriors New Year's Eve Bash. Henry was fortunate to have been invited to perform for this Na Koa Football Club and New Orleans Habitat for Humanity fundraiser. Even at $125 a pop, it sold out a few days before the event, and the night of the event, 5,000 faithful fans showed up to help celebrate the cause. It was one of the best Henry Kapono performances that I've ever seen in the 5 years that I've worked for him. Mufi Hannemann, Governor Linda Lingle, Coach June Jones and Robert Kekaula were among the celebrities that stopped by to help present $75,000 to the Na Koa Football Club and $10,000 to the New Orleans Habitat for Humanity.
Finally, it was GAME DAY. The aio Group was nice enough to bring some Ozoni to the Big Easy for some local New Year's tradition. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to drink some, but it was a very nice thought! We took the bus to the Superdome and when we boarded, they had musubi lunches waiting for us! It was the first day that the temperature had dropped drastically.
Unfortunately, the Warriors played their worst game of the season, but it was still a great accomplishment to make it that far. Although the mood in New Orleans was a bit somber after the game, the Hawaii fans made a good showing in the Big Easy and represented Hawaii with the utmost aloha. I'd say we definitely left our mark in the south. Maybe next year, it'll be the BCS championship game for us...Hehe...
Keep dancing,
Kim
We took a chartered flight on Aloha Airlines with Duane Kurisu of the aio Group. It was AMAZING! They decked out the check in counter for the "SUGAH PLANE EXPRESS", as well as the terminal and the aircraft itself. On the flight over, they served us ahi poke, tako poke, dried ebi, popcorn, chocolates, boiled peanuts, iso peanuts, arare and even served us plate lunches, local style. Each person on the charter received a goody bag with a UH rally towel, Warrior trading cards, Big Island Candies chocolate dipped shortbread cookies and UH beads, among other things. The group was able to attain a copy of K5's special program, "The Perfect Season" and played that instead of an on-board movie. It was a completely hosted bar, and everyone really enjoyed themselves on the plane.
Upon landing in New Orleans, we were able to go straight to the buses and to the Marriott where we were staying, along with the UH Football team and a bunch of other fans. That night, we had a hosted dinner at Bourbon Vieux restaurant, which is on the 2nd floor in the heart of Bourbon Street. We were able to throw beads to the passerbys on the streets, compliments of Mr. Kuriso and gang. Momi and I were able to walk the street and even came across Johnnie Write's, which is owned by Mufi Hannemann's classmate. It was CRAZY!!! While out front, we even bumped into Mufi making a stop at the bar and Vili, the Warrior, who stopped by to do a cheer on the street for the overlooking fans.
The next day (New Year's Eve) was spent catching up on some much-needed rest and getting to Generations Hall in the Warehouse district for the Cajun-Warriors New Year's Eve Bash. Henry was fortunate to have been invited to perform for this Na Koa Football Club and New Orleans Habitat for Humanity fundraiser. Even at $125 a pop, it sold out a few days before the event, and the night of the event, 5,000 faithful fans showed up to help celebrate the cause. It was one of the best Henry Kapono performances that I've ever seen in the 5 years that I've worked for him. Mufi Hannemann, Governor Linda Lingle, Coach June Jones and Robert Kekaula were among the celebrities that stopped by to help present $75,000 to the Na Koa Football Club and $10,000 to the New Orleans Habitat for Humanity.
Finally, it was GAME DAY. The aio Group was nice enough to bring some Ozoni to the Big Easy for some local New Year's tradition. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to drink some, but it was a very nice thought! We took the bus to the Superdome and when we boarded, they had musubi lunches waiting for us! It was the first day that the temperature had dropped drastically.
Unfortunately, the Warriors played their worst game of the season, but it was still a great accomplishment to make it that far. Although the mood in New Orleans was a bit somber after the game, the Hawaii fans made a good showing in the Big Easy and represented Hawaii with the utmost aloha. I'd say we definitely left our mark in the south. Maybe next year, it'll be the BCS championship game for us...Hehe...
Keep dancing,
Kim
The terminal we used for the "Sugah Plane Express"
Ringing in 2008 with 5,000 Hawaii Faithful
At our awesome seats...40 yard line, 8 rows from the field!
Getting ready for opening kickoff
I found this sign outside a bar across the street from our hotel...Even the N'Awlins' peeps got into the Warrior spirit!
This is the view of the Mississippi River from our hotel room.
Momi and I trying to play the part while we wait to board the bus in the lobby of the hotel. Even with 2 tshirts, a sweatshirt, coat, scarf, beanie, tights and jeans, I was still freezing!
On our way to the Superdome
The Superdome...The Home of the New Orleans "Aints"...Haha...It's my Mom's favorite team!
The view of Bourbon Street.
A Hawaiians-Only celebration!
Me and Mayor, Mufi Hannemann...He's like 2 feet taller than me!
Coach Jones and Mufi Hannemann presenting a $75,000 check to Benny of the Na Koa Football Club.
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