The First Annual Honolulu BBQ and Blues Festival, a Mele Mei Event

Beautiful day for the festival!

On Saturday, the Hilton Hawaiian Village held the first annual, sold out Honolulu BBQ and Blues Festival, a Mele Mei event.

An extremely long line snaked the perimeter of the Great Lawn before the 3pm start time, indicating just how eager both visitors and kama`aina were to indulge in some great food and listen to live music during the 6-hour event.

Once the gates opened, people rushed to the scrip booths.  Lines grew long as people bought scrips ($10 or 2 white scrips for an entree; $5 or 1 white scrip for a side or dessert); different colored scrips were for drinks (cocktails, beers, juices, etc.), ranging in price from $5 (a bottle of water) to $11 (cocktails).  Although the scrip lines seemed never-ending, the food both lines seemed to move rather quickly.

Smoked Brisket

Mama's Cole Slaw and Deep South Peach Baked Beans

Pulled Pork Shoulder (one of my faves)

Bourbon'd Sweet Potato Casserole, Baby Back Mac N' Cheese, and Hog Skin Collards

Buttery Corn on the Cob

Tangy Smoked St. Louis Pork Spare Ribs

Smoked Portuguese Sausage and Zesty Potato Salad

Smoky Half Chicken (the "half" was later blocked out - it was still a nice size chicken)

Smoked Apple Pie

Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding (loved this!)

Smoked Blackberry Peach Cobbler

Guests gathered at the few tables that dotted the lawn, but for the most part, they sat on blankets, mats, or simply on the grass to enjoy the food and entertainment.

You can check out some photos and videos of the entertainers on the Mele Mei Facebook page.

World-renowned BBQ champion Myron Mixon was also on-site selling goods and greeting fans.

World-renowned BBQ champion, Myron Mixer

The First Annual Honolulu BBQ and Blues Festival was a nice event for both kama`aina and visiting families!  

A great turnout for the festival!