The brunch event you don’t want to miss this weekend

HONOLULU (KHON2) — There’s something super exciting happening this Sunday, June 30, at the Makana Lani Dining Experience in the beautiful Alohilani Resort on Waikiki Beach.

Liz Watanabe, the owner of the restaurant, is hosting a special event that’s both fun and important for our community.

“What started off as something to really try and promote the LGBTQ+ community, and this month of pride turned out to be something a little crazier,” explained Watanabe. “Although we’re having a drag brunch, it has now escalated to something to promote awareness of the hate that goes on within the LGBTQ+ community.”

So, what exactly is a drag brunch? Well, it’s a super fun event where five amazing performers will put on a fabulous show with lots of singing, dancing and beautiful costumes!

The show will be from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. But there’s more than just entertainment. This event is also about raising awareness of the hurtful things that sometimes happen to people in the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Recently, some of these performers were verbally attacked right in the hotel lobby at Alohilani by a visitor from the continent. This made Watanabe and her team even more determined to spread a message of love and acceptance.

“This is the very first drag brunch at Makana Lani, and we plan to make it a yearly event to celebrate the end of World Pride Month, which happens every June,” said Watanabe.

Watanabe explained for those attending the special drag brunch, you can buy tickets here. Tickets are $65 in advance, which includes an all-you-can-eat brunch with delicious treats like steamed crab legs, shrimp cocktail and poke, a yummy local dish.

If you decide to come at the last minute, tickets will be $75 at the door. But guess what? Every ticket gives you a chance to win awesome prizes like a limited edition Lady Gaga champagne bottle, Cartier champagne and items from Saks Fifth Avenue.

After the brunch, the party continues at the Swell Bar, but only if you attended the event. Makana Lani cares about everyone’s safety, so they’re providing free rides home for anyone who needs it to make sure everyone drinks responsibly and gets home safely.

Watanabe shared a beautiful message.

“We definitely want people to understand that the reason why we are putting this on is to show you the aloha spirit that we have here in Hawaii. It’s not about trying to impose anyone’s beliefs on anyone else. Here in Hawaii, we’re such a melting pot; and we are very accepting and inclusive of everyone and everything. If we don’t agree with someone, we just keep on walking. But hey, we respect their opinions and their views.”

— Liz Watanabe

So, this Sunday, let’s celebrate love, acceptance and the amazing aloha spirit at Makana Lani’s drag brunch.

It’s going to be a wonderful event full of joy, delicious food and the important messages of love, acceptance, kindness and respect for all.

See you there! 🌈