HawaiiCon 2016: Convention Review

There aren’t enough words in the English language to explain to you how truly awesome HawaiiCon is.  Sure, there are bigger conventions closer to home you could go to, but why WOULDN’T you want to experience an event in the middle of paradise?  For an event in it’s third year, the loyalty of fans is already something to be reckoned with.

Held annually in the Kohala Coast region on the Big Island (Hawaii), HawaiiCon pulls in some fabulous guests; actors/actresses, comic creators and artists, voice talents, scientists, musicians, jewelry designers and makers, and cosplayers from around the world. 2016 saw the event move from the Hapuna Prince hotel to the Mauna Lani Resort.

You wanna talk about  bang-for-your-con-buck?  All together, a trip to HawaiiCon costs LESS than the average San Diego Comic Con jaunt, especially when you book your flight and hotel in advance.  AND you get better access to the talent and events included, extra perks for sure if you go the VIP ticket route for HawaiiCon.

This is the event for fans looking for a convention experience unlike any other.  How many cons can you think of where you can go zip lining with Tahmoh Penikett and Kandyse McClure from Battlestar Galactica? Or night diving to see manta rays with Rod Roddenberry and Patricia Tallman?

Maybe you’d rather experience local Hawaiian offerings, like sunset hula lessons or a taiko concert?

The cosplay also should be mentioned in no small segment because I am astounded by the love audiences show the contestants who enter the competition.  Also, sun sand and surf for photo shoots?  YES PLEASE.

2016 was the celebratory year of the 50th anniversary of Star Trek first airing.  Notable original series guests included Nichelle Nichols and Walter Koenig, as well as other familiar Starfleet faces including Jonathan Frakes, Manu Intiraymi, Pat Tallman, Jane Wieldin (also of the Go-Gos you guys), and voice actor Vic Mignola.

Maybe I’m biased because I get to moderate panels for HawaiiCon, talking to guests and attendees.  This year I even managed to get us through a power outage in the big ballroom!  See?  Here I am with a collection of the HawaiiCon moderators on Thursday!

We love our moderators! They know just what to say! #hawaiicon2016 #LLAP

A post shared by HawaiiCon (@hawaiicon) on Sep 16, 2016 at 12:14am PDT

I am still impressed by the crew who put on the event; their desire to ensure the guests, volunteers, and attendees have the best possible time is admirable.  At the end of each event, they even hold a “feedback panel”, asking attendees to offer suggestions on how to best improve the con.  And you know what?  They actually LISTEN, and every bit of advice was presented in a constructive way.  (If you went to 2016’s HawaiiCon, take a minute to fill this out.)

You should totally start planning your September 14th-17th 2017 HawaiICon trip now, starting with the early bird passes.  Spoiler, the lifetime passes are already sold out!  And, we have it on PRETTY GOOD AUTHORITY that 2017’s theme will be STAR WARS!!

We’ll have some galleries and other goodies coming your way later this week.  Stay tuned, and ALOHA!