Venue For Every Occasion
By Jeff Marcello
General Manager of Pomaika‘i Ballrooms
For MidWeek readers who haven’t heard of Pomaika’i Ballrooms at Dole Cannery Iwilei, an introduction is in order. We’re Oahu’s newest meetings and events venue, and we provide kamaaina with an alternative to Waikiki. With two ballrooms and a combined area of more than 17,000 square feet, Pomaika’i Ballrooms is suitable for every occasion, from weddings to corporate luncheons. As one of the biggest ballrooms in the state, we can accommodate groups of 25 to 1,000.
Although we’re new, we’re not exactly new arrivals. Our parent company, FCH Enterprises, was founded in 1966. It also operates Zippy’s, Napoleon’s Bakery and several other food service-related companies.
If you have the opportunity to visit Pomaika’i Ballrooms, we believe you will like what you see. Every surface of (what was) the former Dole Ballrooms has been completely refurbished. With amenities such as Wi-Fi and valet services, we’re up to the standards of any hotel in the state. Unlike most banquet venues, we have a surplus of inexpensive parking.
For value, we believe Pomaika’i can’t be beat. Our buffet lunches start at $26, and buffet dinners begin at $36. Compare that to Waikiki, where a buffet lunch starts at about $40 and buffet dinners begin at around $50.
We’ve hired a total of 75 employees to staff the operation, including hospitality professionals for the skilled positions.
Like our sister company, Zippy’s, Pomaika’i Ballrooms presents employment opportunities ranging from after-school jobs to college internships.
The old cannery jobs may be gone, but we’ll continue to train professionals and offer youngsters employment that builds responsibility, teamwork and a better tomorrow.
To arrange a tour, contact jmarcello@pomaikaiballrooms.com or visit pomaikaiballrooms.com.
