This year’s science and sci-fi convention, HawaiiCon, returns to the beach at Mauna Lani through Sunday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Star Wars. The highly anticipated convention brings together sci-fi fans with leading cast members from TV shows and films, celebrity cosplayers, gamers, writers, comic book artists and scientists to enjoy a variety of workshops and panels.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, said HawaiiCon CEO GB Hajaim. “We’re really excited to be bringing in Temuera Morrison, who is a very famous Maori actor. Islanders will know him from ‘Once Were Warriors’ and ‘Star Wars.’ Children will know him from ‘Moana.’” He’s coming all the way from Auckland. He very rarely does conventions, so it’s a great opportunity to meet some awesome people.”
This year’s celebrity line-up includes celebrities from the Star Wars franchise, Paul Blake (“Star Wars: A New Hope”), Temuera Morrison (“Attack of the Clones,” “Star Wars: Rebels,” “Once Were Warriors,” “Moana,” and “Aquaman”), Daniel Logan (“Attack of the Clones,” and “Star Wars: Rebels”), Steve Blum (“Star Wars: Rebels,” “Old Republic,” “The Force Unleashed,” and “Empire at War”), and Mary Elizabeth McGlynn (“Star Wars: Rebels”). Also attending are stars from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” including Nicholas Brendon (Xander), Charisma Carpenter (Cordelia), Emma Caulfield (Anya) and Amber Benson (Tara).
It wouldn’t be HawaiiCon without the element of cosplay. Cosplay is a celebration of costuming where attendees dress up as characters they are interested in, such as a character from a TV series, movie, or anime. Many of the costumes are elaborately created and cost hundreds of dollars and hours to put together.
According to Hajaim, HawaiiCon is unique in that regular conventions are too large to offer an intimate setting with celebrities. Although HawaiiCon grows in popularity each year, it still maintains a smaller feel and plenty of aloha spirit. HawaiiCon caps its daily attendance at 1,500 fans to ensure the special experience between attendees and celebrities.
“Last year, we had 150 panels, and this year we have over 200 panels,” said Hajaim. “Our science track has grown a huge amount also, and we have a new and expanded writer’s track. This year we’re celebrating ‘Star Wars.’ Last year, we celebrated ‘Star Trek.’ We try to a little bit better every year and try to make it an even better experience. Every year, we add a little more awesome. It would be a shame to miss out. I hope everybody comes to see what we have in store.”
HawaiiCon is a nonprofit event that helps children of the Big Island “Reach for the Stars” in science and the performing arts.
Info/tickets: Visit www.hawaiicon.com or check the event out Facebook at www.facebook.com/hawaiicon, Twitter @HawaiiCon or Instagram. ■
