This August, the newly established Freshie Precinct is bringing a taste of the sandy shores of Waikīkī to Freshwater with Aloha Freshie – from Friday 2 August to Sunday 4 August. Featuring the very best of Hawaiian food, drinks, music, and entertainment, Aloha Freshie celebrates the special link between twin cities Waikīkī and Freshwater – thanks to the legacy of Hawaiian Olympian and surfer Duke Kahanamoku, whose surfboard demonstration at Freshwater Beach in 1914 put Freshwater on the map as the birthplace of Australian surfing.
At Aloha Freshie, Sydneysiders will be treated to a series of pop-ups at Harbord Diggers’ Ocean Terrace, as Freshwater’s most loved businesses come together to celebrate the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku. Freshwater’s two-hatted fine-dining restaurant, Pilu at Freshwater, will be serving up piping hot shrimp scampi with their take on Hawai’i’s famous ‘Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck’. This will be led by Pilu’s own Executive Chef and owner, Giovanni Pilu. Husband and wife duo, Barry and Lucy Jones from Mrs Jones The Baker, have worked as pastry chefs around the world — from stints at Harrods in London to working in Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe, as well as being on call to the Sultan of Brunei. They will be presenting their delectable take on Leonard’s Bakery’s famous Malasadas (Hawaiian and Portuguese doughnuts). Harbord Hotel will be also dishing out fresh tropical poké bowls and pork rolls. To top it all off, there’ll be live Hawaiian music and Hula dancers.
Aloha Freshie kicks off on Friday, August 2nd with a special outdoor screening of Waterman, the first Duke Kahanamoku biography, exploring the journey and legacy of the five-time Olympic medallist who broke swimming records and popularised modern-day surfing whilst overcoming racism.
The Royal Hawaiian Hotel (aka The Pink Palace) is collaborating with Freshwater’s Art-Deco watering hole Harbord Hotel, sharing three of their world-famous cocktail recipes for the month of August. There will also be official merchandise from the famous Pink Palace that diners can win.
Additionally, the Freshie precinct is promoting a range of exciting offers from local Freshwater businesses who are celebrating Kahanamoku’s birthday with month-long special offers — from Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massages at MESA Body to tropical Hawaiian flower bouquets at Wild Forager, açai bowl specials from Blessed Bowls and more.
A return trip for two to beautiful Waikīkī, the twin-sister city of Freshwater, is also up for grabs thanks to Hawaiian Tourism and Hawaiian Airlines. To enter, follow @freshwater.nsw on Instagram and tag two friends on the competition post which will be live in August.
Aloha Freshie encapsulates Duke Kahanamoku’s guiding principles of life, outlined in the creed he wrote and lived by: “In Hawai’i we greet friends, loved ones and strangers with Aloha, which means with love. Aloha is the key word to the universal spirit of real hospitality. Try meeting or leaving people with Aloha. You’ll be surprised by their reaction. I believe it and it is my creed.”
Freshie Precinct Lead, Jess Fitzgerald, said, “We’re excited to be uniting Freshie businesses in this celebration of Duke Kahanamoku and Hawaiian culture. How special for a Sydney suburb to have such a significant historical moment etched into Australia’s surfing culture. Aloha Freshie is an opportunity for Sydneysiders and families to escape to laidback Freshie for a taste of relaxed, sunny Hawai’i. We’re looking forward to saying ‘Aloha’ as we welcome everyone to Freshwater on the first weekend of August.”
Aloha Freshie Schedule
Friday 2 August
Screening of Waterman: 7pm
Saturday 3 August
Aloha Freshie opening hours: 11am – 6pm
Live music: 1pm – 4pm
Sunday 4 August
Aloha Freshie opening hours: 11am – 6pm
Live music: 1pm – 4pm
Aloha Freshie
Ocean Terrace at Harbord Diggers
88 Evans St, Freshwater NSW 2096
