Big Island Parties Holding Open House This Saturday

Big Island Parties is holding a grand opening Saturday, April 20, at its new special events venue in Holualoa. The event will be held  from 5 to 10 p.m.

The free event will feature a traditional Hawaiian luau including pupus, dinner, a Polynesian show, live music and more.

Situated on a former coffee farm with stunning views of the Kona coastline, the venue is owned by Derek and Alissa Proubain.

Known as Papa Kona Coffee Farm, the property sat unused for several years.

The land was given to Derek by his father and in 2007 he started clearing and landscaping the 5-acre property.

Today it is terraced with five different levels and features a bungalow, a built-in imu, and an infinity edge hot tub overlooking the Kona coast.

Balinese pavilions dot the hillside and footpaths meander past several fish ponds.

Maka Gallinger, owner of Big Island Parties, says Proubain took great care in planting rare native Hawaiian flowers and plants throughout the property.

Big Island Parties partnered with the Proubains to use the property for private events after Gallinger planned Derek and Alissa’s wedding.

A full-time singer and songwriter by profession, Maka Gallinger realized three years ago that she really enjoyed helping people and entertaining.

She decided to turn that passion into Big Island Parties, a Hawaiian family-run wedding and party planning company.

Events planned by Big Island Parties are truly a family affair.

“I do all the food, it’s sourced from all local fisherman and farmers,” said Gallinger.

Her sister, April Gallinger, provides floral arrangements, with most of the flowers grown on the Gallinger’s 18-acre property.

Her mother, “Aunty Clara” Gallinger, operates Ma’s Kava Shop in Kainaliu and oversees the kava and smoothie bar at events.

Being a musician herself, Gallinger knows many of the top musicians on island and hires them to perform for parties and weddings.

Although Gallinger plans events throughout West Hawaii, she says that having an exclusive private venue such as the Proubain’s estate allows her company to offer clients package deals that are all inclusive in one location.

She notes that the Proubains have taken careful steps to secure the necessary permits and insurance for events.

Multiple areas have been created for parking, so neighbors won’t be impacted and there will be no loud music or noise after 10 p.m. in accordance with local noise ordinances.

The open house is free and open to the public but reservations are required because seating is limited.

For more details or to RSVP, call Big Island Parties (808) 333-4774 or visit their website www.bigislandparties.com.