Party goers showed off their leis and smiles at the Hawaii State Society Ball.
What: The Hawaii State Society Inaugural Ball.
Where: The Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
When: Tuesday, January 20, 7 PM to 1 AM.
Ticket price: $200.
Who: Folks from the lovely state of Hawaii (including several of President Obama’s former high school classmates) and just about anybody who purchased a ticket before they sold out right after Obama’s win. General Eric Shinseki was slated to attend as well, though we didn’t catch sight of him. Some folks hoped that the President himself would show up, but as the ball wasn’t designated as one of the 10 official ones, expectations waned by the time the ball got warmed up.
Scene: It was a slow start to the night at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel ballroom for Hawaii’s biggest party in DC. Empty tables were scattered about the main room, and lines at the coat check and bars were short (not that we’re complaining). We speculated that it might be because the hotel was one of the only ball locations south of Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues—which remained closed late into the night, making it nearly impossible to drive or catch a taxi to the hotel. (We speak from experience, having hoofed it nearly 10 blocks in heels. Oh, how we suffer for our art.)
Hawaiian bands strummed and sang, and the crowd started to fill in closer to 10 PM, eventually creating lines for the multiple food and drink stations. But keeping with a Hawaiian attitude, everybody was friendly and laid back in their formal attire or traditional island garb. Maybe it had to do with the beautifully lush leis handed out to everyone at the entrance.
Food and Drink: Open bars ruled the rooms, which the crowd appreciated (especially considering the $200 ticket price). You could sip standard mixed drinks, beer, or wine. Ball-goers lined up for roast suckling pig, sushi, shrimp tempura, fruit, and more.
Boldface names: 2 out of 5. Swankiness: 3 out of 5. Food and drink: 3 out of 5. Overall exclusivity: 1 out of 5.
A Night Out: Hawaii State Society Ball
Leis, roast suckling pig, and traditional garb all made an appearance at the Hawaii State Ball at the Mandarin Oriental hotel.
What: The Hawaii State Society Inaugural Ball.
Where: The Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
When: Tuesday, January 20, 7 PM to 1 AM.
Ticket price: $200.
Who: Folks from the lovely state of Hawaii (including several of President Obama’s former high school classmates) and just about anybody who purchased a ticket before they sold out right after Obama’s win. General Eric Shinseki was slated to attend as well, though we didn’t catch sight of him. Some folks hoped that the President himself would show up, but as the ball wasn’t designated as one of the 10 official ones, expectations waned by the time the ball got warmed up.
See more photos of inaugural balls.
Scene: It was a slow start to the night at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel ballroom for Hawaii’s biggest party in DC. Empty tables were scattered about the main room, and lines at the coat check and bars were short (not that we’re complaining). We speculated that it might be because the hotel was one of the only ball locations south of Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues—which remained closed late into the night, making it nearly impossible to drive or catch a taxi to the hotel. (We speak from experience, having hoofed it nearly 10 blocks in heels. Oh, how we suffer for our art.)
Hawaiian bands strummed and sang, and the crowd started to fill in closer to 10 PM, eventually creating lines for the multiple food and drink stations. But keeping with a Hawaiian attitude, everybody was friendly and laid back in their formal attire or traditional island garb. Maybe it had to do with the beautifully lush leis handed out to everyone at the entrance.
Food and Drink: Open bars ruled the rooms, which the crowd appreciated (especially considering the $200 ticket price). You could sip standard mixed drinks, beer, or wine. Ball-goers lined up for roast suckling pig, sushi, shrimp tempura, fruit, and more.
Boldface names: 2 out of 5.
Swankiness: 3 out of 5.
Food and drink: 3 out of 5.
Overall exclusivity: 1 out of 5.
Total score: 9 out of 20.
>> See all inaugural ball coverage
More>> Capital Comment Blog | News & Politics | Society Photos
Most Popular in News & Politics
Every Bus Line in DC Is Changing This Weekend. Here’s What to Know.
8 Takeaways From Usha Vance’s Interview With Meghan McCain
Yet Another Anti-Trump Statue Has Shown Up on the National Mall
Another Mysterious Anti-Trump Statue Has Appeared on the National Mall
A Cult Classic of Cannabis Brands Is Making Its DC Debut
Washingtonian Magazine
July Issue: The "Best Of" Issue
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
How Would a New DC Stadium Compare to the Last One?
The Culture of Lacrosse Is More Complex Than People Think
Did Television Begin in Dupont Circle?
Kings Dominion’s Wild New Coaster Takes Flight in Virginia
More from News & Politics
Speaker Johnson’s Megabill Prayers Likely to Be Answered Before Holiday Weekend, Wrongly Deported Maryland Man Faced Abuse in El Salvador Prison, and We Found Some Yummy Nepalese Food
Pardoned J6er Will Join Ed Martin’s Justice Department Office, Trump Outlines Hypothetical Alligator Escape Plan, and We Have Fireworks Show Recommendations
The “World’s Largest Outdoor Museum” Is Coming to DC. Here’s a Preview.
A Cult Classic of Cannabis Brands Is Making Its DC Debut
The Commanders Wine and Dine DC Council Members; GOP Senator Suggests Tax Language Was “Airdropped” Into Spending Bill; and Trump Wants DOGE to Investigate Musk
100 Reasons to Love DC Right Now
How DC’s Attorney General Got So Good at Double Dutch
DC Council Ponders New Way to Expel Trayon White, the GOP’s Budget Bill Advances, and We Found You Some Tacos With Ethiopian Flair