Photo by Helen Rapozo.

When the first Hawaii Geek Meet was held, local tech events were few and far between, and most were conventional conferences and meetings in hotel ballrooms and classrooms. Gatherings were usually all business, meant only for grown ups. As geeks in Hawaii, and as geeky parents, we knew we could do more.

Inspired by the Maker Faire, which had just been held for the first time in San Francisco, we envisioned an open, outdoor, family-friendly celebration of science, technology, and creativity.

Everyone is a geek about something, and the Hawaii Geek Meet brings together people of all kinds. Our definition of success is a fun, inclusive event where passionate people with unique talents, skills, and interests can come together to share their stories, learn new things, and collaborate to create something new.

Frequently Asked Questions

In support of our sustainability goals, here is the 100 percent recycled Frequently Asked Questions for the Hawaii Geek Meet that was first posted to the web in 2008:

What is the Hawaii Geek Meet?

It’s a fun, casual, family-friendly, potluck picnic for local groups and individuals who have a passion they’re eager to share.

This has always been a grass-roots (literally) community event. There’s no need to “staff a booth” or have fliers or presentations at the ready (although if you have such things, they’re more than welcome!). We encourage participants to think of it as a potluck picnic for each individual group — with all the camaraderie, shop talk, food and fresh air that would come with it — but it will also be a picnic at which every tent around you is another cool club or group to meet, make friends with, and share some show-and-tell.

And we use a very inclusive, positive definition of the word “geek.” Gadget lovers, tech heads, makers, artists, coders, entrepreneurs, teachers… past years have seen costumed storm troopers checking out solar telescopes, armored knights swordfighting in the shadow of a towering amateur radio antenna, and drone pilots building toy payloads out of LEGO. App developers have found beta testers, ham radio enthusiasts have recruited new students, and everyone’s young geeky kids have made lifelong friends.

For specific and focused local groups, the Hawaii Geek Meet is a great excuse to see old friends and catch up on the latest tips and trends. But at the same time, the idea of Hawaii Geek Meet is to mix and mingle with other brilliant people, people you might never meet in your own circles, but people with whom we’d bet you’d get along smashingly.

Who is invited?

Anyone who is remotely geeky about anything. Web developers, designers, programmers, photographers, videographers, podcasters, bloggers, even artists, teachers, thinkers… Are you knowledgeable and passionate about something? Are you naturally curious and interested in learning about something? Do you want to meet new people, share what you know, and learn a thing or two that you don’t? Then you’re invited. Bring your friends, your family, your kids… and if you’ve got geek toys and gadgets, bring them too!

The core of the Hawaii Geek Meet are a great mix of local groups meeting up alongside other like-minded organizations to talkstory and share knowledge. Is your group interested in joining? Let us know!

What should I bring?

Curiosity, stories to tell, and toys and gadgets to share. If you’re coming with a group, coordinate your potluck contributions with that group. If you’re coming on your own, you can also bring something to share, or just bring your own lunch.

Anything not allowed?

This is a family-friendly event where kids are expressly welcomed (geeks can find mates and have offspring!), so please keep that in mind. Also, as it takes place in a public, city-administered park, business are more than welcome to participate but will not be able to conduct sales. If you’re bringing exhibits or toys that require extra caution, please plan in advance to come early to stake out some space, post warning signs, and so on.

When will it be held?

Sunday, May 26, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (though people often arrive early and linger ’til sunset).

Where will it be held?

Picnic Area #39 at Magic Island, part of Ala Moana Beach Park (1201 Ala Moana Boulevard) across from Ala Moana Center.

Why?

Why not?


Hawaii Geek Meet logo designed by VALDEZIGN/Valentino Valdez.