We would love to hear from you, even if it is just to express early interest!
Contact us at [email protected]
Find us on social media!
Contact us at [email protected]
Find us on social media!
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The Cathedral of St. Andrew in Honolulu warmly invites you to The GatheRING Place, where ringers from across North America and beyond will come together on the beautiful island of Oahu—fittingly known as The Gathering Place.
For centuries, Hawaii has been a meeting place for voyagers, adventurers, and diverse communities, a tradition that continues today. What better setting for a bell-ringing gathering, where each ringer brings unique experiences and stories to share? The St. Andrew’s Ringing Society (StARS) welcomes you to join us in celebrating our shared love of ringing, camaraderie, and tradition. We look forward to seeing you in Honolulu! This 1993 documentary provides a charming background of how the Mackintosh bells arrived in Honolulu.
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Schedule
The main ringing days will be Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Monday will be reserved for an ART Module 1 course if there is enough interest.
The AGM business meeting is on Tues 3pm–5pm with the banquet that will follow at The Dotted Line (AC Hotel by Marriott).
We plan a 'local grindz' evening and possible contra-dancing on Saturday October 11th.
There will be an opportunity for a peal attempt on Thursday October 16th following the main AGM activities.
Check back soon for a more detailed schedule of events, additional suggestions on “what to see and do in Hawaii” while you’re here. We are considering opportunities for walking tours of the Capitol/downtown area, docent tours of the Cathedral, and possible hikes for the adventurous.
The AGM business meeting is on Tues 3pm–5pm with the banquet that will follow at The Dotted Line (AC Hotel by Marriott).
We plan a 'local grindz' evening and possible contra-dancing on Saturday October 11th.
There will be an opportunity for a peal attempt on Thursday October 16th following the main AGM activities.
Check back soon for a more detailed schedule of events, additional suggestions on “what to see and do in Hawaii” while you’re here. We are considering opportunities for walking tours of the Capitol/downtown area, docent tours of the Cathedral, and possible hikes for the adventurous.
Registrations close September 26th.
Hotels
If you know you’re coming (even though all the details of the AGM are being worked out), a suggested itinerary might be to arrive on Thursday, October 9th or Friday, October 10th, and depart on Wednesday 15th or Thursday 16th. It is up to you if you want to add more time, or visit another island — the possibilities are endless!
AC HOTEL by MARRIOTT
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Enjoy proximity to the bell tower, amazing restaurants, and historic Iolani Palace all within a five-minute walk. The AC Hotel by Marriott is located on the main bus line. Virtually every major route to get just about anywhere on the island passes in front of the AC Hotel by Marriott, or one short block over. It is important to note that there is no beach in Downtown, but Ala Moana Beach and Waikiki beach may be visited by bus or other means.
The planning team has negotiated an NAGCR room block, at $219 per night, compared to the going rate of $390 per night. Click below to secure this rate. Discounted rate offer expires September 11, 2025.
Breakfast is not included in the offer linked above, but a buffet breakfast can be added at the hotel for $27.
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Waikiki HotelsLooking for the holiday vibe while attending the AGM? Stay in Waikiki with the beach just steps away. Here are some ideas on how to commute to the AGM activities across town.
The Bus will get you across town to the AGM for $3 per ride. Check Google Maps for recommended buses for your hotel. Plan for a twenty-five to forty-five minute trip each way and to carry exact change to ride. AGM attendees may opt for a pre-loaded Holo card instead of carrying cash. Another option is the local bike share, Biki, which will cost $55 for 300 minutes of use. Biking to and from the bell tower takes twenty-five to thirty-five minutes one way. Download the Biki app to unlock bikes and locate bike stations throughout Honolulu. |
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Locals' Favorites
Looking for something to do when you’re not ringing? Here are some of our top picks from hikes to beaches.
Waimanalo Beach boasts white sand and picturesque landscape. Truly a memorable experience!
DOWNTOWN HONOLULU RESTAURANTS & BARS
One of the ringers’ favourites, Murphy’s Bar & Grill in downtown never disappoints, with a great selection of beers and culinary delights. It has long been one of the post-practice haunts of our band since the ‘90s. Just a 10-15 min walk from the bell tower.
Mei Sum (Cantonese Cuisine)
Offers freshly made dim sum at affordable prices and bottomless pot of tea. Deep fried taro scallops, char siu bao, siu mai, etc. Sat/Sun open 8am-8pm Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9am-9pm
Kamana Kitchen (Indian Cuisine) offers fabulous food and friendly service. It is conveniently located a block from the bell tower and offers vegetarian options.
DOWNTOWN HONOLULU EXPERIENCES
Open daily from 9am-4pm, Foster Botanical Garden could be a much needed outdoor attraction between ringing sessions. Just a 10 minute walk from the Cathedral. Featuring beautifully landscaped gardens, a Palm Garden, an Outdoor Butterfly Garden and a gift shop. Admission is just $5.
Listening to the Royal Hawaiian Band, who give a free concert Fridays at noon on the grounds of Iolani Palace right across the street from the bell tower. Check their calendar for additional concerts.
Art gallery and maker's spaces in Chinatown/Capitol district include: Downtown Art Center, Art at Mark's Garage, the Honolulu Printmaker's have shows open to the public and gift shops. The State museum Capitol Modern is also nearby and all feature art made by local artists and collectives. The Honolulu Triennial has 2 installations at Foster Botanical Garden this year.
WAIKIKI EXPERIENCES
The Kahala Hotel has rescued dolphins in its resort. Valet parking validation is free with any order at the restaurant or poolside bar. There is an optional fully immersive paid experience, Dolphin Quest.
The Lewers Lounge at Halekulani Hotel has nightly live entertainment 8:00pm to 10:30pm (Sunday & Monday), and 8:30pm to midnight (Tuesday through Saturday). Valet parking validation is free with any order, cocktail or otherwise.
HIKES
Honolulu:
Waimanalo Beach boasts white sand and picturesque landscape. Truly a memorable experience!
DOWNTOWN HONOLULU RESTAURANTS & BARS
One of the ringers’ favourites, Murphy’s Bar & Grill in downtown never disappoints, with a great selection of beers and culinary delights. It has long been one of the post-practice haunts of our band since the ‘90s. Just a 10-15 min walk from the bell tower.
Mei Sum (Cantonese Cuisine)
Offers freshly made dim sum at affordable prices and bottomless pot of tea. Deep fried taro scallops, char siu bao, siu mai, etc. Sat/Sun open 8am-8pm Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9am-9pm
Kamana Kitchen (Indian Cuisine) offers fabulous food and friendly service. It is conveniently located a block from the bell tower and offers vegetarian options.
DOWNTOWN HONOLULU EXPERIENCES
Open daily from 9am-4pm, Foster Botanical Garden could be a much needed outdoor attraction between ringing sessions. Just a 10 minute walk from the Cathedral. Featuring beautifully landscaped gardens, a Palm Garden, an Outdoor Butterfly Garden and a gift shop. Admission is just $5.
Listening to the Royal Hawaiian Band, who give a free concert Fridays at noon on the grounds of Iolani Palace right across the street from the bell tower. Check their calendar for additional concerts.
Art gallery and maker's spaces in Chinatown/Capitol district include: Downtown Art Center, Art at Mark's Garage, the Honolulu Printmaker's have shows open to the public and gift shops. The State museum Capitol Modern is also nearby and all feature art made by local artists and collectives. The Honolulu Triennial has 2 installations at Foster Botanical Garden this year.
WAIKIKI EXPERIENCES
The Kahala Hotel has rescued dolphins in its resort. Valet parking validation is free with any order at the restaurant or poolside bar. There is an optional fully immersive paid experience, Dolphin Quest.
The Lewers Lounge at Halekulani Hotel has nightly live entertainment 8:00pm to 10:30pm (Sunday & Monday), and 8:30pm to midnight (Tuesday through Saturday). Valet parking validation is free with any order, cocktail or otherwise.
HIKES
Honolulu:
- Foster Garden
- Lyon Arboretum
- Manoa Falls
- Makapu’u Lighthouse
- Koko Crater Botannical Gardens
- Ka'ena point hike. Moderate. You can hike in from the West side past the gate for the Space Force tracking station or from the North Shore Mokuleia side. I think the West side approach is more stunning. Either way at the end you will most likely see a monk seal and seabirds depending on the season in this nature preserve.
- Ho'omaluhia Botannical Gardens. Free.
- Valley of the Temples, Byodoin Temple replica. $5
