my alma mater, punahou school, hosts a two-day carnival every year put on by the junior class in the beginning of february. it has become an island tradition for more than one hundred years to attend this carnival. if you plan to travel to hawaii during this time, a trip to the punahou carnival is a must! in fact, i have met quite a few tourist while volunteering, who have said they time their travels just to attend the carnival! according to the parent chairs my year, at any given time on saturday night during carnival weekend, around 50,000 people roam the carnival grounds of our campus. it takes more than 1000 volunteers, mainly students and parents, to run the carnival, which raises money for financial aid and other scholarships. in fact, it is one of the largest private fundraisers for a school in the entire nation.  one of the most popular attractions at the carnival—its theme differs from year to year—is the white elephant tent. students spend approximately 9 months preparing for the white elephant, where they sort through thousands and thousands of gently used goods from donations to the school, labeling and writing up an inventory. there is a separate division to the white elephant tent called “treasures,” where rare, unique to hawaii goods are sold.  the food booths sell hawaiian food, local favorites like “saimin” and “portuguese bean soup” and a host of other delicious things. “haku leis,” a crown of flowers and fruits are also sold. e.k. fernandez, hawaii’s preeminent entertainment company, provides thrilling rides and other games. the “jams and jellies” booth sells out early, so definitely plan on coming early in the morning. items like “li’ikoi butter” and “mango chutney,” made fresh from hawaiian produce are local favorites and many locals stand in line for hours to buy a dozen jars, which can be excellent, only in hawaii made gifts.