Aloha, Johnny Depp!
Hollywood and Hawaii media have been a buzz announcing that the fourth installment of the major motion picture series “Pirates of the Caribbean” will be filmed on Oahu and Kauai this summer.  No word yet on if the film will be hiring Hawaii extras. But, you can be sure that we’ll be on the lookout for Johnny Depp, and we’ll let you know if we spot him.

The Kevin James in Town?
Chef Chai Chaowasaree of Oahu’s Chai’s Island Bistro and Singha Thai Cuisine tweeted on Jan. 14 “Thank You Kevin James for stopping by tonight!”  We don’t know for sure, but we think he’s talking about actor and comedian Kevin James, who starred in films such as “Paul Blart: Mall Cop,” “Hitch,” and the TV show “King of Queens.” We wonder what he dined on there?  You can find Chef Chai on Twitter as @ChaisIsland.

Disney Lands Name for Hawaii Resort
Disney has named it new resort on Oahu, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Koolina, Hawaii.  “The Honolulu Star Bulletin” reported that ”In Hawaiian, ‘aulani’ means ‘the place that speaks for the great ones” or “the place that speaks with deep messages.’” The resort, which is expected to open its first phase in fall 2011, encompasses 21-acres at Koolina Resort and will include 360 hotel rooms and 481 time share villas.  

Beach Premiere of Lost’s Final Season
As the hit TV series “Lost,” which films in the islands, heads into its last season, Hawaii fans will have the opportunity to watch the season premiere on Jan. 30, three days before it airs on TV.  And, they’ll get to see it on a a 30-foot screen on Wakiki ‘s Queen Surf Beach.  An epic start to a  much-awaited event!  “Lost” producers and stars are expected to be in attendance and walk the red carpet, according to the “Honolulu Advertiser.”

Check back periodically for more Tropic Topics.  Until then, aloha and a hui hou!