The new, and free, Kilohana Hula Show is debuting next month at the Waikiki Shell. It's a modern take on the iconic Kodak Hula Show, which ran at Kapiolani Park and the Waikiki Shell from 1937 to 2002.
Presented by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), the Kilohana Hula Show will highlight songs of Waikiki and feature dancers from award-winning hula schools from across the state. This will also be the first Waikiki hula show to be developed by a Native Hawaiian organization.
Visitors to the Kilohana Hula Show will hear songs honoring Waikiki and see hula dances using Hawaiian implements. Photo Credit: Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
"CNHA's mission is to uplift the Native Hawaiian people and the perpetuation of our culture. This same mission has guided our approach as we work with our partners to produce the new Kilohana Hula Show," said Kuhio Lewis, CEO of the CNHA, in a press release.
The CNHA was awarded a $27.1 million destination services contract for the U.S. market from the Hawaii Tourism Authority last year, but the show is not part of that contract. The CNHA runs its own tourism division, called Kilohana, which furthers its work in the tourism sector.
"We see the launch of this new show as honoring the legacy of our Moi, King David Kalakaua, who in 1877 dedicated Royal Land as a public space in honor of his beloved wife, Queen Kapiolani," Lewis said. "King Kalakaua was a composer and supporter of music and the arts, and we are humbled to bring authentic song and dance to this special venue at Kapiolani park free of charge for the public to enjoy."
The Kilohana Hula Show premieres Feb. 15. It's a one-hour show starting at 9:30 a.m. and runs Sundays through Thursdays. It will feature 18 dancers, four musicians, a chanter and an emcee. Some of its dancers have performed hula at the Merrie Monarch Festival and others are cast members from Old Lahaina Luau.
"The new Kilohana Hula Show is a great way to honor the iconic Kodak Hula Show, which was the longest running hula show in our state that entertained millions of people through several decades," stated Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association CEO Mufi Hannemann, who also serves as board chair of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
"This new, carefully crafted attraction will represent the dynamic combination of honoring Hawaiian culture, providing jobs for our kamaaina, showcasing spectacular entertainment for our visitors and embracing regenerative tourism with active local participation," Hannemann added. "This is an example of positive change -- one that restores ecosystems, empowers local communities and leaves a legacy of sustainability for generations to come."
Attendees of the show are encouraged to walk to the venue from their Waikiki hotel or to use public transportation.