By Conchita Malaqui
Blane Kia, along with hula dancers, entertaining the crowd at last year’s JAL Hula Week Ho‘olaule‘a
Following the success of last year’s summer event, Japan Airlines (JAL), in partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), and Hawaii Tourism Japan (HTJ), will host JAL Hula Week for the second consecutive summer, which includes a nightly* Ho‘olaule‘a celebration at Waikiki Beach Walk. This event, from June 20 through July 31, 2009, features an exciting line-up of live Hawaiian entertainment and hula performances that are free and open to the public.
“JAL Hula Week’s Ho‘olaule‘a offers both island visitors and residents the opportunity to experience a celebration of the art of hula,” said Takashi Yamaoka, Japan Airlines Vice President and Regional Manager for the Hawaii region. “We are excited to present this event for a second year at Waikiki Beach Walk, an ideal venue for this exciting community program. Mahalo to Outrigger and Waikiki Beach Walk for their continued support.”
The Ho‘olaule‘a is scheduled nightly from 5-7 p.m. at Waikiki Beach Walk’s fountain stage, with the evening divided into two unforgettable experiences. The first hour allows spectators to sit back, relax, and enjoy the art of hula performed by professional hula dancers and accompanied with Hawaiian music. The second part invites audience participation and encourages visitors and locals alike to join in the festivities and participate in the hula performances.
Keli‘i Kaneali‘i
Special ho‘olaule‘a shows are scheduled for Saturday, June 20, when Keli‘i Kaneali‘i, former member of the music group HAPA, and Kalimakuhilani Akemi Kalamanamana Suganuma, Miss Aloha Hula 2008, will be performing. And don’t forget to bring the kids by July 19-30, when a special Keiki Ho‘olaule‘a, a hula program for children, will take place.
Mahalo to Blaine Kia, kumu hula and cultural advisor, who performs weekly at Waikiki Beach Walk with members of his halau, including Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie, Halau Kahulaliwai, and Na Keiki O Ka Waikahe Lani Malie. Blaine acts as entertainment director for JAL Hula Week and provides logistical, musical, and audio support and is our “man on the ground” at Waikiki Beach Walk, ensuring all ho‘olaule‘a performances run smoothly.
The Ho‘olaule‘a is a component of JAL Hula Week, a Hawaiian cultural travel program created by Japan Airlines, which introduces Japanese travelers to Hawaii’s rich culture and diverse community.
Outrigger and Waikiki Beach Walk are proud, once again, to be part of an event that helps to bring locals and visitors together and shares Hawaii’s aloha spirit in such a colorful and entertaining way. Please help spread the word and encourage your guests, family, and friends to stop by to enjoy the entertainment.
*Ho‘olaule‘a performances will not be held on June 26 and 27, July 12 and 13, and July 16 – 18 so that Waikiki Beach Walk guests can enjoy hula competitions and other scheduled events.
