UPDATE: Effective September 2, 2024, the show will temporally relocate to the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound. Shows will continue to start at 9:30 a.m., but will be presented on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
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Starting February 15, 2024, a new hula show is coming to Waikiki. The name of this new cultural presentation is the Kilohana Hula Show. This hour-long show will be performed Sundays Mondays through Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. at the Waikiki Shell in Kapi’olani Park. This show is free for both residents and visitors.
As one of Hawaii’s oldest traditions, hula dances has been used for centuries to tell stories. The Kilohana Hula Show is designed to be a showcase of Hawaiian traditions of hula and mele (music.) Top hula performers have been commissioned to be a part of the Kilohana Hula Show.
The organizers, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) shared this statement about the Kilohana Hula Show,
“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 Kapi’olani. 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 Kapi’olani Park, free of charge for the public to enjoy, ” said Kuihio Lewis, CEO of CNHA.”
Long-time visitors to Waikiki might remember the Kodak Hula Show that was held in Waikiki for more than 60 years until 2002. The Kilohana Hula Show describes their show as a “modern twist” on the Kodak Hula Show.
Seeing the Kilohana Hula Show is definitely one to plan into your Oahu vacation itinerary. It will be a wonderful way to experience authentic Hawaiian hula and culture.
For more information, see ExperienceKilohana.com.
Sheila Beal
