Waikīkī – The City and County of Honolulu is proud to partner with the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement for the creation of a new hula show that will debut at the Tom Moffat Waikīkī Shell Amphitheater located on the grounds of Kapi‘olani Park. The Kilohana Hula Show, presented by CNHA, will be a modern twist on the iconic Kodak Hula Show, that was held for six decades before ending in 2002, and will be the first hula show in Waikīkī developed and hosted by the Native Hawaiian organization. The new show launches on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.
“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 Kūhiō Lewis, CEO of CNHA. “Our passion for uplifting the lāhui, combined with our partnership with kumu hula and veteran entertainment producers has resulted in something truly special – a hula show that keeps our people, heritage and ‘āina central, while also being imaginative, entertaining and befitting of Hawai‘i as a world-class destination.”
CNHA has entered into an agreement with the City & County of Honolulu to present the Kilohana Hula Show at the Waikīkī Shell Amphitheater. The one-hour show will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, beginning Feb. 15. The show will be complimentary to both visitors and kamaʻāina.
“It would be impossible to overstate how thrilled we are about the Kilohana Hula Show and all it represents for Hawaiian culture, our cherished local residents, this great City and our valued visitors,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Today, we are witnessing the revival of the spirit and inspiration that sparked the Kodak Hula Show so many years ago, a signature performance that generated countless memories. This is also an extraordinary chance to bring new life into the Tom Moffat Waikīkī Shell, a treasure of a landmark that has been under-utilized for far too long. I know Tom Moffat is looking down on what we are doing with tremendous pride and joy.”
The Kilohana Hula Show, produced by CNHA and Roy Tokujo of Hawai‘i Entertainment Production, will be directed by Kipe Ebana and Nā Kumu Hula Tracie and Keawe Lopes.The show will highlight the beautiful mele that honors Waikīkī, featuring dancers from six award-winning hālau from across Hawai‘i.
“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 Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association President & CEO Mufi Hannemann, who also serves at board chair of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and is the former mayor of Honolulu. “This new, carefully crafted attraction will represent the dynamic combination of honoring Hawaiian culture, providing jobs for our kamaʻāina, showcasing spectacular entertainment for our visitors, and embracing regenerative tourism with active local participation. This is an example of positive change—one that restores ecosystems, empowers local communities, and leaves a legacy of sustainability for generations to come.”
In preparing for the show’s debut, CNHA is working with Rick Barboza, Native Hawaiian plant specialist and co-owner of Hui Ku Maoli Ola, on “reforestation” plans for the Waikīkī Shell that will help to transform green spaces by reintroducing Native Hawaiian plants to the venue. More than 150 potted Native Hawaiian plants, including kalo, ʻulu, milo and lāʻī, will be brought to the Waikīkī Shell. Once the plants acclimate, they will be donated to the City for planting at their new home on the Shell’s grounds.
To help minimize the traffic and parking impact to nearby residents and the surrounding community, CNHA will be promoting the use of public transportation or walking from Waikīkī hotels through the use of directional maps and signage. Built in the 1950s, the Waikīkī Shell’s adjoining amphitheater was home to the Kodak Hula Show for 30 years.
The show is currently in rehearsals. When it debuts, the Kilohana Hula Show anticipates featuring 18 dancers, four musicians, a chanter, and an emcee. The show is still auditioning hula dancers and musicians, if interested please contact the show’s co-director Kipe Ebana at kipe@experiencekilohana.com.
