HONOLULU (Wednesday, August 31, 2022) – Waikiki Beach Walk, the vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment district at Lewers Street and Kalākaua Avenue, is committed to preserving and sharing Hawai‘i’s rich cultural heritage. This includes hosting a variety of authentic Hawaiian music and hula performances to engage Hawai‘i residents and enhance the visitor experience.
“As part of our commitment to ‘Mālama Hawai‘i,’ Waikiki Beach Walk invites travelers to experience the Hawaiian Islands on a deeper level with a greater emphasis on connecting with our culture. By highlighting our rich history and important cultural practices such as music and dance, it is our goal to perpetuate and share Hawai‘i’s mo‘olelo (stories) with our residents and visitors,” said Blaine Kamalani Kia, entertainment director and cultural advisor to Waikiki Beach Walk.
Fall entertainment highlights include the Aloha Festivals celebration and Makalauna - an annual tribute to Gabby Pahinui.
Friday, September 16 - Outrigger Day Celebration, 68th annual Aloha Festivals, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
The month-long Aloha Festivals celebration includes musical tribute and special appearance at Waikiki Beach Walk by this year’s Aloha Festivals Royal Court, who don regalia that was traditionally worn only by aliʻi (ruling chiefs) of the highest rank. As representatives of Hawaiʻi’s past, the Aloha Festivals Royal Court ensures the festival is rooted in the most cherished traditions of Hawaiʻi. Complementing these cultural protocols is a bountiful lineup of hula and musical performances for a special afternoon in the heart of Waikīkī.
Live Hawaiian Entertainment:
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Kumu Hula Blaine Kamalani Kia & The Women of Hālau Ka Waikahe Lani Mālie & The Men of Hālau Kahulaliwai.
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Hawaiian Music by Kekaniwai featuring Albert Kia with Kalei Kahalewai & Blaine Kia (of Kamanawa).
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Special Guests: The appearance of the "official" Aloha Festivals Royal Court (courtesy of Aloha Festivals).
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Special presentation: Outrigger Hotel and Resort Partners; Presentation of gifts.
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Further details/appearances to be announced!
Saturday, September 17 – Aloha Festivals Waikīkī Hoʻolauleʻa, 6 to 9:30 p.m.
The 68th annual Aloha Festivals hosts Hawai'i's largest block party with the Annual Waikīkī Ho'olaule'a. The Waikiki Beach Walk sponsor stage (Lewers St.) will rock the evening with top local artists, award-winning hālau hula, and more. Kalākaua Avenue will be transformed with booths showcasing Hawai‘i cuisine, crafts and culture.
Sunday, September 18 – Mele Hali‘a Sunday Showcase, 5 to 6 p.m.
Kamehameha Schools Hawaiian Ensemble under Kumu Kaleo Trinidad will headline the popular Mele Hali‘a, on Sunday, September 18 from 5 to 6 p.m. Talented students from the Kamehameha Schools Kapālama campus will perform traditional Hawaiian music, and oli (chant).
Mele Hali‘a features the finest in Hawaiian musical entertainment by some of Hawai‘i’s most exceptional, award-winning artists on one special Sunday each month. All performances are free of charge.
Saturday, October 15: Makalauna, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
This annual ceremony includes musical tributes, hula and lei draping at Waikiki Beach Walk to honor legendary musician Gabby “Pops” Pahinui and ‘ohana (family). A perpetual favorite, Pahinui’s statue graces the Waikiki Beach Walk Plaza. Scheduled to appear:
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Ceremonial Tribute
Led by Entertainment & Cultural Director, Blaine Kamalani Kia
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Live Music Tribute
Hosted by ONE MELE “A Core of Hawaiian Musicians” and featuring special guest Kunia Galdeira – a grandson of Gabby – and representatives of the Pahinui ʻohana
Sunday, October 16 – Mele Hali‘a Sunday Showcase, 5 to 6 p.m.
Greg Sardinha & Friends will headline the monthly musical showcase, Mele Hali‘a, on Sunday, October 16 from 5 to 6 p.m. Hawaii born and raised, Greg is a talented steel guitar player and the winner of the 2014 Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Instrumental Album of the Year for “Stainless” - Steel Guitar Stylings of Greg Sardinha. Greg Sardinha & Friends will perform traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music.
More Hawaiian Music and Cultural Programming in Fall 2022
Waikiki Beach Walk continues to host an amazing array of complimentary music and cultural programming throughout 2022. (All performances are weather permitting.)
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Every Tuesday, it’s “Kū Ha‘aheo” at the Plaza Stage, with live Hawaiian entertainment from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
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Waikiki’s popular “Ka Lei Hula” offers complimentary hula practice each Sunday morning at 9 a.m. The classes are free and pre-registration is encouraged: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ka-lei-hula-free-weekly-hula-classes-tickets-114776042232
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The Royal Room/Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame at Waikiki Beach Walk is the place to go for Hawaiian music history and other cultural programming, with live streams on the 21st of each month as part of the “Make Music Hawaii” series.
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The Royal Room hosts free Feather Flower classes every Wednesday at 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your class by calling ahead at (808) 499-7408.
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Waikiki Beach Walk Open Market on Mondays from 4 to 8 p.m. The lively experience provides an eco-friendly way to support local businesses, while discovering truly one-of- a-kind souvenirs, handmade art, and snacks to take home for yourself or as a gift to someone special.
ABOUT WAIKIKI BEACH WALK
Waikiki Beach Walk is a vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment district on Lewers Street between Kalakaua Avenue and Kalia Road in Waikiki. The more than 94,000 sq. ft. center boasts some of Hawaii’s greatest boutique shopping experiences with locally made products, award-winning restaurants, nightlife, and world renown Hawaiian entertainment, making Waikiki Beach Walk a slice of Hawaii life, popular with visitors and residents. For information, visit www.waikikibeachwalk.com/ or http://jp.waikikibeachwalk.com/. Follow Waikiki Beach Walk on Facebook, Instagram @waikikibeachwalk and Twitter @WaikikiBeachwlk with #waikikibeachwalk #waikikishopping.
Media Contact:
PacRim Marketing Group
Honolulu, Hawaii
IMS@pacrimmarketing.com