New visitors to Waikiki’s popular entertainment district surprise and delight.
April/May entertainment is announced.
WAIKIKI, Hawaii (March 17, 2022) –
Waikiki Beach Walk, the vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment district at Lewers Street and Kalakaua Avenue
now hosts three very special visitors. They arrived at Waikiki Beach Walk via
wa‘a (outrigger canoe) and brought with them fishnets, an
o‘o (digging stick), bananas and more.
Paying tribute to Hawaii’s legend of the Menehune, these characters will make their home at Waikiki Beach Walk, delighting both visitors and residents alike. They were created by craftsman Owen Ho, an independent designer who spends most of the year dreaming up design schemes for everything from storefronts to charity balls. Owen is the mastermind behind most of the Honolulu City Lights figures and other beloved characters.
“We are certain our visiting Menehune at Waikiki Beach Walk will be just as beloved and present a wonderful photo opportunity for guests who do not come across Menehune elsewhere,” said Blaine Kamalani Kia, entertainment director and cultural advisor to Waikiki Beach Walk. “As we appreciate the richness of Hawaii’s history and important cultural practices such as music and dance, it is also our goal to perpetuate and share Hawaii’s mo‘olelo (stories) with our residents and visitors.”
THE MENEHUNE LEGEND (text and photos courtesy Waikiki Beach Walk)
In Hawaiian legend, the Menehune were a group of small people who lived hidden in the forests and valleys of the islands before Hawaiʻi was settled by Polynesians. They were said to be about two feet (60 cm) tall and a mischievous bunch who roamed unseen at night. They were extremely smart, strong, industrious, and superb builders, credited with mighty feats of overnight engineering and construction of heiau (sacred Hawaiian temples), fishponds, roads, canoes and houses.
They were also known to be very fond of maiʻa (bananas) and iʻa (fish), and enjoyed singing, dancing and archery, using magic arrows to pierce the heart of angry people to release feelings of love expressed through “aloha.” So keep an eye on any bananas or fish you may have with you, and extinguish any huhū (anger) you may harbor or you just might become the target of a mystical, magic arrow. |
Waikiki Beach Walk 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 Hawaii residents and enhance the visitor experience.
- Kū Ha‘aheo – Every Tuesday, Waikiki Beach Walk hosts “Kū Ha‘aheo,” live Hawaiian entertainment from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The weekly series at the Plaza Stage is set for April 5, 12, 19 and 26.
- Ka Lei Hula – Waikiki’s popular “Ka Lei Hula” (April 3, 10, 17 and 24) offers complimentary weekly hula practice each Sunday morning at 9 a.m.
- The Royal Room/Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame – On Thursday, April 21, The Royal Room will live stream a special “Make Music Hawaii” performance at 11 a.m.
- Waikiki SPAM JAM® Festival – This popular event returns to Waikiki Beach Walk on Saturday, April 23 from 4 to 9 p.m. Enjoy music, food, appearances by characters SPAMMY® and MUSU, and more. Donations benefit Hawaii Food Bank. Scheduled to perform at the Waikiki Beach Walk Plaza Stage:
- 4 p.m. Kumu Hula Sallie Kauakea Yoza & Hālau ʻO Napualaʻikauikaiu
- 5 p.m. Ledward Kaapana & Jesse Gregorio
- 6 p.m. Mike Kaawa Band, featuring Paul Kim and Analū Aʻina
- 7 p.m. Kawika Kahiapo & Friends
- Mele Hali‘a – “Mele Hali‘a” is a monthly Sunday showcase hosting the finest in Hawaiian musical performances. On Sunday, May 15 from 5 to 6 p.m., Waikiki Beach Walk will celebrate its 15-year anniversary with a special event when Mele Hali‘a welcomes Kumu Hula Hiwa Vaughan, daughter of the legendary Palani Vaughan, and her Halau Hula Ka Lehua Tuahine (hula school). This large performing group pays honor and respect to the renown Hawaiian musical artist, the late Palani Vaughan, who celebrates a birthday on May 27th.
Celebrating its 15
th year in 2022, Waikiki Beach Walk 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. Among its collection of small, locally owned businesses are Blue Ginger, Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee, Coco Mango, Hele Mai Salon, Kahala, KaiAloha Supply, Kolohe, Mahina, SoHa Living, The Ukulele Store and Hele Mai Salon. Waikiki Beach Walk offers 3 hours of validated parking with validation, as well as select military and kamaaina appreciation offers. For details and the latest news, including shops, services, entertainment, dining and event listings, visit www.waikikibeachwalk.com or Facebook/Instagram @waikikibeachwalk.
Media Contacts
Jean Dickinson/Paige Norris, PacRim Marketing Group
IMS@pacrimmarketing.com or (808) 469-4811