Hilo is the hula capital of Hawaii, therefore the world — but outside of Merrie Monarch Festival week, hula that appeals to locals as well as visitors is seldom a part of Hilo’s entertainment scene.
The Grand Naniloa Hotel is changing that. Teaming up with Island Breeze productions, they present Pawehi Ho‘ike, a traditional yet entertaining production with a sumptuous lu‘au dinner buffet, the third Sunday of each month in the Grand Naniloa’s legendary Crown Room.
“It’s a very authentic experience, the show that we have here,” said Nalu Barrett, the Grand Naniloa’s cultural and events manager. “It’s different than the tourist-geared type of thing.
“It’s something that malihini will enjoy but it’s geared to kama‘aina, as well.”
The next Pawehi Ho‘ike is Sept. 15, with shows also on Oct. 20, Nov. 17 and Dec. 15.
“We do activities first,” Barrett said. “Part of the experience is that you come in at 5:30 p.m. to check in. There are three activities stations where guests can participate if they choose to. Then, the dinner buffet starts a little after 6 o’clock. We’ll do some small vignette-type shows, and then the actual show itself starts at 7 o’clock and goes to 8.”
The dinner features Hawaii delicacies including kalua pig, lomi salmon, huli-huli chicken and steamed mahi mahi, with rice, poi and desserts, including haupia.
Then comes the ho‘ike, the show — featuring Halau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaehu under the direction of na kumu hula Kasie Kaleohano and Brandi Barrett, who earned their stripes from the beloved late composer, singer-musician and hula master Johnny Lum Ho.
The dancers and musicians, a traditional Hawaiian trio, will present an evening of songs and hula that tell the mo‘olelo (stories) of Hilo.
“All of the dancers who are in our show come from our Merrie Monarch line,” said Kaleohano, which means their presentation has been honed under the bright lights of hula’s most prestigious stage. “I believe it was the Naniloa that came up with the concept of ‘pawehi’ — which means ‘to be adorned’ — because Hilo is so lush and green, and there’s foliage and different types of natural beauty everywhere. And so the focus of the show is Hilo and the Big Island.
“All of the numbers revolve around our fabulous island, and especially Hilo.”
As for the mele, the music, “Some of it comes from the time we were with Uncle Johnny, who wrote his own compositions for his hula, but most of it is more traditional songs that people would know,” Kaleohano said.
“I really think this is a celebration of Hilo, and anytime we can celebrate Hilo and our beautiful Island of Hawaii, we’re more than happy.”
The evening’s dinner-and-show package is $129 adults, with kama‘aina who have proof of Hawaii residency receiving a 15% discount. Keiki 12 and under are admitted for $64.50. Adults also receive a complimentary mai tai, and there’s a no-host bar with wine, beer and soft drinks.
For an additional $25, there’s Ali‘i Seating, with priority check-in, a lei, seating in the front and first access to the buffet dinner. Prices do not include applicable taxes.
There’s free self-parking at the Grand Naniloa Golf Course across Banyan Drive from the hotel. Valet parking is available for a fee.
Kama‘aina reservations are by telephone only, at (808) 326-4969. Information and general reservations are available online at naniloaluau.com.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
