KUKUI GROVE – Arriving in time to participate in the various workshops taking place at the Kaua‘i Polynesian Festival, members of the Pacific Pride and Island Hearts unveiled their capabilities Monday during a special performance at the Kukui Grove Shopping
KUKUI GROVE – Arriving in time to participate in the various workshops taking place at the Kaua‘i Polynesian Festival, members of the Pacific Pride and Island Hearts unveiled their capabilities Monday during a special performance at the Kukui Grove Shopping Center.
According to Rich Wong, director of the halau based in Colorado Springs, the group was able to take part in the Maori and hula workshops with their kane members taking in the fire knife workshops before settling in to watch both the exhibition and competitive performances in the evening.
Donning patriotic red, white, and blue outfits, the halau demonstrated their patriotism and paid tribute to military personnel serving overseas by doing a special hula about heroes.
The group’s capabilities spanned various Tahitian dance forms including otea and aparima before touching on Samoan, Maori, and hula au‘ana with their hero tribute.
Kane performers worked through a contemporary kahiko, Samoan, and au‘ana offering in the hour-long performance that was repeated during the day much to the delight of shoppers, including visitors from the overnight cruise ship.
Wong said the group will be staying here through June 2, and on their final day here, will be the guests of Jerry Kaneholani whom they met on their previous trip here about two years ago.
During that trip, Wong said they were being interviewed on KQNG radio when Jerry heard about them. Making a U-turn, he drove to KQNG radio and asked the halau to perform for a special fund-raiser he was hosting for Dane Obatake who needed a kidney transplant.
The group obliged, and on Monday, was thrilled to learn that Obatake was doing well, taking the time to attend the lunchtime show with Kaneholani.
Kaneholani said they will be arranging to take the halau on the Smith’s boat ride to the fern grotto before hosting the halau at a special luncheon at the New Kapa‘a Ball Park tennis court pavilion.
While here, the Courtyard by Marriott Kaua‘i at Waipouli Beach is hosting the halau as part of Marriott International’s Spirit to Serve Our Communities program.
“We are honored to bring this talented group of dancers to the Aloha State,” said Glenn Okamoto, general manager of the Courtyard by Marriott Kaua‘i at Waipouli Beach. “It is remarkable to see that the aloha spirit is alive and well on the mainland, as well as in our islands.”
To share their Colorado Springs brand of aloha, the halau will be performing at the Court-yard by Marriott Kaua‘i daily from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and welcome people to stop by and see their hula renderings.
“It’s such a tremendous opportunity and experience for these children and young adults to explore and perform publicly in the land where this ancient dance that we love originated,” said Wong.
“We would like to thank Glenn Okamoto and the Courtyard by Marriott Kaua‘i at Waipouli Beach. They graciously donated all of the rooms at no cost for the group, and without this support, none of this would be possible,” Wong added.
To help defray the cost of this second trip, Wong explained that they have been hosting weekly luau to raise funds.
In addition to their Waipouli Beach performances, the halau will be doing special performances for Kaua‘i’s kupuna. Tuesday they will be at the Lihu‘e Senior Center, and Wednesday they will visit the Kapa‘a Senior Center.
Accompanied by about 18 performers, Wong said that they come here “because the Aloha is strong, and the performers can learn the true meaning of the ‘aloha,’ and convey that in their dance.”
The Pacific Pride and Island Hearts halau is a non-profit organization comprised of Polynesian dancers that were born and raised in Colorado.
The dancers promote unity among the different cultures through dance, music, and public education activities.
They have performed throughout Colorado Springs, Denver, Wyoming, and Gunnison before returning to Hawai‘i for their second trip.
Located on 10.5 acres on Waipouli Beach, the Courtyard by Marriott Kaua‘i at Waipouli Beach features touches of upscale in 311 guest rooms and suites with high speed wireless Internet access.
The oceanfront resort will be offering innovative dining and lounge starting June 15 with the opening of the Voyager Grille and at Cook’s Landing Cocktail Lounge.
