Seven Days of Christmas Holiday Mele Showcase
December 19, 2023 to December 25, 2023
December 2023 Holiday Mele Schedule
“Seven Days of Mele” is a week-long celebration of traditional hula and song by local hula halau and well-known entertainers. The series begins on Tuesday, December 19 and runs nightly from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. through Christmas on Monday, December 25 at the Waikīkī Beach Walk Plaza.
Tuesday, December 19: KA PĀ HULA O KAUANOE O WAʻAHILA
Traditional Hawaiian Music & Hula with Kumu Hula Maelia Loebenstein-Carter
Award winning hula teacher, Maelia Loebenstein-Carter (former Miss Aloha Hula) comes from a long line of master teachers & keepers of the hula, and she kicks off this magical series with a superb presentation of authentic Hawaiian hula.
Wednesday, December 20: KUMU HULA DARCEY MONIZ & HĀLAU HULA ‘O PUKAʻIKAPUAOKALANI
Kumu hula Darcey Moniz remains true to the rich tradition of hula in honor of her auntie, who was one of the most respected kumu hula in the Islands. This faithfulness to tradition has resulted in Puka‘ikapuaokalani Hula Studio being a distinguished and powerful competitor in the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival on the Big Island, the Miss Aloha Hula Contest in Hilo and the Queen Lili‘uokalani Keiki Hula Competition on Oahu for many years.
Thursday, December 21: SALLIE KAUAKEA YOZA & HĀLAU ʻO NAPUALAʻIKAUIKAIU
Traditional Hula & Song
A wonderful and vibrant traditional hula presentation by renowned director and Kumu, Sallie Kauakea Yoza. From keiki (children) to kūpuna (the adults) you will be mesmerized by the beauty of the Hawaiian dance and song in the spirit of Christmas. This popular presentation has become a tradition within the tradition of “Seven Days of Mele,” and a performance perfect for the holidays!
Friday, December 22: KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS – KAPĀLAMA, FEAT. THE HAWAIIAN EMSEMBLE WTH KUMU KALEO TRINIDAD
Kamehameha Schools Hawaiian Ensemble represents a collection of some of the most talented Native Hawaiian youth in the entire state of Hawai’i. It’s mission statement, “School and community service through Hawaiian cultural arts,” is expressed in oli (storytelling through chant), hula, singing and playing musical instruments, and you will get a dazzling display of the future of Hawaiian culture in this special holiday presentation.
Saturday, December 23:
LEIMOMI MALDONADA & KAHALE I O KAHALA
Celebrated Kumu Hula (hula teacher), Leimomi Maldonado brings the joy of holiday cheer with the joy of children, families, and our elders in this heartfelt performance. A delight for all ages!
Sunday, December 24: HUAPALA - An all-female (wahine) Hawaiian Musical Band.
Four talented senior students from the Kamehameha Schools Kapālama campus will perform on behalf of Hawaii's young, up and coming entertainers of the future.
Monday, December 25: BLAINE KAMALANI KIA “ALL IN THE ʻOHANA CHRISTMAS!”
The Kia Family & Special Guests!
Blaine Kamalani Kia - Youngest of nine children, have made Waikīkī their home and their playground since the 1960s. They have all worked throughout the hotel and restaurant industry with a legacy worthy of historic value. The Kia Family shares their gift of “Aloha” on Christmas night. There is no better way to celebrate Christmas then with a family of Waikīkī. Three generations! One night! A very Merry Christmas, indeed!