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Waikiki Beach Walk Celebrates 15 Years

April 19, 2022

Waikiki Beach Walk 1st and 2nd floor shops on the left. Woman in red carrying multiple shopping bags on the right.
Public is invited to enjoy music and activities marking “15 years of Ho‘okipa”

WAIKIKI, Hawaii (April 19, 2022) – Waikiki Beach Walk, the vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment district at Lewers Street and Kalakaua Avenue will mark its 15th year of serving the Waikiki community with monthly celebrations of Hawaii’s arts and culture.

Blue and green 15th anniversary logoThe anniversary observance begins on Sunday, May 15 with a special “Mele Hali‘a” showcase performance during an afternoon of music, hula and more from 4 to 6 p.m. It will be followed by a series of free monthly Hawaiian music performances and complimentary cultural activities.

Since its opening in 2007 Waikiki Beach Walk has been a gathering place to celebrate all that is special and unique in contemporary Waikiki: a vibrant mix of exciting nightlife and shopping surrounded by stunning natural beauty and deeply imbued with Hawaiian culture.

“Reflecting on Waikiki of 15 years ago, our iconic Waikiki Beach Walk project was the catalyst and turning point for the renaissance and revitalization of Waikiki,” said Barbara Campbell, vice president/retail, Outrigger Hospitality Group.

“We are pleased that 15 years later the project’s original vision is still very much alive. It’s our hope that through our dining and merchandise mix, combined with our Hawaiian cultural offerings and special events, our customers will find Waikiki Beach Walk to be every bit as exciting as the day it opened.”

On Sunday, May 15 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 (5 to 6 p.m.).
 
Kumu Hiwa Vaughan draped in yellow lei on the left. On the right, members of Halau Hula La Lehua Tuahine dance in formation.
 
  • 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.
  • From 4 to 5 p.m. complimentary cultural activities on the Plaza Lawn will feature ‘Ohe Kapala, the Hawaiian art of stamping and personalization using carved wooden sticks
Following is the event schedule for May. For the latest news, visit www.waikikibeachwalk.com.
 
  • 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 May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31.
  • Ka Lei Hula – Waikiki’s popular “Ka Lei Hula” offers complimentary weekly hula practice each Sunday morning at 9 a.m. (May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29).
  • Mele Hali ‘a – (Described above). Music and activities on Sunday, May 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.
  • The Royal Room/Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame – On Saturday, May 21, the Royal Room will live stream a special “Make Music Hawaii” performance at 11 a.m.
Monthly Ho‘okipa (Hospitality) Activations
Waikiki Beach Walk is committed to preserving and sharing Hawai‘i’s rich cultural heritage. This includes hosting a variety of authentic Hawaiian activities to engage Hawaii residents and enhance the visitor experience. They include:
 
  • Sunday, May 15: Complimentary cultural activities will include ‘Ohe Kapala, the Hawaiian art of stamping and personalization using carved wooden sticks, 4 to 6 p.m., Plaza Lawn
  • Sunday, June 12: Nana Kō Maka I Ka Mahina - The Hawaiian Moon Phases
  • July (date TBD): Hiʻuwai - Hawaiian cleansing at the sea of Waikiki - Early morning program, 7 or 7:30 a.m.
  • August (date TBD): Makahiki Games, featuring Hawaiian pastimes, such as Konane – Form of Hawaiian Checkers; Ulu Maika – Hawaiian Lawn Bowling; Moa Pahe'e – Dart Sliding, and Hukihuki – Hawaiian Tug of War.
Celebrating its 15th 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.

 

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Celebrating its 15th 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, as well as select military and kama'aina appreciation offers. For details and the latest news, including shops, services, entertainment, dining and event listings, visit www.waikikibeachwalk.com/ or http://jp.waikikibeachwalk.com/. Follow Waikiki Beach Walk on Facebook, Instagram @waikikibeachwalk and Twitter @WaikikiBeachwlk with #waikikibeachwalk #waikikishopping.

Media Contacts
Jean Dickinson/Paige Norris, PacRim Marketing Group
IMS@pacrimmarketing.com or (808) 469-4811