Waikiki’s Ultimate Facelift
Far from the concrete fortress it once was, Royal Hawaiian Center is now a graceful Hawaiian place that respects its royal roots and presents a world
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director of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
“I’m here to give things a Hawaiian tone, perspective and flavor,” he says about his role as cultural director. “We realize that culture has to be woven into everything we do-marketing, communications, merchant relationships and customer service. It goes beyond e komo mai (welcome). What we present here represents our heritage.”
Boyd points out the landscaping and performing arts at the center as examples of that cultural integration.
Among the indigenous and endemic Hawaiian plants in the center’s Royal Grove are ohia, whose red, yellow and orange flowers called lehua are symbolic to Pele and the hula; kalo (taro); kupukupu, a decorative fern; lauhala; and ‘awapuhi kuahiwi, the only native ginger in Hawaii.
Drawing upon his musical background, Boyd has brought Hawaiian performing arts to the center’s weekly lineup of attractions. Appearing regularly at the Royal Grove are the Royal Hawaiian Band, Pu’uhona, Kawika Trask, Keoahu and Ku’uipu Kumukahi.
Another cultural feature is the Haulani Heritage Center, a multimedia facility that highlights the history and heritage of Waikiki. Here, visitors learn about Helumoa in a cozy, intimate setting.
Presenting things on a grander scale is Waikiki Nei, opening next month on the top level of the center. The Cirque du Soleil-type of spectacle will tell the story of Waikiki from the time of Queen Liliuokalani to the present, incorporating Hawaiian mythology. Produced by Cove Entertainment impresario Roy Tokujo, all facets of the 760-seat theatre were constructed in Montreal before being shipped to Hawaii. But everything else is 100 percent local. All performers are from Hawaii, and Boyd wrote Hawaiian lyrics for the show.
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The spectacular $15-million venue will be a cocktail show by evening and an “ultra lounge” by night, modeled after the hip, trendy clubs such as Tabu and Studio 54 in Las Vegas.
Thus, the “new” Royal Hawaiian Center has incorporated a lot of what Shenkus calls “wow” factors.
A good time to check it out is during grand opening week, June 14-20 (see box). The open house period is themed “Nou Ka Hale.” Our house is yours.
The center has the most reasonable validated parking rates in Waikiki at $2 for two hours with retail purchase and $4 for up to four hours at restaurants, with maximum validation of six hours.
“You know how it is when you’ve got guests coming,” says Boyd in his local-boy tone. “You gotta get the yard cleaned up. Make sure you have enough food. And if you don’t, stretch out the kalua pig with some cabbage.” It’s an apt analogy.
Will the “new” Waikiki sustain itself (stretch) over the long term? And will it generate the “cabbage” to make it all profitable?
It seems to be off to a positive start.
Royal Hawaiian Center’s Nou Ka Hale Grand Opening Entertainment
Saturday June 14:
Noon Royal Hawaiian Band.
3-5 p.m. Aaron Sala on piano, Pa’ina Lanai
5:30 p.m. Halau Mohala ‘Ilima, Royal Grove
6-7 p.m. Ho’okena special concert
Sunday June 15 (Father’s Day):
3-5 p.m. Aaron Sala on piano, Pa’ina Lanai
6-7 p.m. Makaha Sons special concert
Monday June 16:
3-5 p.m. Pat Sylva on piano, Pa’ina Lanai
6-8 p.m. Puuhonua
Tuesday June 17:
3-5 p.m. Pat Sylva on piano, Pa’ina Lanai
5-7 p.m. Kawika Trask and Friends, Royal Grove
Wednesday June 18:
3-5 p.m. Aaron Sala on piano, Pa’ina Lanai
6-8 p.m. Keoahu
Thursday June 19:
3-5 p.m. Pat Sylva on piano, Pa’ina Lanai
6-7 p.m. Kaukahi special concert
Friday June 20:
4:30-6:30 p.m. Aaron Sala on piano, Pa’ina Lanai
6-9 p.m. VIP Reception (by invitation), Royal Grove Performances by the Brothers Cazimero, Kuuipo Kumukahi, Halau Mohala ‘Ilima, Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club, Naipo Na Mea Hula
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