HONOLULU — This week, the Kilohana hula show quietly gave its last performance in Waikiki, but organizers hope to bring it back in the future.
The iconic Kodak Hula Show ran in Waikiki for 65 years before shutting down in 2002. In Jan. 2024, City and County of Honolulu officials and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement announced the return of a free hula show to Waikiki, with a media event at the Waikiki Shell.
The hour-long Kilohana Hula Show performed for the first time on Feb. 15 at Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell’s smaller adjoining amphitheater. Initially, shows occurred Sunday through Thursday. While many residents and tourists were thrilled to attend the shows, the nonprofit Kapiolani Park Preservation Society was critical of the show, as they were concerned CNHA would eventually host a paid evening luau at the Shell to support the free hula show…