IOLANI PALACE ANNOUNCES HE MELE LAHUI HAWAII PROGRAM

Featuring ongoing performances by famed Hawaiian entertainer Kuuipo Kumukahi

HONOLULU (February 14, 2019) – In an effort to convey the monarchy era splendor of this historic landmark to visitors from around the world, Iolani Palace recently announced its new He Mele Lahui Hawaii program, featuring twice monthly pop-up performances by acclaimed Hawaiian entertainer Kuuipo Kumukahi in the Palace’s Imprisonment Room. He Mele Lahui Hawaii is presented in partnership with the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa.

“We’re honored to partner with the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa and the renowned Kuuipo Kumukahi to enhance the visitor experience at the Palace,” said Pomai Toledo, director of development and communications at Iolani Palace. “With three of our monarchs being such notable composers of both poetry and music, we’re proud to breathe life into their compositions in a space that’s very special and significant in our history.”

Kumukahi is a professional Hawaiian music performer, songwriter and recording artist who has committed her life to the education, preservation, perpetuation and promotion of the Hawaiian language through poetry and mele. She is currently the director of Hawaiian culture and community relations at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, where she serves as the live consciousness of Hawaiian heritage at Pualeilani. A firm believer in community collaboration, Kumukahi supports a variety of efforts to build and maintain community relationships.

The following is the 2019 schedule of He Mele Lahui Hawaii performances, which take place from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. All dates are subject to change.

February 20 and 27
March 20 and 27
April 2 and 23
May 15 and 29
June 12 and 26
July 10 and 24
August 7 and 21
September 4 and 18
October 2 and 16
November 6 and 20
December 4 and 18
Entry to the Palace is required for these performances. For more information about He Mele Lahui Hawaii, visit www.IolaniPalace.org or call (808) 522-0822.

About Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace is the only official residence of royalty in the United States. King Kalakaua was the first reigning monarch to travel around the world and built Iolani Palace in 1882 to enhance the prestige of Hawaii overseas and to mark Hawaii’s status as a modern nation. For more information, please call Iolani Palace at (808) 522-0822 or visit www.iolanipalace.org.

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