Photo by Bob Fewell Twilight at the Mauna Lani’s Kalahuipua`a, a shoreline gathering to talk story and play music, has been a full moon Saturday tradition for the last 18 years. But the August 29 gathering was “unprecedented” according to Kahu Kaniela Akaka, who hosts the event along with his wife Anna. Dancers and musicians gathered under a hoku (full) moon to celebrate Michelle Kaulu Amaral’s 30 years of hula performances at the Mauna Lani’s Atrium.
Set right on the shoreline, Twilight at Kalahuipua`a takes place on the porch and front “lawn” of Eva Parker Woods Cottage. This evening, whispers of approaching hurricanes fussed the trees as surfers paddled out to catch the last of the waves; close in wavelets swirled and surged up the lava wall. It was easy to imagine boats of old anchored off shore and visitors being greeted with the aloha of music and dance.
That aloha was vibrantly alive on Saturday, with three of the Lim family, Lorna, Nani and Sonny, providing the music. Both Amaral and the Lims have Kohala origins, making Kalahuipua`a, which faces Kohala, the perfect place for this celebration, inspiring the Lims to begin with Maika`i Kohala. “Lele o Kohala me he lupe la (Kohala soars like a kite)”, Sonny Lim says when the song finishes.
The evening that follows is filled with memories, family and old friendships. The next number is Heiau, which speaks of the sacred place of ancestors and origins and Amaral invites kumu hula (hula teacher) Tumu Naleialoha Napaepae-Kunewa to join her.
Set right on the shoreline, Twilight at Kalahuipua`a takes place on the porch and front “lawn” of Eva Parker Woods Cottage. This evening, whispers of approaching hurricanes fussed the trees as surfers paddled out to catch the last of the waves; close in wavelets swirled and surged up the lava wall. It was easy to imagine boats of old anchored off shore and visitors being greeted with the aloha of music and dance.
That aloha was vibrantly alive on Saturday, with three of the Lim family, Lorna, Nani and Sonny, providing the music. Both Amaral and the Lims have Kohala origins, making Kalahuipua`a, which faces Kohala, the perfect place for this celebration, inspiring the Lims to begin with Maika`i Kohala. “Lele o Kohala me he lupe la (Kohala soars like a kite)”, Sonny Lim says when the song finishes.
The evening that follows is filled with memories, family and old friendships. The next number is Heiau, which speaks of the sacred place of ancestors and origins and Amaral invites kumu hula (hula teacher) Tumu Naleialoha Napaepae-Kunewa to join her.
Kaulu dances "Unchained Melody" for her husband Albert, accompanied by the Lim Family. Photo by Bob Fewell When the Lims begin a medley of mele lei (lei songs), Amaral emerges with an arm draped in lei, riding an invisible cloud of aloha and floating down the steps. Her graceful arms, and love-light eyes are like a lunar tidal pull, gathering in the audience, one by one.
As she dances her way through the large crowd on the grass, the wind and waves seem to rise and fall with her movements in conversation with the elements. Amaral makes her way back to the front row, presenting lei as she moves down the line of honored guests and kumu hula, a stroll down memory lane for her.
The evening continued with mele and hula such as Pua Ahihi, which Amaral danced for mentor Aunty Sally Alohikea at her daughter’s wedding; and Lovely Hula Girl, a favorite of Elmer Lim Sr who always sang it for Amaral when she danced in the Atrium.
The younger generation added their tribute with Amaral’s daughter Misti Ka`uilani Manasas and Lorna Lim’s two daughters taking the stage. And of course the evening couldn’t be complete without an appearance by Lim matriarch, Maryann, whose wide ranging voice starts in the belly and soars up to a high sweet falsetto.
There is beauty in a single blossom placed carefully behind the ear, but when added to a lei of many different blossoms, its beauty is enhanced as it enhances the beauty of the others. This is Michelle Kaulu Amaral’s gift to all whose lives her blossom of aloha has touched.
As she dances her way through the large crowd on the grass, the wind and waves seem to rise and fall with her movements in conversation with the elements. Amaral makes her way back to the front row, presenting lei as she moves down the line of honored guests and kumu hula, a stroll down memory lane for her.
The evening continued with mele and hula such as Pua Ahihi, which Amaral danced for mentor Aunty Sally Alohikea at her daughter’s wedding; and Lovely Hula Girl, a favorite of Elmer Lim Sr who always sang it for Amaral when she danced in the Atrium.
The younger generation added their tribute with Amaral’s daughter Misti Ka`uilani Manasas and Lorna Lim’s two daughters taking the stage. And of course the evening couldn’t be complete without an appearance by Lim matriarch, Maryann, whose wide ranging voice starts in the belly and soars up to a high sweet falsetto.
There is beauty in a single blossom placed carefully behind the ear, but when added to a lei of many different blossoms, its beauty is enhanced as it enhances the beauty of the others. This is Michelle Kaulu Amaral’s gift to all whose lives her blossom of aloha has touched.
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