World Premiere of “Huakaʻi,” A Polynesian Adventure

They tell a story with words, chant, music and movements of their entire body. Hula dancers convey intricate emotion, cultural pride and praise of nature and their dieties with exacting movements.

On April 20 and 21, the artistic vision of Kumu Hula Lani Isaac will be realized with the premiere of her new show, “Huakaʻi.” This event will benefit the students of the ‘Alohi Polynesian Dance Academy.

Huakaʻi, meaning, “trip, voyage, journey, mission, or procession,” is a fully staged, costumed, choreographed adventure told with traditional instrumentation and emotive presence. The dance was created to tell ancestral stories using hula from Hawai’i, Tahiti, and New Zealand.

Isaac’s vision and goal with the dance academy is to imbue future generations with inspiration and desire to keep their indigenous art forms alive.

The show’s chosen first stage in the ballroom at the Hapuna Prince Beach Hotel suits the beauty of this show well. The Prince, perches along a picturesque expanse of powdery white sand and turquoise green water of the Hapuna Beach Park. This architectural ode to the main attractions of the site, the surf, sand and sunsets, is a study in clean lines and panoramic views.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students’ aged 13 to 24, and $10 for children aged 6 to 12. Limited VIP sponsor tables, which seat ten, are also available for $250. Tickets are sold at the Sleek to Chic Salon and Spa in Waimea, or are available through the academy’s www.alohidanceacademy.com website, and at the door. The show begins at 5:30 and ends at 8:30 p.m. Food, drink and crafts will be available for purchase.

The Hapuna Prince Beach Hotel is located at 62-100 Kauna’oa Drive on the Kohala Coast.