THE RETURN OF
KAPAEMAHU
HULA SHOW
THE RETURN OF KAPAEMAHU ON THE WAIKĪKĪ HULA MOUND
The legendary story of the healer stones of Kapaemahu - Hawaiʻi’s unique monument to healing and inclusion - was performed as a live hula every Wednesday from January 2025 through January 2026 just steps from the sacred site on Waikīkī Beach where the healers once lived and performed their miraculous cures. Based on the story by Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson, and Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, the extraordinary production was composed and directed by Kumu Hula Patrick Makuakāne, the first Native Hawaiian recipient of the MacArthur Foundation Genius Award. The show was attended by more than 50,000 people, locals and visitors alike, over the course of its year-long run.
CAST AND CREW
Story by Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson, Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu
Composed and Directed by Kumu Hula Patrick Makuakāne
Costumes Designed by Koanui Johnson, Malia King
Performed by Moani Wright-Van Alst, Kaimana Domingo,
Mauikānehoalani Lovell,Keola Kamahele, Maluhia Kawai
Makenna Kinsler, Mahie Crabbe, Mahina Leong, Kaʻiulani
Leong, Hoku Liʻi Liʻi, Kamaka Bulosan
Journalist and Hawai’i-native Sarah Burke captured the show’s impact in an article titled:
This Hula was a Monument to Hawaiʻi’s Gender Fluid Healers
PHOTO GALLERY BY MAHINA CHOY-ELLIS
WATCH ANIMATED SHORT ON WHICH THE HULA SHOW IS BASED
An animated short film of the story of the Kapemahu and the great importance historically this tradition has been for Hawaii for many centuries through today.
