Kahele to bring holiday gifts of music, Niihau shell lei

Kuana Torres Kahele, the acclaimed Hawaiian singer, composer, musician, educator and lei maker, will stage “Kuana’s Winter Wonderland” Dec. 8-10 at the Hawaii Theatre.

Kahele, the prolific breakout star from Na Palapalai, will occupy the downtown theater’s key holiday play dates, following long-running stints by the Brothers Cazimero and Jim Nabors. And he’s got gifts for attendees, too.

Shows will be staged at 7:30 p.m. the first two nights and at 2 p.m. Dec. 10, each boasting a changing roster of Hawaii musicians and hula halau. And because Kahele is a noted Niihau shell lei maker, he will give away four precious shell creations at each performance, celebrating the spirit of holiday giving. As if that weren’t enough, Kahele also is giving everyone a copy of his CD upon entry.

“I am a huge fan of Christmas and the holiday spirit,” he said via email while on tour in Japan. “I hope everyone leaves the show with a little dose of that spirit. If it sparks the notion of kindness and generosity toward others, even better.”

For six years Kahele has given away lei via TV and radio, but this is the first time as part of a concert. Seat numbers will be drawn from a huge drum to determine the gift recipients.

Tickets are $35 to $75, but Kahele is instituting Arts for All admission of $2 for qualifying low-income residents. Sounds like he’ll be playing Santa. …

The Josh Tatofi Band and Halau Hi‘iakainamakalehua will perform at all three shows, with Kamaka Kukona, Ekolu Trio and Halau o ka Hanu Lehua joining the roster Dec. 9-10. Other performers opening night are Lopaka Igarta-De Vera, Maila Gibson, Halau Na Mamo o Pu‘uanahulu, Kilohana Japan and Ka Hale Ikena Hawai‘i o Kuana.

Halau Ka Lei Mokinana o Leina‘ala will appear Dec. 9.

Seven former Miss Aloha Hula winners from the Merrie Monarch Festival, as well as the 2017 Miss and Master Keiki Hula winners, will share their artistry at all shows.

Tickets: hawaiitheatrecenter.com. …

ROBERT’S KALIKIMAKA

Meanwhile, Robert Cazimero will stage an intimate Mele Kalikimaka show, at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Dec. 13, at Blue Note Hawaii. He announced the gig at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort club earlier this month during a stirring and melancholic evening a few days after the sendoff for his late brother, Roland, at the Royal Hawaiian hotel.

Using coffee as his theme, he was percolating, singing java jive tunes while at the piano. He shared personal, nostalgic insider stuff, saying coffee has been a vital stimulant while planning Lei Day and Christmas concerts over the decades. He shared insights from his late mom, who told him simple was always better, performing “Secret Love” as a prime example, then segueing into “Kaena,” the exquisite Hawaiian classic with its reverent and riveting high notes. And he told Jon de Mello, founder of the Mountain Apple Company, who was in the audience, “It’s in the original key,” meaning he’s still got “it” in delivery. Simply wonderful. …

DINING OUT

On a Maui visit last weekend, we had a sumptuous dinner at Roy Yamaguchi’s Humble Market Kitchin at the Wailea Beach Resort Marriott. Try the misoyaki butterfish or braised short ribs — home style and divine. Locals were scarce, but the menu offers variety, from ramen to lamb and beet salad to cioppino. …

Tried lunch earlier at 100 Sails at the Prince in Waikiki, but a birthday celebration dinner meant a visit to the buffet. Crab legs and kalbi were the big faves, but the selections include spaghetti, chowder and more. The Japanese fare is gone but the sushi bar remains. …

And that’s “Show Biz.” …

Wayne Harada is a veteran Honolulu entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or email wayneharada@gmail.com.