‘Ilima ‘Ohana Chorus

The ‘Ilima ‘Ohana Chorus is an outgrowth of the hotel’s Hawaiian studies program begun in 1995 under the tutelage of Dr. George Kanahele. Known as Mohalapua ‘o ‘Ilima, or the blossoming flower of ‘Ilima, the program involves a monthly class for hotel employees taught by Hawaiian practitioners on such topics as Hawaiian music, hula, traditions and values, history, care of the ocean and land, and Hawaiian arts and crafts. Often the program includes a field trip to museums, historic sites and tourist attractions, to enhance staff’s knowledge of the island. In this vein, the chorus has participated in the annual Native Hawaiian Hospitality Song Contest on Maui and O’ahu since its inception, taking first place in 2002. The chorus performs for guests every Friday at 11:30 AM in the hotel lobby.