Aloha Kaua

A World Premiere by Noalani Helelā
February 21–March 2

presented by Hawai‘i Conservatory of Performing Arts

A timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and courage in a time of repression and uncertainty, peppered with humor and witty dialogue.

Kauikeaouli (Kamehameha III) fell in love with Kaomi, who could heal with his hands, diagnose illnesses, and rebelled against the values and laws being imposed by the missionaries. As their love deepens, Kauikeaouli is inspired to resist oppressive colonial morality: he brings back hula, free love, drinking, games, and Makahiki. Outraged by Kauikeaouli making Kaomi his Mō‘ī ku‘i (joint king), Christian chiefs try to stop the young Kauikeaouli. Some resort to violence, turning their anger on Kaomi and demonizing him for leading the king down what they believed was a dangerous path.