LIHU‘E — Willie Kahaiali‘i is an entertainer from the days of the students’ parents, but the Maui performer connected when he banged out his “Good Morning,” Friday. About 60 students from the county’s Summer Enrichment Program, more generically known as
LIHU‘E — Willie Kahaiali‘i is an entertainer from the days of the students’ parents, but the Maui performer connected when he banged out his “Good Morning,” Friday.
About 60 students from the county’s Summer Enrichment Program, more generically known as “summer fun,” pushed up their lunch hour when leaders discovered that Willie K was ahead of schedule.
“Some of you won’t be able to make the big party at the Sheraton Kaua‘i, so this is for you,” Kahaiali‘i said. “For the others, I’ll see you at the big party.”
Kahaiali‘i, coming off a tour with the radio stations earlier in the morning, was also scheduled to make an appearance at the care home in ‘Oma‘o as part of his tour that brought him to Kaua‘i for a headline appearance at the Sheraton Kaua‘i ho‘olaule‘a, Saturday.
Residents in care homes are normally excluded from being part of the ho‘olaule‘a excitement, and because of this, Kahaiali‘i makes it a point to visit a center to share his musical versatility.
Toni Keahiolalo, the director of fun at the Sheraton Kaua‘i, said the ho‘olaule‘a will run from 4 to 9 p.m. on the grounds of the Po‘ipu resort.
Patrons are encouraged to park at the Kiahuna Golf Course and take advantage of a free shuttle service, Keahiolalo said.
“It’s free and will have food and good entertainment,” Kahaiali‘i said.
The Sheraton Kaua‘i ho‘olaule‘a, coming off the heels of the Hapa Road Walk, Saturday morning, kicks off a week-long Koloa Plantation Days celebration that will feature a number of different events at different South Shore locations and will culminate with the Koloa Plantation Days parade through Old Koloa Town on July 25.
Art Vento, who coordinated Kahaiali‘i’s tour, said the entertainer loves doing what he does, and while working with the young students, encourages them to follow their dreams of doing what they like to do.
He also said that when students do things for other people because they like doing them, it makes a difference.
Keahiolalo said Willie K is expected to take the stage around 7:45 p.m. Saturday.