Coming to the show and want some background information on the characters and story you’re about to see? Saw the show and want to better understand and learn more about what you just saw? Already seen the show and know about the story but want to learn even more?? Take a minute and watch some great videos by Dave Barry, all about the characters, story, and culture surrounding the ‘Ulalena show!

Ulalena Playlist on YouTube

Taro Plant

‘Ulalena features a variety of Hawaiian gods and legends.  One of these very crucial, but somewhat looked over legends is that of Haloa, the child of Wakea (Father Heaven) and Ho’ohokukalai (the stars).  Haloa is symbolized by the Taro plant, and represents the original ancestor of the Hawaiian people. 

Before the elder, stronger Haloa, Ho’ohokukalai birthed an unhealthy and deformed child also named Haloa, who died at birth.  This infant was buried, and a taro plant grew from it.  The elder Haloa, is embodied by the taro plant, and the “elder brother” of all Hawaiians.  He reflects the overall health and strength of the Hawaiian people and culture.

In ‘Ulalena, Haloa or Taro, is followed throughout the show, and represented by the green-clothed character carrying the staff.  After Haloa is born in the first scene he is strong and vibrant, just as the Hawaiian people were at the time. 

As the show goes on and the spirit of the Hawaiian culture is suffering from disease, guns, and other things brought by European colonialists, Haloa’s health also dwindles. 

The conclusion of ‘Ulalena represents the renaissance of Hawaiian culture – the revitalization of its people and culture.  This is portrayed as the ‘Ulalena rain showers over Haloa, and he is brought back to life; just like Hawaii as a whole.

The Taro plant, or Kalo in Hawaiian, is a base of the Hawaiian culture.  It is not only important from a mythological standpoint, but Taro farming was a Hawaiian staple.  The plant was and is still used for making poi, taro chips, and the leaves are used in luaus as well.  Haloa was the root of life as the original Hawaiian descendant, but was also the root of life as a source of sustenance for the Hawaiian people. 

There are many legends incorporated into ‘Ulalena.  Although it is not necessary to understand all of these legends to enjoy the show, it definitely helps the viewer to better appreciate the story.  The legend of Haloa, or Taro, is one of the key myths to the ‘Ulalena storyline.

Excited and healthy, ‘Ulalena’s Maya Iida will be making her acrobat debut this week!  A Maui native, originally from Kahului, Maya appeared in her first ‘Ulalena show on January 2nd, 2012, as “Haloa,” the first ancestor to the Hawaiians.  Beginning acrobatic training in July 2011, Maya’s journey to making her aerialist debut has been just that, a journey.

Maya has been recovering from a major injury she suffered while training to become an acrobat.  She broke three bones in her left hand, requiring her to put her training on the back burner while she focused on rest and recovery.  According to Maya the most difficult part of recovery was rebuilding her upper body strength.  “I remember joking with my trainer, Kim Breitbach, that I wished I could buy my muscles at the store!” Maya said.  “Without the help of Kim, who has always pushed me to succeed, my recovery would have been so much more difficult.”

Now stronger than ever, Maya will get to see her hard work and training pay off in her acrobatic debut as “Laka,” the lizard guardian of the waterfall, as well as “Navigator,” and “Hina,” goddess of the moon.

This former Miss Maui, definitely keeps herself busy.  Between ‘Ulalena, teaching, and dancing, I was lucky enough to steal a few minutes of Maya’s time for a little question and answer session, to get to know her “off the stage.”

What roles do you play in the show? What is your favorite to perform?
So far I have played the role of “Haloa,” “Daughter,” the younger sister of the Ali’i, and the “baby tree.”  I will soon debut as “Laka,” the lizard guardian of the waterfall, “Navigator,” and “Hina,” goddess of the moon.  Of the roles I have performed so far my favorite is “Haloa.”  Performing that part allowed me to share my love of modern dance.

How long have you been dancing?
I have been dancing for 10 years.  I began my training at the Maui Academy of Performing Arts and continued through the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  As a Rainbow Dancer at UH Manoa, I even got to perform at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.  My favorite style of dance is lyrical.  I feel it matches my personality best and is the style I hope to bring to my acrobatic roles.

What makes ‘Ulalena different than other dance productions you have been a part of?
Besides the longevity of this show, ‘Ulalena is different from other dance productions because the show emphasizes collective rather than individual talent.  The Hawaiian culture itself is at the core and is highlighted above all performers.

Other than Miss Maui, what other pageants have you done?
In 2010 I won the Miss Downtown Honolulu title.  It was the first title I won and the first year I entered pageants.  In 2011 I won the Miss Maui title.  It was an honor to represent Maui in the state pageant and place 4th runner up and win the academic award.

What kind of future goals do you have?
I have a passion for educating our youth.  Currently, I am an elementary school substitute teacher.  ‘Ulalena has always strived to incorporate our children as part of our community outreach with the show.  As an educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology, I hope to one day contribute toward this wonderful partnership.

Why do you think people should see ‘Ulalena?
For residents, ‘Ulalena is a reminder of all that is at the heart of our island home.  For visitors, ‘Ulalena shares a story that will transport them across time and history through chants, dance, and language.  When they return to the present moment and go on with their lives, the spirit of ‘Ulalena will remain with them.

What is your favorite memory of being part of the ‘Ulalena Ohana?
My favorite moment of being part of the ‘Ulalena family was being invited up on stage to join in the daily circle for the first time.  It was an honor to be hand in hand with such talented performers.

If you had to make a tagline for ‘Ulalena, what would it be?
‘Ulalena: from sky to earth, from past to present, from us to you.

The youngest of five children, Maya admits to being very shy growing up.  “I hid in my school classroom from guest speakers like police officers or school photographers,” she said.  “When my 8th grade teacher suggested I try out for a musical with the Maui Academy of Performing Arts, she changed my life.”  Obviously Maya has come a long way since then.  That 8th grade teacher not only changed Maya’s life, but also the lives of her ‘Ulalena Ohana, and audience members – all of whom get the chance to see her passion and talent light up the ‘Ulalena stage.

Come see and support Maya in her acrobat debut this week!  Reserve tickets online at http://www.mauitheatre.com or call 877-688-4800

From an audience member’s perspective, ‘Ulalena’s original story line, dancing, and music, might look like the key to its success, however after spending some time with the people who make ‘Ulalena happen, it is apparent that the true driver of success is simply the genuine quality of people that make up the ‘Ulalena team.  Talent, culture, and aloha: three words that embody the ‘Ulalena cast and crew.  Or I should say, ohana, because they act much more like a family than just a group of coworkers. 

Obviously, every single individual involved with the show is extremely talented.  From singing and dancing abilities, to audiovisual technician skills, everyone takes pride in what they do to make the show the best it can possibly be – most people in the audience probably don’t even realize Anthony Natividad is actually playing the flute with his nose!  Not to mention, the former Miss Hawaii USA, prospective Miss Hawaii USA, and three former Miss Maui’s in the cast!

While talent can be found anywhere in the world, ‘Ulalena’s ohana adds the element of culture.  They don’t just chant Hawaiian words and dance Hawaiian hula; they take and teach Hawaiian language classes, and learn the history behind the hula they dance.  It’s not just a show, it’s their opportunity to share the rich and vibrant Hawaiian culture with visitors from around the globe.  Even if you can’t understand the lyrics being sung, you can still understand the passion and emotion they’re being sung with.

Being the newest addition to the team, this intense cultural knowledge, talent, and bond among everyone can be somewhat intimidating.  However, staying true to the Hawaiian ideals, every single person has made me feel beyond welcome.  This “spirit of aloha” exuded from the entire ‘Ulalena ohana is unavoidable and contagious.  In just a few short weeks, they have taught me more about Maui and Hawaiian culture than I’ve learned in my entire lifetime.  Not only have I gained knowledge from the classes and show itself, but also from the way they treat each other and others.  In a world so concerned with the botom line and material things, it’s refreshing to be surrounded with such genuine, good-natured people. 

Talented yet humble.  Full of culture and ready to share.  These are the people that make ‘Ulalena so special, and why I’m so excited to share their stories with you!  Check back soon for the first, of many, feature pieces on the cast and crew, starting with former Miss Maui, Maya Iida.