2/2/2023
Performances and Artists
Top-Selling Hawaiian Vocalist Amy Hānaiali'i to Perform Songs Celebrating 25 Years of Pālehua
As one of the world’s leading singers of Hawaiian music, Amy Hānaiali’i carries on a storied family legacy in the entertainment industry – one that includes strong Las Vegas ties.
“I don’t think I had a choice (in becoming a singer),” laughs Hānaiali’i, a Maui native. “I always went this route, because my family comes from entertainment.”
In fact, her grandmother Jennie Napua Woodd was a revered Kumu hula (master hula teacher) who opened the legendary Hawaiian Room at The Lexington Hotel in New York City, before moving on to choreograph in Hollywood for numerous Hawaiian-themed films in the ‘40s and ‘50s, which included teaching hula to stars like Shirley Temple.
“My grandmother choreographed all the motion pictures that had hula in them,” Hānaiali’i says.
Her grandmother also brought her hula expertise to opulent dance productions in Las Vegas, where she performed Hawaiian dances and songs “in all the big showrooms,” Hānaiali’i says, including at the Tropicana.
“That was huge for her,” Hānaiali’i says. “I always kind of wanted to live back in that time.”
Herself boasting six Grammy nominations, on top of performing worldwide, Hānaiali’i upholds this family stardom – with a strong focus on celebrating and raising awareness of Hawaiian culture.
She will perform an intimate concert with her acclaimed band on a range of her Hawaiian hits, R&B and jazz music, featuring special performances by hula dancers who include her 16-year-old daughter.
Hānaiali’i will further interweave stories of her trailblazing grandmother, Hānaiali’i’s inspiring life and the Hawaiian beliefs and traditions that bind them, she says.
“I’m a storyteller, so I take audiences on a journey,” Hānaiali’i says. “I really break it down, so people understand Hawaiian culture.”
Embracing Her Hawaiian Voice
Inspired since childhood by her grandmother’s talents, Hānaiali’i received an early education in music, dancing and acting, she says.
“We had a really great community of parents who really pushed their kids (in the arts),” she says.
This earned her a full scholarship to study musical theater at the United States International University in San Diego. After graduating, however, she grew weary of theater auditions. She still remembers waiting in line for three days to audition for “Les Misérables.”
“We got through the audition, and they didn’t even look at us, they just said ‘next,’” she remembers. “I walked out and saw that Natalie Cole was playing at the Hollywood Bowl, and I thought ‘that’s what I want to do. I want to make a difference with my music.’”
Her grandmother gave her the next important nudge: the idea to sing Hawaiian music.
As her grandmother had always been required to perform “a watered-down” version of Hawaiian dances and songs, it “was so meaningful” for Hānaiali’i to perform authentic, traditional music now, she says.
“It dawned on me that I could take everything I learned in school and incorporate it into my Hawaiian music,” she says. “And that’s exactly what I did.”
Taking Hawaiian Music Across the Globe
Hānaiali’i’s honeyed vocals and dedication to traditional music have earned her global recognition.
She has performed for the Dalai Lama, for President Barack Obama at two inaugural balls, and for sold-out crowds across America, Europe, Japan and French Polynesia.
After being named ambassador of Hawaiian music by her state’s governor, she also became the first entertainer ever to perform in the Great Hall of the People at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China.
“I think it’s the authenticity, the mana (power) I bring to the stage when I’m singing,” she explains of her music appealing to so many worldwide. “When I’m singing, I literally feel like I’m in Maui. When I’m singing about my ancestors, they’re there with me.”
A Musical Anniversary
Hānaiali’i’s current tour celebrates the 25th anniversary of her megahit “Pālehua,” one of Hawaii’s most famous songs, and one of the world’s most danced-to songs among hula Hālau (schools) across the globe.
Hānaiali’i and the late Hawaiian guitar legend Uncle Willie K composed the song in tribute to Pālehua, a beautiful mountain on O‘ahu, and the melody became an instant classic.
To celebrate this 25-year milestone, Amy has written a new verse for “Pālehua” with translations in French and Japanese, which she will perform on an international tour following her show at The Smith Center.
Hānaiali’i also promises to deliver a wide range of songs at her upcoming show that will leave audiences both entertained and more appreciative of Hawaiian culture.
“I pick songs that are deep and meaningful, to help people understand who (Hawaiians) are,” she says.
SEE THE SHOW
Amy Hānaiali’i performs on April 7 and 8 in Myron’s at The Smith Center – for tickets, CLICK HERE.