Ua Nani A'o Kona Kahiko, a chant composed by Front Desk Supervisor Lono Padilla. The chant was written specifically for OWK's Ke 'Ano Wa'a process and pays tribute to various ancient place names around the hotel and Honolulu, including Kalehuawehe, an ancient Waikiki surf spot fronting the hotel, and the 'Apuakehau Stream that literally sits underfoot of the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. The Outrigger Waikiki team worked endless hours to learn the poetry behind the chant and the hula motions to tell that story. Jim Heather shared, "Understanding the significance behind the words and the motions of the dance gives us a whole new level of appreciation and pride in our place." And that pride was evident as the team, most who danced hula for the very first time, performed with the poise, grace, and confidence of a seasoned halau, or hula school. Complementing the event was a display of various Hawaiian arts and crafts constructed by OWK employees and their families. 
Ua nani a’o Kona i ka la’i la
Beautiful is Kona in the calm
Pulu pë i ka ‘ehukai o Mämala
Pulu pë i ka ‘ehukai o Mämala
Drenched in the sea spray of Mamala
Ma waho aku o Kalehuawehe
Ma waho aku o Kalehuawehe
Outside the sea of Kalehuawehe
Pae aku ka wa’a i ke kua nalu e
Pae aku ka wa’a i ke kua nalu e
The canoe rides the cresting wave
I ka malu ulu niu kü kahakai
In the shade of the seaside coconut trees
Uluwehi Häloa i nä lo’i kalo
Uluwehi Häloa i nä lo’i kalo
Flourishes Häloa in the fields of kalo
Ha’a i ka makani aheahe wale
Ha’a i ka makani aheahe wale
Dancing in the gentle breeze
Mükïkï wai o ‘Äpuakëhau e
Mükïkï wai o ‘Äpuakëhau e
Sipping the waters of ‘Äpuakëhau
E nanea e walea i ke one kea
Relaxing at ease on the white sand
Hanohano Helumoa i ka la’ikü
Hanohano Helumoa i ka la’ikü
Noble is Helumoa of grand serenity
Ha’ina ka puana, ua lohe ‘ia
Ha’ina ka puana, ua lohe ‘ia
Tell the refrain, It is heard
He mele, he aloha no keia ‘aina e
He mele, he aloha no keia ‘aina e
A song, an affection for this land
He mele aloha no Kona
He mele aloha no Kona
A beloved song for Kona
L. Padilla
5/23/08
Helumoa
This mele was written for the relaunch and revitalization of the Ke ‘Ano Wa’a process for the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach in 2008. The mele speaks of the various ancient place names around the hotel and Honolulu. Kona, named in the 1st verse, refers to the district that stretches from Moanalua to Makapu’u; and Mamala, the ocean that surrounds it, both encompass the hotel. Kalehuawehe was the name of the surfing spot fronting the hotel and Outrigger moves forward riding the waves of change. The 2nd verse speaks of the coconut grove that used to be here as well as the numerous taro patches that flourished in the area fed by the ‘Äpuakëhau stream; and like these flourishing plants, Outrigger grows strong nourished by the bright sunshine and gentle Hawaiian breezes.
5/23/08
Helumoa
This mele was written for the relaunch and revitalization of the Ke ‘Ano Wa’a process for the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach in 2008. The mele speaks of the various ancient place names around the hotel and Honolulu. Kona, named in the 1st verse, refers to the district that stretches from Moanalua to Makapu’u; and Mamala, the ocean that surrounds it, both encompass the hotel. Kalehuawehe was the name of the surfing spot fronting the hotel and Outrigger moves forward riding the waves of change. The 2nd verse speaks of the coconut grove that used to be here as well as the numerous taro patches that flourished in the area fed by the ‘Äpuakëhau stream; and like these flourishing plants, Outrigger grows strong nourished by the bright sunshine and gentle Hawaiian breezes.
What an awesome opportunity it was to learn the hula kahiko with my co-workers and perform for our employees! I was truly honored to be able to participate in this.
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