Big Island

Waikoloa Village Hosts Hawaii's Cultural Ambassador Danny Akaka – July 7, 5:30pm

Danny “Kaniela” Akaka, Jr. and I just had a great chat last week about the “good ol’ days” of the early 1980’s when we became friends at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel.

Anna and Danny (Kaniela) Akaka, Jr. (me on R) headliners on 7/8/11 in Waikoloa Village

Danny was a landscaper in charge of the “Tennis Garden” section and I was a “tennis hostess.” His wife, Anna, was my friendly dental hygienist. It seemed then that everyone had some connection, creating a real sense of community.

Now, Kaniela has long been established as Director of Cultural Affairs at The Mauna Lani. He and Anna have both flourished as ambassadors for the Hawaiian culture. They are involved in numerous cultural events such as “Honu Independence Day” and you can often experience or read about their deep roots in Hawaii. They share their message with dignitaries around the globe and with ordinary folks like me.

The Mauna Lani hula halau danced for “Honu Independence Day” over the 4th of July weekend

That’s why it’s exciting that they are slated to be featured speakers in Waikoloa Village this Friday, 7/8/11! Kaniela and Anna will perform music, hula, and talk story with their heartfelt warmth and aloha. Listen and learn about our “sense of place” from this gifted kahuna. The event is free to the public, and will take place at the Waikoloa Village School Cafeteria.

Waikoloa Village is a great example of a cherished island community. I live here and love having the culture, best beaches, and fine restaurants at my fingertips (or bare toes). Right now, single family residences range in price from $219,900 to $755,000. Condos start at $69,900 to $495,000.

The ocean views from (MLS# 238548) seem endless…

This home (MLS# 238548) is one of my Waikoloa Village picks; 3 bed/2 bath, asking $449,000 with big ocean views, large lot with tropical landscaping, AND it has a system to generate its own electric power!!

We hope you will join us soon in Waikoloa Village…where you’ll get your own chance to experience the culture and aloha spirit passed on by its residents and islanders like Danny and Anna!

A hui hou!

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Pam Deery, R(B)

July 11, 2011

Danny and Anna also host the monthly Saturday “closest to the full moon Talk Story” series here in the Mauna Lani Resort; where they feature great local bands, picnic on the blanket under the full moon on the waters’ edge. It’s a great monthly event that has grown in popularity so you have to get there early.

Pam Deery, R(B)

July 11, 2011

Danny and Anna also host the monthly Saturday “closest to the full moon Talk Story” series here in the Mauna Lani Resort; where they feature great local bands, picnic on the blanket under the full moon on the waters’ edge. It’s a great monthly event that has grown in popularity so you have to get there early.

Annie Mendoza, (RS)

July 11, 2011

Aren’t those fun, Pam!? Mahalo! One of my favorite guest appearances was Cecilio, (of C&K), a few years back. And then some sharing by an auntie who used to live at Honokohau. I rembember the residents there in the day when the beach nearby was a nude beach. Not that I ever patronized it:-) The cultural program is QUITE an asset to Mauna Lani owners and patrons. FYI to anyone reading; this months event is Saturday, 7/16.

Annie Mendoza, (RS)

July 11, 2011

Aren’t those fun, Pam!? Mahalo! One of my favorite guest appearances was Cecilio, (of C&K), a few years back. And then some sharing by an auntie who used to live at Honokohau. I rembember the residents there in the day when the beach nearby was a nude beach. Not that I ever patronized it:-) The cultural program is QUITE an asset to Mauna Lani owners and patrons. FYI to anyone reading; this months event is Saturday, 7/16.

Catherine Klug

July 11, 2011

Hi Annie, I obviously missed the fun… did you get a chance to go to the Waikoloa Cutlural Talk Story last Friday night? With the presence of Danny and Anna Akaka, it had to be memorable! Thanks for sharing your own experience with them.

Catherine Klug

July 11, 2011

Hi Annie, I obviously missed the fun… did you get a chance to go to the Waikoloa Cutlural Talk Story last Friday night? With the presence of Danny and Anna Akaka, it had to be memorable! Thanks for sharing your own experience with them.

Annie Mendoza, (RS)

July 14, 2011

Aloha Catherine! Yes the Waikoloa cultural Talk was really interesting. I didn’t realize there were so many interesting groups, too. There is a group working to save the native flora and fauna. You may know…they have fenced in so much of the Waikoloa Village area to protect it from non-native species and goats, etc. mahalo….

Annie Mendoza, (RS)

July 14, 2011

Aloha Catherine! Yes the Waikoloa cultural Talk was really interesting. I didn’t realize there were so many interesting groups, too. There is a group working to save the native flora and fauna. You may know…they have fenced in so much of the Waikoloa Village area to protect it from non-native species and goats, etc. mahalo….

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