KAPONO AI MOLITAU

 

By Michelle Perlas-Neri

 

 

            Our guest speaker, Kapono Ai Molitau, talked to us about the business he works for, which is Ulalena, and how the theater and its Broadway show was brought up.  He was involved in hula, chant, and dance for 23 years.  He also graduated in 1991 and has taught a David Malo Day program for Lahainaluna High School.  His father, John Lake, who is also his Kumu hula, wrote the song “O iwi e”.  He works for Ulalena, both day and night.  During the day, he does the marketing in the business and at night, he is a performer of the show.  Mr. Molitau was also one out of 400 to make in on the cast of Ulalena. 

    

Ulalena, meaning that rain that falls on Maui, opened in July of 1999 and within the past 2 years, has almost received 1 million visitors to watch the show.  Ulalena has been awarded the best show and has created its own CD, which sold about 100,000 copies.  The production of Ulalena cost $12 million and its sound system was $3 million.  The stage of Ulalena is one of a kind, the only stage in the world like it.  The musicians and performer consist of 20 cast members from Hawaii and from around the world.  Fifty Percent of the cast is from Hawaii and the other fifty percent are from other parts of the world.  I can see, from watching the show, that you need a lot of work experience and practice in order to make the show a success.  With a lack of practice, the show will undoubtfully not come out as expected.  That is why Ulalena can make or lose up to $50,000 on any given night.  So it is important to practice and put a lot of effort into your work. 

 

Mr. Molitau told us to “ride the momentum” through your life, future, and career.  He also mentioned that “the word of mouth is the greatest type of advertisement” and that your goal is to “ want people to buy”.  I learned so much form his lecture that day about business, marketing, and the art of performing.  I have seen the show before and I’m sure it can bring a lot of money in the tourism industry any time

 

Kelvie Shelton - I personally feel that Ulalena is a very important part of Maui—it allows tourists to become better familiarized with ancient Hawaii and the importance of Hawaiian culture.  Without Ulalena and other historical (oriented) sites, we aren’t able to experience Hawaii for what it is and what it will be. 

 

Michelle Milanio - Because I am a member of a family who loves the art of music, I really enjoyed his presentation, which was fascinating.  I believe that I enjoyed it much more that the show only because I am more moved naturally by music and sound.