The stunning “Pink Palace of the Pacific” now offers something new to their valued guests. From cultural activities like lei making and hula lessons to fitness-oriented programs like Pilates there’s sure to be something for everyone.

“The purpose of the program is to further enhance guest experience by providing more in-house options,” said hotel manager Jon Gersonde.  Notably, the program features local talents as instructors. 

Alaka`i (lead hula dancer) Shelsea Ai Apana teaches hula dancing lessons. Apana has been dancing for 21 years and comes from a long line of hula dancers. “When I teach, I like to include the culture and background of each song, as well as teach the meaning of aloha,” said Apana.

Apana’s hula genealogy includes her great-grandmother Annie Kaleikaulana Clark, who had kapu (sacred) hula training in Maui that incorporated worshipping the gods while dancing; her grandmother Blossom Kailiponi Clark Kaipo, a city parks kumu hula (master hula teacher) for more than 40 years on Oahu; and her mother, Olana Ai, a kumu hula on Oahu for more than 30 years.

Apana and her mother are well known throughout the hula community and perform with the Halau Hula Olana. The Halau Hula Olana is a multiple-award winner at the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, the state’s most prestigious hula competition.  One of the busiest halaus in Hawaii, the group also travels frequently to Japan and the Mainland U.S. to perform.

The Royal Hawaiian’s ukulele lessons are taught by John Enos, who has been playing ukulele for more than 30 years. He was raised in Honolulu and attended the prestigious Kamehameha Schools.  Enos is happy to teach ukulele lessons to The Royal Hawaiian’s hotel guests as way to help spread Hawaii’s culture. Notably, the ukuleles at The Royal Hawaiian are made of Koa wood and engraved with The Royal Hawaiian logo.
Enos is also a musician in the Hawaiian group Ho`omalie.  Zanuck Lindsey, who performs regularly at The Royal Hawaiian’s Mai Tai Bar, is a band mate.  The group released their first CD, “Only You,” on October 28, 2006, and belongs to the Pacific Music Foundation, an organization that promotes cultural exchange, music as healing therapy and musical education.  “It’s important to me to teach others and not only be a musician,” said Enos.

The following is a list of weekly activities at The Royal Hawaiian.  For more information, please call the hotel at (808) 923-7311.

Monday
10-11 a.m. Lei Making – Make lei with orchid and plumeria

2-3 p.m. Royal Hawaiian Tour – Walk the grounds and learn the history of the hotel

Tuesday
10-11 a.m. Ukulele Lessons – with John Enos

2-3 p.m.  Lauhala Weaving – Learn about the treasured art of weaving this plant

Wednesday
8-9 a.m. Pilates – A popular routine to start your day; at Abhasa Waikiki Spa

10-11 a.m. Hula Lessons – Learn the art and beauty of this Hawaiian dance with Shelsea Apana

2-3 p.m. Royal Hawaiian Tour – Walk the grounds and learn the history of the hotel

Thursday
9-10 a.m. Garden Talk – Tour the Royal’s garden and learn about its natural beauty

Friday
8-9 a.m. Tai Chi – A tranquil way to start your day; at Abhasa Waikiki Spa

2-3 p.m. Royal Hawaiian Tour – Walk the grounds and learn the history of the hotel

All activities are free of charge and exclusive to hotel guests, with the exception of The Royal Hawaiian Tour, Garden Tour and Hawaiian Legends Tour, which are open to the public.  Activities can be booked through The Royal Hawaiian’s concierge desk by calling (808) 931-7595.  For more information, visit www.royal-hawaiian.com.