Aloha Kaua at Paliku Theatre

Windward CC’s Hawaii Conservatory of Performing Arts (HCPA) and the North Beach-West Maui Benefit Fund present Aloha Kaua, written by Noalani Helela and directed by Taurie Kinoshita, February 21–March 2, 2025 at Paliku Theatre.

As a young man, Kauikeaouli (Kamehameha III) fell in love with Kaomi, a brilliant half-Tahitian and half-Hawaiian student of Hiram Bingham. Kaomi healed with his hands, diagnosed illnesses, and rebelled against the values and laws being imposed by the missionaries. As their love deepened, Kauikeaouli was inspired to resist oppressive colonial morality. He brought back hula, free love, drinking, games, and Makahiki (an annual celebration). Kauikeaouli eventually made Kaomi his M‘ ku‘i (joint king). Ku’i also implies marriage, underscoring the deep love they had for each other.

Outraged, Christian chiefs (Kaikio‘ewa and Kna‘u among them) tried to stop the young Kauikeaouli. Some resorted to violence, turning their anger on Kaomi and demonizing him for leading the king down what they believed was a dangerous path. The “Time of Kaomi” was almost erased from history.  

Kinoshita said, “We see the clash between traditional non-binary views and the rigid hierarchical world of the west. It’s a historical drama about queer love and resistance, peppered with humor and witty dialogue.” 

Helel, the HCPA Emerging Island Artist for the 2022–23 season, revives elements of this incredible story to focus on a timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and courage in a time of uncertainty. Hawaiian historian Adam Keawe Manalo-Camp calls this the first hate-crime in the history of Hawaii.

Corin Kumakani Medeiros (Morgan’s Corner at Windward CC) stars as Kauikeaouli, Leleae "Buffy" Kahalepuna-Wong (Once On This Island at Manoa Valley Theatre) plays his mother Kaahumanu, and Alten Keoki Ken Kiakona (Lovey Lee at Kumu Kahua Theatre) is Kaomi.

Show dates and times:

February 21, 22, 28 and March 1 (Fridays and Saturdays) 7:30 p.m.  

February 27 (Thursday) 7:30 p.m. 

February 23 and March 2 (Sundays) 3 p.m.

Ticket information:

$25 General 

$20 Seniors (62+), active military (with ID), UH faculty and staff, DOE educators

$15 Students (13+ and college students with ID) 

Purchase tickets online at palikutheatre.com or in person at the box office one hour prior to the show. For more information call (808) 235-7315 or email paliku@hawaii.edu.

Suitable for ages 13+