Noa Helelā’s Aloha Kāua, a historical drama about “ka wa ia Kaomi” during the early part of the reign of Kauikeaouli, premieres on O’ahu at the Palikū Theatre, February 21and runs through March 2, before moving to Maui’s historic ʻĪao Theater, March 8 and 9.

The play is directed by Taurie Kinoshita of the Hawai’i Conservatory of Performing Arts at Windward Community College.

Aloha Kaua is a timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and courage in a time of repression and uncertainty, peppered with humor and witty dialogue. Kauikeaouli (Kamehameha III) fell in love with Kaomi, who could heal with his hands, diagnose illnesses, and rebelled against the values and laws being imposed by the missionaries. As their love deepens, Kauikeaouli is inspired to resist oppressive colonial morality: he brings back hula, free love, drinking, games, and Makahiki. Outraged by Kauikeaouli making Kaomi his Mō‘ī ku‘i (joint king), Christian chiefs try to stop the young Kauikeaouli. Some resort to violence, turning their anger on Kaomi and demonizing him for leading the king down what they believed was a dangerous path.

Learn more and purchase tickets:

O’ahu: General admission is $25. Windward CC students are $5.
O’ahu tickets: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=pali

Maui: General admission is $20. Free tickets for youth/college students.
Maui tickets: https://mauionstage.thundertix.com/events/242500