Curtain Call for The Keawe ‘Ohana

June 11, 2016 • Addison Ching • Entertainment

The Keawe ‘Ohana, a mainstay at the Waikīkī Beach Marriott Resort and Spa's Moana Terrace for 21 years, gave their final performance on Thursday, June 2, 2016. The ‘Ohana was the current iteration of a dynasty that began with matriarch Genoa Keawe at the Hawaiian Regent Hotel which subsequently became the Marriott property. The Keawe ‘Ohana was Gary Aiko (first son of Genoa Keawe), Pomaika‘i Lyman (granddaughter of Genoa Keawe), Momi Bee Kawahaiola‘a (neice of Genoa Keawe), and Alan Akaka who originally played the steel guitar for Aunty Genoa and remained with the group.

Gary Aiko has not performed with the group for several months due to personal circumstances. During Gary's absence, Adam Asing stepped in as a vocalist and the group's bass player. It was also Pomaika‘i's desire to dedicate her time towards other facets of her life, including ‘ukulele instruction and assisting her husband in his business. She is also the reigning Mrs. Hawai‘i International. 2016. Aunty Momi, one of the Bee Sisters who made the original recording of "The Hukilau Song" ("Oh, we're going to a hukilau…") continues to perform at Duke's Waikīkī.

Gary performed at the group's final show. Also performing that night were guest artists including Eric Keawe (Gary's younger brother and Pomaika‘i's father) amd Mālie Lyman (Pomaika‘i's daughter). Everyone joined in, with Mālie on the steel guitar, at the traditional closing with Aunty Genoa's trademark "‘Alika."

Hawaiian music entertainment continues on Thursday evening at the Waikīkī Beach Marriott Resort and Spa with Alan Akaka and The Islanders (Kaipo Asing on guitar and Adam Asing on upright bass.)

Photo Credits:
Photo 1: The Keawe ‘Ohana at the Waikīkī Beach Marriott Resort and Spa. pc-Addison Ching.
Photo 2: The Keawe ‘Ohana "‘Alika" finale. pc-Pomaika‘i Lyman