David Kalalaua, the last king of the Hawai’i, known as "The Merrie Monarch", is cherished for his convivial personality and for entertaining guests with his singing and ukulele playing.  At his coronation, the hula (dance), which had been banned since the arrival of Christian missionaries, again becamje a cornerstone of Hawaiian culture.  

For that reemergence, he is revered everywhere in Hawaii.

In Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, a phenomenon takes place each year, called the "Merrie Monarch Festival."  The weeklong event must be seen to be understood.  Residents from all the islands can watch the festivities, broadcast statewide all week, starting at 6pm and running until well after midnight.

If unfamiliar with Hawaiian culture, you may giggle to learn that there is a World Championship, an Olympics, a Super Bowl, and World Cup of the ancient art of Hula.  But your smirk would disappear if you attend, because the festival is what tourism and travel have always been about - sharing culture, joy and the ways of others. 

After decades of begging, finally, last month Hawaiian Gods smiled upon us, as we secured tickets to the festival now in its 62nd year. Held in Edith Kanaka’ole stadium, 4,000 attendees sit on bleachers to watch exquisite Halaus (schools) perform with grace and precision that world class ballets find hard to match.  

Thursday, 13 women danced Kihiko (ancient style accompanied by chanting and drums) and later in ’Auana (modern with guitars, piano, bass and singing).  It took 6 hours.  Friday, men’s and women’s schools danced Kihiko.  

Saturday, they danced Auana until just after midnight, when the 30 Kula Hula’s (Teachers) were introduced to thunderous applause and smiles.  

Music played as the awards were presented, and then the teachers, many in their 60s and 70s, broke into spontaneous dance as 4,000 fans rose to their feet. And clapped and hooted.

Where in the world would you see 4,000 cheer so long to see people of grandparent ages dance?  There is no place like Hawaii.

Lodging Newsletter by William May 
April 30, 2025 - Management by Aloha

 

A long held business concept is called "Management by Objective" (MBO) where leaders and staff outline goals, strategies, and tactics and then work toward meeting those objectives.

 

But long ago, a University of Hawaii professor proposed that that Hawaii could do better by utilizing what he called "Management by Aloha."  He said that if you want sunshine there are thousands of destinations worldwide . If you want white sand, there are even more.  But if you want to the experience a thing called  "Aloha" that can only be found in Hawaii.

 

In counseling hotels and tourism groups, he suggested allowing staff to bring guitars and ukuleles to work, where visitors could hear those lovely voices and be overwhelmed. He encouraged kitchen workers to surf with visitors.  He required scheduling flexibility, because so many employees work two jobs to pay the bills.  Those things and more would allow the aloha of staff to shine through.

 

The financial results were stellar, but the hotels also gained the love and affection of staff and visitors, which has carried on for years.

 

Hawaii is not perfect and there are certainly challenges.  Although the word "Aloha" is used widely by people who have never been there, and in commercials by corporations, there is true compassion and a deep down appreciation for the land, the ocean, the forest and for other human beings.  They are trying harder than others to be pono (good).

 

After having taken large groups of business associates on Hawaiian trips for years, the same group of people were taken to the Caribbean island of Aruba.  The attendees marveled at the beauty of Aruba, the sun, the beach, and the lodging.

 

At dinner one night, in an expensive, swanky restaurant, one of the attendees was asked, "How does Aruba compare to Hawaii?"  After thinking the woman said, "Well everyone is so nice here in Aruba, just as they are in Hawaii.  But in Hawaii, no one taught them to be nice.  They just are."

 

The "Big Island Grill in Kailua-Kona Hawaii, is not in the center of visitors’ accommodations, catering mostly to locals.  As a family of tourists were about to leave after a hearty lunch, the server insisted they take extra free ice tea drinks to go.  As the diners approached the door, the restaurant owner beamed and delivered one of the best sales closing statements ever - "Will we see you again?" -  making the visitors feel like Ohana (family).