When it opens this December, Mana Hawaii will showcase a bounty
of beautiful locally-made items unique to the Hawaiian Islands. But
anyone visiting this Waikiki Beach Walk shop will likely take home
Island insight extending far beyond the merchandise.
With 1,600 square feet brimming of books, artwork, woodwork,
clothing, hula implements, ukulele and more, Mana will also
encourage guests to learn about Hawaiian culture. Shoppers can
spend time with local artists and take part in cultural activities
taught by practitioners of everything from surfing and hula to
ukulele playing and lomilomi massage. The intent is to provide
visitors a venue where they can experience the culture and history
of Hawaii the way locals would - by witnessing, learning and
doing.
“Mana Hawaii is a truly unique way to connect visitors to the
Hawaiian community,” noted David Carey, president and CEO of
Outrigger Enterprises Group. “We are honored to have a Hawaiian
venture as part of Waikiki Beach Walk, and we look forward to
giving our guests the opportunity to learn about what makes Hawaii
such a special place.”
Mana Hawaii is a joint venture by five locally owned businesses
Native Books, Na Mea Hawaii, Original Hawaiian Traders/The Hula
Supply Center, Raku Inter-national/Ukulele House and The Lomi
Shop.
The partners will also run a schedule of cultural programming,
with events such as strum-along ukulele classes held at the store
and on the Beach Walk’s plaza. Visitors can learn a few chords of
traditional Hawaiian songs while interacting with the teacher to
understand the ukulele’s place in Hawaiian culture.
Other unique programs will include hula lessons, sessions on
Hawaiian wellness and cultural activities such as weaving - all
presented as guests learn their related cultural significance.
Hawaiian language lessons and “talk story” sessions will cover
distinctive topics such as issues facing the Hawaiian community
today and discussions on ocean-related occupations.
“Mana Hawaii is very important to the mix of stores and
restaurants at Waikiki Beach Walk,” explained Barbara Campbell,
vice president of retail development and leasing for Outrigger
Enter-prises Group. “It is, in many ways, the centerpiece of our
retail complex because it plays such an important role in giving
visitors an authentic Hawaiian experience that can only be found
here.”
While the merchandise and cultural activities are what may bring
visitors into the shop, Mana Hawaii hopes to connect visitors with
the artists and producers who bring contemporary Hawaii to life in
their work.
“Mana Hawaii is much more than a store,” explained Maile Meyer,
owner of Native Books and Na Mea Hawaii, two of the five businesses
launching Mana Hawaii. “We offer access to the Hawaiian community
for visitors who want to meet people and experience things that
embody the true essence of Hawaii. We want visitors to be able to
celebrate Hawaii on a deeper level and feel a connection to our
home.”
The owners of Mana Hawaii hope to extend their concept to other
islands but not in the traditional sense of expansion. In-stead,
with the help of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, they will utilize
their experience in launching the Waikiki Beach Walk location to
create a business model of collaboration that can be replicated in
other locations by other parties.
The $460 million Waikiki Beach Walk redevelopment project will
feature an outdoor entertainment plaza, 40 new retailers, six
exciting restaurants and four hotels. Phase One is scheduled to be
completed in December 2006.
www.waikikibeachwalk.com
