Windward CC’s Hawaiʻi Conservatory of Performing Arts (HCPA) and the North Beach-West Maui Benefit Fund present Aloha Kaua, written by Noalani Helelā and directed by Taurie Kinoshita, February 21–March 2, 2025 at Palikū 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 Mō‘ī ku‘i (joint king). Ku’i also implies marriage, underscoring the deep love they had for each other.

Outraged, Christian chiefs (Kaikio‘ewa and Kīna‘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.”

Helelā, 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 Hawaiʻi.

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