lcuy, do you mean tonite or next Sunday? My brother's middle daughter just got a job there as hostess! Can't miss her, she looks like the older one.

Melissa-
I went last night! and I'm glad they're hiring new people, cause the service was AWFUL! She'll do well there...all htree of those girls are so cute..and they certainly are busy.

They couldn't find our reservation at first, then despite having us wait extra for the lanai table, they seated us not where we could see the sunset, but in a sort of half in/half out location. Took forever to get our order, brought 2 sets of water glasses (and placed them on the table!)but took 3 reminders to finally get our drinks with the main course. Served the salads, then the main course, then brought out the appetisers. To top it all off, they threw away our leftovers after offering to box them! (Plus if we had come for the 7:15 sunset that the reservation person had claimed, we would have arrived in darkness! It set before 7)

The good news was that the food was really good, the music in the bar was great, and the sunset incredible. I'd go back, but probably would stick with pupus in the bar area.

Must be the position of Mars, causing havoc in the universe. I went to Chiang Mai last night and had awful, awful service similar to yours. At least I got my boxed leftovers, though!

Hi Melissa
YEP, Na Palapalai was the group I was looking for. Will have to see if they have a CD out. HE WAS GREAT!!!

Neat to know that the base player was Zuttimeister's grandson. You know I have one Video on hula. It is called "Hawaiians...the story of an island people" (Moutain Apple Company). The woman you are talking about speaks about hula on it. Gives a very moving account of how her uncle taught her, what the past and future of hula are about. I remember her saying that the old chants were often prophesizing. They foretold a time when many different races would live on Oahu according to Zuttimeister. Funny I ask about her every time hula comes up around me in Hawaii. People are always telling me that they have heard about her but they did not understand her high status among other hula teachers. She says on the video when I die (I know she has sinse passed) and blank dies (one other woman that was living at the time of that documentary) we come down to the master?s level of hula teacher. Anyways thanks for the info. Can't wait to find one of those CD's.

Thanks Kolohegirl (some sign on name)

I saw hapa about 4-5 years (?) ago in the west village at the bottom line. Flanagan was drunk beyond belief, no wonder they split up. I remember Keli'i Kaneali'i being there. Recognized him from the cd cover.

Several groups will be at the Windward Ho'olaule'a Sat Sept 6th 10am - 10pm at WCC.

Just went to the Hilton tonight. Saturdays draw more locals than Fridays, so you are more likely to see jerry santos pull people up for spontaneous song and/or hula! Tonight kumu hula Frank Hewitt was there, as well as people from his halau, so there were a lot of guest entertainers. Loved it! I felt like I was at a luau, only the drinks were outrageously expensive!

I am a part of the zuttermeister ohana(family) and i would like to thank you (sarah) for passing on the life of hula and talking about my great grandma, kau'i, an cousin hoku. if you have any questions about them please feel free to e-mail me.

Just pulling a few loose threads together.

First, Frommer's has explicit reservations about seating within Chai's dining room while musical groups are playing, and I agree. Over-amplified. Sit somewhere on the edge, just inside or just outside.

Second, Melissa does get around. She just got back from Rio after doing Carnavale and Mardi Gras with three companions (I will leave it to you to inquire about the companions) and she is now obviously into her Brazilian phase.

A sad litany to departed artists: in addition to Rap and Benton passing on, Robert Beaumont (Olomana) and Dennis Pavao (falsetto specialist with Hui Ohana) have also left us.

Thank goodness Genoa Keawe perserveres!
Everyone should take great measures to preserve her works.

Zutti, I think your cousin Hoku knows my good friend Cherie...she dances for Jerry Santos?

Jerry's one of my best pals -- we just spent this past weekend with him. His current dancer is Nalani (former haumana of Kawaikapuokalani Hewett).

Saw Hoku at the Shell -- the annual fundraiser for Punana Leo Schools (Hawaiian immersion program), playing behind Raiatea Helm and her dad (Hanale played, too).

Small, wonderful world of Hawaiian music!

As for Chai's Bistro -- it's one of the last places to hear/see a wide variety of some of Hawaii's best musicians...every night of the week. Always call first to see who is playing -- the lineup changes frequently (Sean Na`auao and Robi Kahakalau played their final duet there on Saturday, for example). No matter who is playing, it will always be good!