Hula dancer
outside
Gary Aiko vocalist
Bandmaster Clarke Bright
The Band
interior
Malia Ka'ai Vocalist
outside
outside
The Band
outside
outside
outside
March 29, 2014
outside
outside
outside
Vlad V.
Sep 15, 2024
The Royal Hawaiian Band has been a staple on Oahu for quite some time. They have a rich history of performing for the masses for a long, long time. What's cool is that they do a good number of free shows weekly at different spots around town. Though it was a bit of a journey for me. Rather than checking their website, I read a Yelp review that they perform at the bandstand at Kapiolani Park. I showed up at the time mentioned in the review and to my surprise, they were packing up. I approached them and found out that they changed their hours less than a year ago. Luckily, I had the opportunity to see them at another location. Every Friday, they perform at the iconic Iolani Palace at noon. I had a reservation at the palace at 1 p.m. so it made for a nice appetizer. When you experience the Royal Hawaiian Band, you'll see a full orchestra, some storytelling, and some dancing. At least that was my experience when I attended. While it didn't blow my socks off, it was enjoyable. Especially given their history on the island. Check them out if you're trying to get a taste of some Hawaiian culture. And check their website to confirm when and where they'll be performing.
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Katherine A.
Nov 20, 2023
We happened upon a free outdoor performance of the Royal Hawaiian Band in Kapiolani Park and it was wonderful. They played a selection of old Hawaiian favorites. Several of the pieces included a Hula dancer and featured local singers. The music was so beautiful and moving. The band was established in 1832 by King Kamehameha III! It is the only full time municipal band in the US. The talented band was dressed in traditional white with red sashes. Each song was introduced with a brief history of story. What a treat!
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Joni F.
Jul 7, 2023
This was todays Iolani Bandstand performance (weekly on Fridays at noon).The musicians are wonderful with a diverse repertory.The group maintains audience interest with various ensembles, vocal and hula solos. I'm disappointed that it started to rain mid concert and they abruptly packed up and left. 5 min later the rain stopped but the musicians were gone.The MC mentioned protecting the instruments and keyboards. Can't they be covered for 5 min? What happens when it rains during a parade?I think I'm just sad--I picked up lunch and looked forward to picnicking and relaxing to live music.
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Robert C.
Feb 2, 2018
Which current organization is one of the last living links to the Hawaiian monarchy?We were visiting the Iolani Palace on Friday, trying to combine the visit with watching the Royal Hawaiian Band. Got out of the tour just after 12pm, and there on the lawn was the RHB performing.RHB founded in 1836 by order of King Kamehameha -don't you just hate trying to figure out the correct spelling of these names!They perform under the trees, with about 75 folding chairs provided by Friends of the RHB. Can't perform on the stage, as the audience would be cooked under the tropical sun, even on an overcast February day.All the chairs are taken by the time we arrive at 12:07pm, with one of the helpers wiping off the morning rain from benches surrounding a tree just for me!31 band members, all dressed in white, sitting down, performing songs the entire spectrum from opera to rock and roll, with recorded speakers singing the lyrics for many of the songs.They have a vocalist and a dancer for some of the songs. Hula songs, marching songs, songs about old Hawaii. They start with the Hawaii state song and end with Aloha Oe.They play for heads of state, although they might reconsider if Trump dared to come to town. Their schedule can be found at www.rhb-music.com. They play every Friday at the Iolani Palace at noon, and every Wednesday at 11am at Ala Moana Centerstage. RHB will be playing Sunday February 4 at noon at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand. Will I see you there? No way, man, that's Super Bowl Sunday!7 videos with this Yelp review
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Richard F.
Dec 3, 2015
We found the band playing in Kapiolani Park by accident. They are amazing. They were founded in 1836 by order of King Kamehameha III. They are the last living link to Hawaii's monarchy.They have been a vital part of Hawaii's daily life, performing for heads of state, community and tourists alike. They not only express the music and culture of the island but, the very essence of the Aloha spirit.
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Nadine C.
Mar 29, 2014
It's such a treat to hear live music! It's even better because the children get to see local musicians, singers, and hula dancers! To me, it's making your dreams come true and sharing your talents in a group effort! This is a portrait of real teamwork! Thanks to the City and County of Honolulu for sponsoring this free concert!
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John A.
Mar 20, 2015
Awesome show on 'Iolani Palace grounds! Finding out the history of the Royal Hawaiian Band gave me chicken skin. In 1893,The Royal Hawaiian Band members protested the overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani. A LOYAL Royal Hawaiian Band.
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