2007 Duke's Ho'okahiko Award

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Hula teacher and cultural ambassador Kau'ihealani Mahikoa Brandt was congratulated by Duke's Waikiki managers Dylan Ching, left, and Andrew Tucker on April 18 as she received the 2007 Duke's Ho'okahiko Award for her lifelong commitment to perpetuating Hawaiian culture. The award is presented each year to an individual who exemplifies "the finest traditions of Hawaii." Brandt has been presenting hula and related aspects of Hawaiian culture at Disney World in Florida for more than 30 years (Duke's translates "ho'okahiko" as "cling to the traditions"). CLICK FOR LARGE

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
After the presentation, Kau'ihealani Brandt entertained with hulas to "Mi Nei" and "Puamana." CLICK FOR LARGE

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Local actress Elisa Dulce and her husband, Kauasi Mataele, came to Duke's for the ceremony with their well-behaved granddaughter, Teihriangi Wineera. Dulce said she's had the opportunity to do some genealogical research recently and has had a great time learning more about her extended family on the mainland and in the Philippines. CLICK FOR LARGE

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Lei Naipo, left, enjoyed the party and the lavish buffet with Kaulu Hopkins and Hopkins' children, Kiele and Moku. Naipo said that she and Kaulu had danced in Brandt's show, the Kau'i Pono Polynesian Revue, at Walt Disney World's Polynesian Resort, and that Kiele had continued the family hula tradition by also dancing in the show, before they all returned to Hawaii last year. CLICK FOR LARGE

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Leihulumamo Pyne, left, attended the party with local author Shari Berinobis. Berinobis revealed that she was one of Brandt's students at the International Market Place in the 1960s. CLICK FOR LARGE