SURPRISE!: Kumu Hula Leilani Alama, third from left, was the guest of honor Sunday as 600 friends and relatives celebrated her 80th birthday at the New Empress Restaurant. Among those congratulating her were Blossom Kunewa, left, Kimo Alama Keaulana and his service dog, Nanea, Puakea Nogelmeier, Bill Kaiwa, Tony Conjugacion, George Naope, and Alama's kid sister, Puanani, 75. Keaulana and his group, Lei Hulu, provided the music for the pre-luncheon show by the dancers of the Leilani Alama Hula Studio. Alama said she had had no idea a party was being planned.

TAKE A RIDE: Uncle Keola Beamer struck a pose while dancing a comic hula, "Palisa," in honor of kumu hula Leilani Alama as the entertainment continued after lunch. "Palisa," recounts the experiences of a man who rides various things on a trip around the world, and Beamer had the crowd in hysterics with his interpretation of it.

NOW READ THE BOOK: Misa Telefoni Retzlaff, center, deputy prime minister of Samoa, was greeted by Cha and Jack "Tihati" Thompson Sept. 15 as he signed copies of his first novel, "Love and Money," at Native Books. Retzlaff's tale of a cross-cultural romance is a quick read that celebrates traditional Samoan values.

NEXT STOP, TURTLE BAY: Brandy Leaver, center, was congratulated by runner-ups Kimiko McDowell, left, and Uilani LaBoy early Saturday morning after she won the Miss Hawaiian Tropics Pageant at E&O Trading. Leaver will represent Hawaii in the U.S. finals at the Turtle Bay Resort next Saturday.

THUMBS UP FOR "CORPSE BRIDE": Kristi Hinshaw, left, and Kelly and Danielle Ho, enjoyed a preview of Tim Burton's "Corpse Bride" Monday at Dole Cannery. Kelly said Burton's romantic comedy is a film "adults and kids can enjoy at the same time. Tim Burton's creativity is amazing. We're all big fans." "Corpse Bride" opens today.