Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 30, Number 11, 1 November 2013 — A NEW AND IMPROVED ROYAL GROVE [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

A NEW AND IMPROVED ROYAL GROVE

Royal Hawaiian Center cultural director Manu Boyd, foreground, performs at the Sept. 6 ceremonial dedication and blessing for the center's newly renovated Royal Grove. Over five months, various improvements were made in Hawaiian landscaping, pedestrian circulation and lighting, as well as a formal performing arts venue with state-of-the-art stage and audio system. Helumoa Hale, a new facility near the Pauahi statue, combines functions of the former Lei 'Ohu Guest Services and Kaulani Heritage Room, offering slide shows of ali'i (royalty), Project Kuleana music videos and a touch-screen LCD showcasing the site's restaurants and retailers. From 10 a.m. to 1 0 p.m. daily, heritage room staff serve as hosts of the Royal Grove, welcoming guests to the Waikīkī property, onee home to ali'i. Property owner Kamehameha Schools announced Oct. 22 that it is seeking a buyer for the center's buildings, while it intends to hold on to the land. The move aims to "optimize the growth and perpetuity of the endowment that supports Kamehameha Schools' educational mission," the school said on its website. - Photo: KaiMaM