Everyone was hoping the dreaded day for ending the former Kodak Hula Show would never come. And when it did, many yesterday were still wishing there was a way the 65-year-old tradition could again be revived.

The show formally became the Pleasant Hawaiian Hula Show after being rescued by a new sponsor three years ago when Kodak pulled out after six decades. The free performances were legendary, drawing more than 20 million people since 1937.

"I'm proud to be part of this tradition," Malia Petersen — hula show dancer and current bearer of the Merrie Monarch Festival Miss Aloha Hula title — said yesterday. "And I hope it can come back."

Others expressed similar wishes. And a spokeswoman for the Hogan Family Foundation, the philanthropic arm of sponsor Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays, was anything but happy.

"When we considered various options available, we tried to find an alternative sponsor and sent out a great many letters, hoping that maybe two or three could go in together," said Dale Cowgale, spokeswoman for the foundation. But so far, none have come forward, either as sponsors or to buy the show outright from the foundation.

Cowgale had no precise annual cost figures for the show, held at Kapi'olani Park's amphitheater, but said a "half-million" figure has been bandied about.

"The truth was, it was tremendously financially draining, and we have refocused our energies on educational programs," she said.

And so the show has ended its long run with no real prospects for a savior, a victim of the dropoff in tourism and a changing economic climate.

Carol Disario, a former Honolulu resident now living in Florida, felt the sadness. "Oh, the last show!" she moaned.

"I can't believe it. When I lived here we came here a lot. Oh, man. That's a sad shame."

Seated next to Disario, Catherine Smith of Vancouver, B.C., shared her feelings. "We've come here three times in 20 years," she said. "We tell everybody about the Kodak show."

Hula show musical supervisor Moana Chang gets a teary hug at the end of the final show from friend Leonard Adams. Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser

She hesitated.

"It's still the Kodak show," she said, a tip of the hat to the original and longtime sponsor.

Three years ago, when Kodak decided to end its sponsorship, Pleasant Hawaiian took over. But the 65-year run ended yesterday.

Show performer Wallace Akeo, resplendent in a king's red cape and helmet, reacted philosophically.

"Life goes on, life goes on," he said as he made his aloha entrance.

"Auntie" May Brown, the narrator and a fixture with the show since 1938, maintained a sunny smile.

"I feel fine," she said, "because I started here in 1938 and I'm still here, and it's looking better and better and better.

"I was looking forward to coming here and doing what I always do." As if to demonstrate her resolve, she did a bit more than that: She took a turn at dancing a hula.

"Auntie May hasn't danced here since I've been with the show," host Kimo Kahoano told the audience.

The audience was treated to all of the show's familiar, even famous, elements.

Musicians with Pleasant Hawaiian Hula Show, formerly the Kodak Hula Show, performed yesterday for the last time. Front row, from left: Marian Kahale, Anna Cazimero, Moana Chang, Charlene Campbell. In background on bass is Francine Mamo Wassman. Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser

The dulcet tones of Auntie May calling out imagery from Hawaiian songs — "the gentle raindrops ... the waterfalls" — while holoku-clad dancers performed the motions.

Tributes paid for anniversaries and other occasions celebrated by visitors in the stands.

Akeo leading a percussion section in a Polynesian drum solo.

The traditional hula lesson for the tourists.

Elements so familiar, so famous, it's hard to believe they are now historical footnotes.

"It's really a sad day for us," said "Auntie" Leilani Nakamura, a veteran of the dance and musicians' corps who rose to the role of hostess. Her daughter, Charlene Campbell, still sang with The Royal Hawaiian Girls Glee Club in the show and three of her granddaughters danced.

"I can't believe it's over because it's been part of our family," she said.

It's been part of other families, too.

"We've come here for a month every Aloha Week, and we always come here," Disario said. "So much has changed," she said with a sigh. "This is the true Hawai'i."