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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, April 21, 2007

Beach Walk store focuses on Hawaiian

Advertiser Staff

Mana Hawaii, a retail complex featuring Hawai'i-made products related to Hawaiian culture, celebrates its opening in the Waikiki Beach Walk today.

The store features locally made items, including books, artwork, woodwork, clothing, hula implements and 'ukulele.

It also offers guests the opportunity to learn about Hawaiian culture by spending time with local artists and taking part in cultural activities, such as hula and 'ukulele-playing.

Mana Hawaii is a joint venture by five locally owned businesses — Native Books, Na Mea Hawaii, Original Hawaiian Traders/The Hula Supply Center, Raku International / Ukulele House and The Lomi Shop. They are all equal partners in the parent company of the store, Kauhale LLC.

All five partners operate the store, on the second floor level of the retail complex overlooking the Waikiki Beach Walk's new open-air plaza. It offers Hawaiian and locally-made merchandise and services alongside Hawai'i-inspired products.

Regular events such as strum-along 'ukulele classes will be held at the store and on the plaza. Other programs include hula lessons for keiki and parents, sessions on Hawaiian wellness such as lomilomi, Hawaiian language lessons, and talk-story sessions on current issues.