In celebration of the first anniversary of International Market Place, the center will host a special dedication ceremony and the unveiling of a one-of-a-kind Don Ho statue on his date of birth, Sunday, Aug. 13. The bronze sculpture, created by Honolulu artist Kim Duffett, commemorates Ho’s tremendous contributions to Hawaiian music and history.
Don Ho Trust has approved these images for use by Taubman Corporation for the Don Ho statue unveiling for public relations and publicity purposes. Photo credit: Don Ho Trust.
Don Ho and Elvis Presley. Don Ho Trust has approved these images for use by Taubman Corporation for the Don Ho statue unveiling for public relations and publicity purposes. Photo credit: Don Ho Trust.Don Ho and Duke Kahanamoku, August 1967. Don Ho Trust has approved these images for use by Taubman Corporation for the Don Ho statue unveiling for public relations and publicity purposes. Photo credit: Don Ho Trust.
Ho launched his career when he was invited to perform at Duke Kahanamoku’s, a popular nightclub at International Market Place in the 1960’s. Ho became one of Waikiki’s most recognizable icons with globally recognized songs, “Tiny Bubbles” and “I’ll Remember You.”
Don Ho Trust has approved these images for use by Taubman Corporation for the Don Ho statue unveiling for public relations and publicity purposes. Photo credit: Don Ho Trust.
Open to the public, the statue unveiling and dedication ceremony will be held in the Banyan Court on Level 1 beginning at 1:30 p.m. The Ho family, Duffett, and members of Hawaii’s music industry will be in attendance. Following the statue unveiling, special performances by Ho’s family and friends will take place in Queen’s Court beginning at 4 p.m. This event will join month long festivities celebrating International Market Place’s one year anniversary.
Don Ho and wife Haumea. Don Ho Trust has approved these images for use by Taubman Corporation for the Don Ho statue unveiling for public relations and publicity purposes. Photo credit: Don Ho Trust.
Photos credited to International Market Place.
Ceremony Schedule:
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Don Ho Statue Unveiling
Banyan Court, Level 1
4 – 8 p.m. Don Ho Kanikapila and Tribute Show
Queen’s Court, Level 1
4-6 p.m.
Kanikapila (jam session) honoring Don Ho featuring fellow Don Ho entertainers and friends: Melveen Leed, Marlene Sai, Nina Kealiiwahamana, Kimo Kahoano, Karen Keawehawaii and more
7-8 p.m.
Don Ho Tribute Show featuring Henry Kapono and Friends
8:15 – 8:45 p.m. “O Na Lani Sunset Stories” Storytelling and Hula Show
Peace of mind
By Diane Ako
I like to reflect on life. Sometimes it’s philosophically. Sometimes it’s humorously.
For all its beauty, life is far too difficult a journey to take alone. You need the support and connection with others to help carry you along the way.
Writing brings me that connection– within and without. It clarifies my thoughts and feelings. It helps me reach out to others for advice, wisdom, or feedback.
Your thoughts become your actions. Your actions become you.
A wise yogi- Patanjali- said, “Speak what is true. Speak what is pleasant.” Let’s speak of things pleasant to one another and seek some peace of mind along the way.
ABOUT
Diane Ako joined Hawaii: In Real Life in October 2016. She likes being part of a community of local bloggers – people who like writing and sharing, like she does.
Ako is an anchor/ reporter at Island News (KITV4 – ABC) in Honolulu. She previously anchored and reported at KHON2 (FOX) and KHNL (NBC), and at stations in California, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania.
She freelance writes for NMG Network's magazines.
In between news jobs, in 2017, she launched and ran her own p.r. company, Diane Ako PR. From 2010-2014, she headed the public relations department at Halekulani Corporation, which oversees luxury resort Halekulani and boutique hotel Waikiki Parc.
She’s been blogging since 2009 – before Hawaii: IRL, she wrote for The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, the state’s largest daily newspaper, where her stories garnered a dozen journalism awards and an Emmy nomination.
Ako has a BA in Communications from Menlo College and an MA in Political Science from University of Hawaii at Manoa.
She volunteers as a board member of the Honolulu Gay & Lesbian Cultural Foundation, a Shinto shrine maiden at Daijingyu Temple, a citizen-scientist studying shrimp, and a yoga teacher at a senior center.