I was invited to a "special Hawaiian show" for some local dignitaries, at one of Hawaii's cruise ships which was anchored at the Aloha Tower dock. I will not mention the name of the lady who invited me, she is quite well known.
I asked her if I could bring a couple of guests, my wife and Mama Loa. I was given the O.K. When we arrived at the entrance to the ships showroom, there was quite a crowd waiting.
After waiting a few moments, Mama Loa was getting impatient. She told the doorman that she wanted to enter and get a seat as her legs were hurting. She was told that she would have to wait along with the rest of us.
She replied, "You impertinent whipper snapper, do you know I am Hawaiian Royalty! How dare you ask me to wait!" She was quite loud and threatening, I guess, for the doorman ushered us in to calm her down. We were escorted to a table right in front of the stage. The show began, the Hula dancers were great, I could see Mama Loa was enjoying herself.
Then, my friend, the "star of the show" came out and began her special solo number. Right in the middle of her number, Mama Loa arose and began to dance next to "the star". My jaw dropped, the star's jaw dropped but remained calm and performed the rest of her number. I turned red and was expecting my friend to reprimand me, but, she never mentioned the incident. Lucky for me she showed real class. By the way, the crowd loved it, I guess they thought it was part of the show. There was great applause. To this day I laugh at the thought of this surprise. This lovely lady was awesome, I miss her.
Mahalo, Keoni Montes
Thanks for sharing this story, Keoni! Oh, she was so amazing, and full of spunk and class. I miss her too. She taught me to dance the hula. We used to spend hours on the beach dancing, and one time, she showed me how she could make it rain!
All the best,
Lisa
