Romance in Hawaii (2023) Movie Script
Yeah, as long as we have
the bid in by Thursday,
we should be fine. I have a good
feeling about this one.
Alright. You got it, George.
Thank you.
Is that a close
on the Howard Ranch?
Almost. Fingers crossed.
Ah, impressive. You know...
You're practically running
this company singlehandedly.
If I'm running Livvana singlehandedly,
what does that say about you?
That I know how to benefit from
my harder-working colleagues.
You ready to go to this meeting,
Diana said that she wanted us
there at 4 p.m. sharp.
Come on, we gotta go.
And here she is now!
The youngest executive
in Livvana's history
has just hit $100 million
in sales for the year.
- Yeah!
- Congratulations, Leah.
We're so proud to have you
as part of our family.
Well...
- That's right.
- Okay. Oh, thank you.
Thank you so much. Thank you.
Oh, don't pick up
your own party.
That's what we have
a cleaning staff for.
You know
I can't do that to them.
I always like to leave a place
better than I found it.
Thank you. You really
didn't have to do all this.
We missed celebrating
the other milestones.
I figured we couldn't let
this one pass us up, too.
Especially not one this big.
Mind if I have
a private word with Leah?
- Oh, yeah, sure.
- Thanks.
Oh, Leah, leave that. Uh,
please, come and have a seat.
- I wanna have a chat.
- What's going on?
Right.
The board is very impressed
with you, you know?
I'm so flattered. Thank you.
It's not easy getting
where you are in this business.
I-I won't pretend
it was easy for me either.
Being a woman in what is still
very much a man's world,
you often have to work twice
as hard to only get half as far.
But it's worth it,
we're making a difference
taking the archaic work
of the past
and making it relevant
for the future.
We make vacation homes
and resorts, Diana.
We make futures
and we make money.
I know you've got that little...
Well, more than little nest egg
you've been saving for years.
But I mean it,
the board loves you.
I'd say all it takes is
one more impressive project,
and I'm looking
at my future partner.
Wow. Diana,
I don't know what to say.
You don't have to say anything.
You deserve it.
Just... don't mention anything
to Michael.
I wanna believe
he'll be a good sport,
but I'm not sure
how he'll take the news
that I'm giving you
the promotion over him.
- Huh. Hi, Michael.
- There she is!
- How was your little chat?
- You know Diana.
- She just likes to check in.
- With you, maybe.
Don't you guys have always had
your own little thing going on?
I think she just sees me
as similar to her.
And honestly, she's kind of
the only mentor I've ever had.
- Scoot up.
- Exactly.
Your own little thing going on.
She didn't by chance mention
anything about these, um,
murmurs I've been hearing about
there being an opening
for partner?
Like I said,
she just wanted to check in.
Gotcha. You done for the day?
How about
we grab some celebratory drinks?
Thank you for the invite,
but not tonight.
- I've already got plans. Oh.
- Oh, she got plans.
- Yeah. Okay, Michael, goodnight.
- What kind of plans?
- I'll see you tomorrow.
- Maybe I can call you after t...
- Leah?
- Thank you.
- Hello?
- Rachel. Hi!
- Leah, what's up?
- Yeah.
I got some pretty great news at
work today and was thinking
about going out
for an impromptu celebration.
You free?
Oh, I'm sorry.
I can't tonight.
Yeah, no worries. Next time.
- Okay, congrats, girl.
- Thank you.
You've reached Mary.
Sorry I
can't get to the phone. Leav...
- Oh, my goodness!
- Hey, Kiki!
It really is you!
You know,
I could hardly believe when
I saw your name
come up on my phone.
I know, I'm sorry it's been
so long. I've just been so--
Busy, I know. You know,
the kids have been asking.
- About their Aunty Leah.
- They have not.
Well, they would if they ever
got a chance to meet you.
- How are you doing? Yeah?
- I'm great.
- Yeah. You?
- Uh, same, same.
You know, servant and chauffer
and caterer and everything else
for the little ones.
- Lucky little ones.
- They deserve it.
But, man, those days of staying
up all night in the dorm room
with you and gorging ourselves
on our meal plan at Parkside,
well, it couldn't seem
further away.
Wait, did that happen
or did I just dream it?
You know, I still have the photo
from move-in day
on proud display.
Best random
rooming assignment ever.
So what's new in your world?
Well, I got some pretty big news
at work today.
I found out I might be up
for partner at the company.
Leah, that's a really big deal!
- Hello, congrats! Oh.
- Thank you.
You know, John and I always said
that you would be the...
I'm sorry. I-I-I don't know
why I said that.
No, don't be sorry.
So, are you dating anyone?
- Nice segue.
- Ha-ha-ha...
No, I'm not dating anyone.
You know me.
I do know you, Leah.
John wasn't the only guy
out there, you know?
For me, maybe he was.
And maybe a love like that, I
mean, like you have with Kenny,
only comes around
once a lifetime.
And I already had my go.
Yeah, I can't wait
to rub it in when one day
you tell me that you've fallen
madly in love with someone new
and you're gonna start having
some keiki of your own.
I have accepted
that John was that for me.
He was my one chance,
and I blew it.
If you keep telling yourself
that you're never gonna feel
this way again,
then you never will.
You've got to be open
to the finding, Leah.
Yes, John was your first love.
But that doesn't mean
he's your last.
Yeah, but maybe he was.
And that's okay.
I feel like I've leveled out
and I'm in this great place now.
I just don't feel things so much anymore.
You know I don't remember
the last time I cried?
Maybe this is what
growing up is.
N-now my food delivery
is all I need.
- You sure about that?
- Oh, I'm sure.
As long
as you're actually happy.
Work is great, house is great,
life is great.
- But?
- No, no buts.
Hm. You know, you should come
pay a visit sometime.
All that hard work must mean
you're due for a vacation.
Ah, maybe soon, but right now
when I'm up for partner at
the company, I just gotta tough
it out a little bit longer.
- Mom!
- Uh, just a minute, Kealoha!
The keiki are calling,
so I better go.
But I'm glad you called, sis.
Now go out and celebrate
that promotion
and have an extra drink for me!
You got it, Kiki.
Talk soon.
Okay, thanks.
- Good morning.
- Morning.
Oh, Leah, may I see you
in my office for a moment?
- Sure.
- Michael's already in there.
I love that dress, Diana.
Oh, thank you.
Uh, please, after you.
Big news, guys.
We just caught word
that there is a property
coming up for auction in Hawaii,
one we've had our eyes on
for a while.
Oh. I bet the Prescotts
will be pleased.
Mm-hmm, exactly,
it's precisely the kind of place
where we could develop a resort
they're looking to own.
So I'm sending the two of you
out there to acquire it.
- The two of us?
- Yes.
The board wants you both to go
for this one. Our two best.
I'm sure you've both heard
by now that there is
a partner position
opening up here at Livvana.
Well, they wanna see if you guys
can make this acquisition
happen, and they wanna see
which one of you will do it.
Which one of us?
A-aren't we on the same team?
Not quite.
Uh, this isn't a normal auction.
There're some rules in play here
we haven't dealt with before.
The property currently belongs
to a family that's been there
for generations,
but there's a big tax lien on it
that they are not able to pay.
Companies, however, are not able
to bid on the lien.
Private bidders only.
So you want us to go out there
and bid as private buyers.
Yes. The family also gets a say
in who takes over the lien.
So the board feels it would be
wise to give them options.
That's why they're sending
both of you.
- Right.
- Sounds good to me.
So when do we leave?
The auction is
at the end of the month,
so I'm having your flights
booked for tomorrow.
It's going to take time
to build trust with the family.
The sooner you get started,
the better.
How are we supposed
to build trust
with this family
we've never met?
Well, that's
for two of my best buyers
in front of me to figure out.
Don't you know someone
out there? Your college friend?
Uh, yeah. We talked just last
night, actually. So weird.
Oh, well, maybe not. See, you're
already connected. It's a sign.
So pack your bags,
and let's see
who can secure us
this deal of a lifetime.
Aloha,
ladies and gentlemen.
Let me be the first to welcome
you to beautiful Hawaii.
Sorry about that, George,
we just arrived,
so I haven't gotten online yet,
I'll take a look
as soon as we get to the room.
Yup, I'll call you then, bye.
- Oh, my gosh. I'm so sorry.
- Oh! Oh, I'm so sorry, miss.
- Apologies.
- No, it was my fault.
I wasn't looking and I...
Uh, I wasn't either. Apologies.
- Can I help you with those?
- Yes.
Uh, no, I've got it.
Thank you. Um...
I'm sorry. I-I was just looking
on my phone and I...
- Wow.
- Pretty great, huh?
This is what you were missing
because of that thing.
First time here?
Yes.
- Welcome.
- Thank you.
Your first time, too?
Yes, this is my first time
at this hotel.
We're pleased to have you. I'm
the activities director here.
- Ikaika.
- Leah.
Michael.
Well, pleasure.
Um, great to meet you guys.
Uh, we have our happy-hour
live entertainment
down in the main lawn
in an hour.
Check it out
if you guys are free.
We'll try and make it.
Thank you.
Are you sure you're okay?
He really slammed into you.
- You could be concussed.
- Yeah, uh, he...
I'm fine. I mean,
look at this incredible view!
Yeah, yeah, I guess
there are worse places
to compete head-to-head
for firm partner.
He said there's
entertainment in an hour? Well.
Wanna go settle in and then
you can meet me for a drink?
Okay. Sure.
Thank you.
May the best man win.
- May we do good work.
- Whatever.
Aloha and e komo mai.
Good evening and welcome,
everyone, my name is Ikaika,
and I'll be your MC
for the evening.
I hope you are all enjoying
your stay here with us.
I would love to introduce to you
our beautiful singer
for the evening, Mahulani. Please.
Let's give her
a round of applause.
And we've got a very special
treat for you all today.
For those of you who don't know,
hula is a dance
unique to Hawaii.
It portrays our prophecy
and history alike
and it connects us
with the tales
and stories of our ancestors.
Visiting us from
the beautiful island of Maui,
my Cousin Kehaulani
will be sharing
a little bit of hula
to all of you.
Mahalo, Kehaulani!
Let's give her another round
of applause, everyone.
That was something I guess
you can call it entertaining.
Should we get another round
of drinks? Tsk, tsk.
Ah, not for me, I don't think.
I'm-I'm feeling a little strange
all of a sudden.
I'm gonna go back to the room
to lie down for a bit.
- You all right?
- Yeah. Um...
Probably just jet lag.
Uh, I'll see you in the morning.
And another round of applause
for Mahulani.
- Morning, sunshine.
- Oh! Good morning.
- You feeling a little better?
- Much. Thank you.
Like I said, it was nothing.
Just needed some sleep.
- Ready to go to the property?
- Born ready.
- Hm. Sure.
- You mind driving?
Okay, huh,
so this is what's got
Diana and the Prescotts
all hot and bothered?
I think it's beautiful.
Maybe when we're done with it.
- W-wait.
- What?
Shouldn't we ask for permission
first?
Why?
- Who's there?
- Good morning. Uh...
My name is Leah.
This is Michael.
We're here to see the property
that's going into auction
at the end of the month.
Of course you are.
It's always the haoles.
- Pardon me?
- We're a little busy today.
But you can come back for
the scheduled tour on Wednesday.
Actually, we were hoping
that maybe we could get this
conversation rolling
a little bit before Wednesday.
You wouldn't happen to be
one of the family members
that's responsible
for putting this
beautiful property up for sale?
It's not for sale.
That went well.
This is gonna be fun.
- Kiki!
- Aw, it's really you!
I'm sorry it took so long.
Well, the kids are at school,
but let's sit and talk story.
You could tell me about
your trip and everything else.
Hey, come on, come on, okay.
I don't know, Leah.
That sounds tricky to me.
I know it is, but honestly,
somebody's gonna do it.
It might as well be my company.
We're not as unsporting
as the others.
I mean, at least we actually pay
what properties are worth.
But they're having you go up
against your partner for it too?
- My colleague, yes.
- Some company.
I mean,
that's the nature of business.
At the end of the day,
this family's going to walk away
with a lot of money,
it's gonna change their lives.
Maybe they don't want
their lives to change.
Change is inevitable, Kiki.
Might as well be
comfortable, too.
What?
Forgive me, sis,
but I can't help but remember
all the things that you used
to talk about in school.
About building
sustainable housing
and community resources
and just...
Wow, Kiki.
Yeah, I had so many dreams.
I mean, I would still love to do
those things.
And to be honest, I have been
saving up so that I can one day.
But I have to earn my way there
first, I guess.
That's what I'm trying to do.
Man, it really is everything
you said out here.
Yeah, now you see
why I never came back to LA.
- I can't blame you.
- Where are you staying?
At the Hale Hotel.
Yeah, it's nice.
There was even a hula dancer
last night that, um...
- That what?
- I don't know.
Uh, watching her,
this kinda sounds silly,
I, I felt something.
This coming from the woman
who said just a couple days ago
she couldn't feel anything anymore.
I know, I know, but, yeah,
watching her dance, uh,
the look on her face,
it was just pure joy
or-or longing,
or-or maybe both.
I-I don't know. I wanted
to feel that. Is that crazy?
That must have been
a great dancer.
Well, it sounds like
they're stepping up
the haole entertainment
over there, huh?
What is this word you're saying?
- Haole?
- Yeah. What does it mean?
Uh, it's what you are.
You know, not from here.
Yeah, that's what the woman
called us today.
Oh, well, don't be surprised
when everybody here
calls you that.
- Is it bad?
- No. It, it just is.
Now, let's get your haole okole
up and over here.
I wanna give you a full tour
before you go.
- Okay, okole?
- Yeah.
That's what you've
been sitting on, girl.
Hi, Diana.
Haven't heard
from you yet.
Michael called me first thing
after you guys
left the property.
Well, that surprises me.
There wasn't much to tell.
I mean, the property
is beautiful, I already
have some ideas
as to how to build
things around the natural lay
of the land.
Uh, Michael thinks the whole
thing would need to be leveled
so we can start fresh.
And I'm inclined to agree.
Really? I think
that would be a mistake.
Now is not the time
to be branching out.
Not when you have
this competition going on.
- Competition?
- Why call it anything else?
My hands are tied here, Leah,
I just don't want you making
choices that might jeopardize
your future, you know?
Aloha, everybody. It's time
for our group hula lesson.
Well, I thought you said
the board loves me.
Do I have any volunteers
to come on up and help me...
The board is still
very old-school business.
And the idea of a woman partner
is a bit more new-school.
They have these ideas of what
makes a successful executive,
and they're going to be
watching you closely.
Hey, you on the phone.
This is a no-cell-phone
activity zone.
Put that phone away or I'm going
to make you a volunteer.
- Look, I understand that, but--
- Fine. I'm gonna get you.
Uh, listen, Diana, I have to go,
but I, I will get back to you
very soon, uh, with my thoughts
on the property.
Thanks, bye.
Let that be a lesson
to all of you.
We take our cell-phone rule
very seriously.
Now, the lovely Leah is going
to learn hula and dance with me
one of our most cherished
hapa haole songs.
Now, first we start
with the feet.
All right? Like this, follow me.
- Come on.
- Do I have to?
The sooner you start,
the sooner it'll be over.
I have to call you back.
There you go.
Next is the hips.
Ey, you're a natural. Let's give
Leah a little bit of love!
Everybody!
Now for the fun part.
Hula tells a story.
So follow my hands and arms
and help tell this love story
with me.
Let's give another round
of applause to Leah, everybody.
Whoo-hoo-hoo!
Thank you so much
for being a good sport.
All right, now let's get
everybody on stage with me.
Let's do it all together!
- Hey, that was great up there.
- Oh, gosh, I...
You're the dancer
from last night.
That was beautiful!
I mean, you made me cry.
- Thank you.
- No, truly.
You made me feel things
I didn't know I could feel.
- It was lovely.
- Mahalo. You know...
Hula has always been special to
me, and it's so great to see new
people connect with it. Have you
ever thought about learning?
Oh, no. I, I mean, I didn't ever
see it until you last night.
I-I think I would remember
seeing something that beautiful.
Well, if it calls to you...
I just wanted to let you know
you did great up there.
Even Ikaika was impressed,
and he's never impressed before.
Well, thank you.
It was a pleasure meeting you.
You, too.
- Wow! That was cool.
- Ah, come on.
You showing all those moves.
That was crazy!
That was crazy, Leah.
I gotta hand it to you, though,
I would've never done
anything like that, I wouldn't
have been caught dead...
- Doing what you did up there.
- Gee, thanks, Michael.
I didn't choose to go up there.
He made me.
Why did you let him
force you to do it?
I would have just kept walking.
Buh-bye.
I guess I'm not as dismissive
as you are.
Hold that thought. Oh.
Hi, Diana.
No, no, it's a little bit
quieter now.
No, no,
she isn't dancing anymore.
She's actually sitting right
here next to me. Ah, uh-huh.
Yeah, you-you wanna...
I'm sure she would love to.
She wants to talk to you.
Oh. Okay. Diana, hi.
Yeah, it was right when
we were on the phone earlier.
I thought I told you
to take this seriously.
Do you know what the guys
on the board would say
if they saw you making a fool
of yourself like that?
- No one is going to see.
- Michael said he took a video.
He what?
It was just
a silly hotel-tourist thing.
I-I... It was a one-time thing.
We don't need anything
making you look soft, okay?
Or anything
to make the board think that
I'm making a mistake
by backing you, too.
Please, try to focus
on the end goal here.
Yeah, you got it.
I'll check in with you guys
tomorrow, okay?
Bye, Diana.
You told her I was up there?
Yes, she called
while you were up there and she
wanted to know where you were.
- And you took a video?
- I did, yeah. But it was funny.
I mean,
it was, it was fun.
You would, uh...
You wanna see it? I...
You don't wanna see it. Where
you going? I can delete it.
- To get some work done.
- I'll delete it.
It's not a big, um...
Deleted.
That's great, George. Thank you.
Yeah, I'll send an email
to Diana right now.
Have a great night. Bye.
Hey, Diana. Just closed
on the Howard Ranch.
Will send you all the details tomorrow.
Sorry about the...
Send.
What are you doing, Leah? Oh.
Good morning.
Good morning, I wanted
to see if you were ready
to head over to the property together.
Maybe we can grab some coffee
on the way?
Um, I actually think I'm gonna
do my own thing today.
Ah. Are you still mad
at me about yesterday?
I just don't think it makes
sense for us to be doing
these visits together when
you're constantly reminding me
that we're competing and are not
actually a team on this.
Uh, okay,
I'll take that as a yes.
Maybe I'll see you there.
Bye, Michael.
Maybe I'll see you...
Yeah, this looks like
a pa'u.
Leah!
- Ikaika. Good morning.
- Hi.
I almost didn't recognize you
without your cell phone.
I almost didn't recognize you
without your microphone
and audience.
Touche.
Um, sorry,
but it's a thing we do
out here, calling out the guests
like that.
- How fun for us.
- Oh, so much tension.
We gotta teach you
how to hang loose.
Some of us have too much work
to do to hang loose.
I don't know, you did
pretty great up there yesterday.
Have you ever
danced hula before?
- No.
- Well, you're a natural at it.
- Are you making fun of me?
- This time I'm not, actually.
I mean it. Seriously, you should
put that phone down more often.
A different side of you
comes out.
Oh, what the heck.
At the risk of sounding
totally insane,
you don't teach hula,
per chance?
- I-is this a real question?
- Yes.
Well, sure. Yeah, we do
group lessons here every day.
I don't want group lessons.
I need something more private.
- Do you do that?
- No, not really.
Uh, what about that dancer
you featured the other night?
You said she's your cousin.
Kehaulani?
- Yeah.
- Uh, does she teach?
Well, she left earlier for Maui
this morning.
- No worries, thank you.
- Well, why do you wanna learn?
I-I don't know...
I felt compelled to ask.
That's all.
Have a good day.
S-so, hey, cuz.
What's up with you
and that wahine?
- Nothing.
- Yeah.
That didn't look
like nothing, brah.
She's a guest here at the hotel.
She was just asking about
taking hula lessons.
Oh. Hello!
Gotta clean the vine
off the tea leaf.
- All that stuff.
- I know. Uh, I know.
What's this? Must be for aunty.
Cuz, you know I grew up with you
my whole life.
- But you know I just realized.
- What's that?
You look like the kind,
you know, that,
that guy from
that brewing company commercial.
- You think so?
- Yeah.
I mean, so identical,
like, chicken-skin identical.
Yeah. Ah, come on.
- Hi, kumu.
- Billy.
Aloha.
Ah, this note
was on the gate for you.
The phone number of another
haole who wants to take over
the place. I saw her leave it.
Aloha, mama. Where do you
want me to put these?
Barely even a hello
for your mother before you get
to business?
Those can go back over there.
Sometimes I think if you didn't
need to borrow things
from the halau
for your silly tourist shows,
I would never
get to see you anymore.
I see you
every couple of days, ma.
And the only reason
why I'm doing
the hotel job is for the halau.
Oh, cuz, you should tell kumu
about that haole
at your hotel that wanted
the private lessons.
- She might have money.
- What is this?
You don't wanna be a kumu,
but you wanna start
teaching private lessons
to tourists?
That's not what's happening
at all.
One of the guests at the hotel
saw Cousin Kehaulani dance,
and she danced at one of
the participation activities,
and she seemed to love it,
because she asked
about taking private lessons
to learn more.
- You're not a kumu.
- Obviously.
Yeah, but, aunty, this woman,
she looked like she could pay.
I told her I didn't teach.
Yeah, but you're not gonna
show her anything real.
Just spend some time showing her
Hukilau and--
She's not gonna be happy
with just Hukilau.
What's going on between you
and this haole?
Nothing. I-I just told you.
For once Billy might be right.
You can teach the haole.
Goodness knows
we need all the money
we can get right now.
But only hapa haole, understand?
Yeah, of course.
Trading the phone
for another device, I see.
I can't be the only person
on the island
trying to get work done.
No, but you might be
the only person doing it
at the bar of what is typically
a vacation resort.
How's it? I didn't think
you were working tonight.
I'm not. Just here to see
this lovely lady.
- Is that so?
- It is, indeed.
I wanted to tell you that,
after careful consideration,
I have decided
that I will teach you hula.
- If you still want to learn.
- You will?
Under a few conditions.
One, no phones.
Two. And this came
from the kumu--
- What's a kumu?
- A teacher.
- A kumu hula is a hula teacher.
- Like you.
No. I'm not a kumu.
Normally if you want to learn
hula, you would have to join
a halau, a hula school,
so to speak.
And the teacher and leader
of the halau is the kumu hula.
But that really means
joining the ohana
and committing for
a long journey, and frankly,
no halau is just gonna let
anyone join on a whim.
Especially not someone just
visiting here for a short time.
And the kumu who taught me,
in particular,
is very discerning
as to who she will accept
as haumana students.
So you're saying
you can't teach me.
Um, I'm explaining that
I'm not a kumu,
though I thought that's what I
was going to be for a long time.
So, two, what we are going
to learn is very informal
and just scraping the surface of
what we can learn
outside of a halau.
Only English songs,
only basic moves,
what we call hapa haole.
If you wanna dive deeper
into the styles
we call 'auana or kahiko,
traditional hula
all in Hawaiian,
then you would have to join
a halau.
Okay. I get it.
When do we start?
This is my haole.
Sorry for the mess.
Are you kidding? It's beautiful!
I know it's not much,
but you wanted private.
Definitely won't be seen
by any of your coworkers here.
Yeah, that's perfect. Thank you.
Now, the thing
about hula
is that its main purpose
is not to entertain.
It's meant to perpetuate
and preserve the stories,
culture, history and traditions
of Hawaii.
Hula is the heartbeat
of the Hawaiian people,
and so it must be protected.
To know hula is to know Hawaii.
- Right.
- Great. Let's get started.
Let's start with the feet.
Take off your shoes.
In hula,
we start with the feet up.
It's our base, our foundation.
This is called kaholo.
One, two, three, four.
One, two, that's it,
three, four.
One, two, three, four.
One, two, three, four. Perfect.
Let's try hala.
Hala, point right.
Two, point left.
To, yeah, right, two, left.
Two, right. Two, left. Two.
Okay. Now let's try the ka'o.
Ka'o is the movement
of the hips from right to left.
Right to left. Right to left.
Right to left.
Think of moving your hips
like a figure eight
or an infinity sign.
Constant flow.
Yeah, right, left.
Right to left. Right, left.
Right, left. Yeah. Right. Yeah.
- Sis!
- Hi!
- Okay, come, come, come.
- Hi!
- Hello!
- Aunty!
This is your Aunty Leah.
Hello, Leilani, Kealoha,
it is so nice
to finally meet you in person.
Hey, Kealoha,
it's Leah, remember?
Okay, look, look, look, look.
You know who I'm talking about.
There is something different
about you today, Leah.
- Is there?
- Yeah.
Maybe the island
is changing you, eh?
Maybe I'm just really happy
to finally be meeting
your beautiful family.
As much as I wanna
take the credit,
I-I noticed it
when you first got here.
- You meet someone?
- No.
No!
- No, spill it.
- It's nothing.
I started taking hula lessons.
- I mean, I mean, not really.
- You what?
It's just beginning stuff
with someone from the hotel.
What kind of someone?
They... Can they even do that?
I guess, to the extent
that we're learning, yes.
Uh, he said he got permission
from his kumu,
even though he's not part
of the halau anymore.
Um, who is he?
- The guy teaching me.
- I see.
And this guy,
does he know what he's doing?
I mean, it seems like it to me.
Ah, imagine that.
My Leah, a little hula girl.
Oh, shh!
But I can't tell anyone because
if my boss found out,
she would kill me.
I don't think your boss
would be the only one opposed.
- What do you mean?
- I'm just surprised.
Usually kumu hula
have strict rules
against teaching just anybody
hula, especially tourists.
But every halau is different,
I guess.
Well, he said it's outside of
halau, and he's not even in it,
and he got
his kumu's blessing...
I know,
I know it's unconventional,
but for the first time
in a long time
I'm feeling alive.
I don't know. Hm.
I believe it.
I can see it, too.
- Okay, all right.
- Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
Ah! Howdy, partner. How has
your, uh, work solo day been?
- It was great. Yours?
- Great, great.
Um, didn't see you
at the property today.
- I must have missed you.
- Oh, I missed you, too.
Well, where, uh,
where else have you been?
Elsewhere.
Well, would you care to join me?
No, I have some work to do, actually.
So I'm gonna head up. But enjoy
the rest of your night.
It looks like it's gonna be
a beautiful sunset.
And one, two, three, four.
One, two, three, four.
Very good.
Now let's stop and move on
to the next part, hands.
This flowing movement
of the hands is called mili.
Okay.
Softer.
Smooth. Soft, but strong.
Delicate, but purposeful.
Focus.
Um, I don't know
if my hands move that way.
- I have an idea.
- Okay.
- What are we doing here?
- I'm gonna show you.
- You see the waves?
- Yeah.
See how they move in a powerful,
smooth, continual motion?
That's how your hands
need to move.
Let the island and nature
show you.
Try it.
It's not about them. It's about
you and hula and the island.
Come on.
Yeah.
Why'd you do that?
Oh, the trash? It's a habit.
I always like to leave a place
better than I found it.
That's actually a Hawaii rule.
Leave the island
better than you found it.
You're not too bad for a haole.
- You know that?
- I'll take it.
Your boyfriend,
on the other hand--
What? I don't have a boyfriend.
The guy you're always with.
Michael? No.
Michael is not my boyfriend.
Does he know that?
You did good today.
Thank you. But now I'm starving.
Can I take you to dinner?
There's that place by the hotel
I've been meaning to try.
- No. You don't wanna go there.
- I don't?
Let me take you out
for some real kind of grindz.
- This is delicious.
- Fully sustainable, too.
Prawns are raised right here
on the land.
You can see the pools
all around us.
Yeah, that's something
you don't see in LA.
Family has been here
for generations,
as has this business.
Right up the highway they have
this fully-sustainable
fish pond
maintained
by generations of volunteers
providing resources
to the community.
Wow! That's wonderful!
We're very connected
to the land here.
Hawaii is more
than beaches and mai tais.
Though, those are
pretty great, too.
You see that tree
right over there?
- Yeah.
- I once knocked myself out.
By running into it.
- What?
- No, no joke.
Me and my Cousin Billy
made a stupid bet
over who can run the fastest,
so I ran so fast,
and when I looked behind me
to see if Billy was catching up,
I ran right into that tree
and knocked myself out.
Right in front
of the whole halau, too.
Come to think of it,
maybe that's when it was decided
that being a kumu
wasn't in my future.
- Mahalo, aunty.
- Aunty?
Oh, everyone's aunty
and uncle here.
Sign of respect and endearment.
We're all one big ohana, family.
I love that.
- Do you ever regret it?
- Regret what?
Not becoming a kumu.
No.
Why would I want such an honored
and respected role
when I can easily teach tourists
the Hukilau at some hotel?
No, but seriously,
I don't regret it.
It was the best decision for me.
What about you?
- What about me?
- Would you change anything?
Oh, I don't know.
I don't even know what that
would look like, you know?
I take that back.
I wish I had told John
how much I actually loved him
before it was too late.
Sorry. I don't know
where that came from.
Don't be sorry. Who's John?
John was my first...
Well, really, my only love.
We met in college
and just clicked.
Right after school I got
this incredible job offer
on the other side of the country
and I left him for it.
I broke his heart.
A couple years of later
I realized how much I missed him
and how much I messed up,
and I went to find him.
But he had gotten married and
was starting a family
with someone new.
- I'm sorry.
- Ah. It was a long time ago.
I dove fully back into work.
And one day,
it stopped hurting so much.
I kind of stopped feeling
or doing anything
outside of my career.
And it's been that way
ever since.
So, really, this is
kind of making a change for me.
I mean, no part of me ever
thought that I would be here
and learning hula.
And hiding it from my work,
no less.
So, thank you for helping me.
Thank you for wanting to learn.
Sorry
for the unexpected rambling.
No, thank you
for trusting me with it.
- To new horizons.
- And new friends.
And getting to know
the real Hawaii.
Oh, before I forget.
- What's this?
- For the last two lessons.
- Oh, no, I can't.
- What do you mean you can't?
It's been my pleasure, Leah.
Uh, you're reconnecting me
with my home and
letting me experience it
through your eyes.
That's more valuable to me.
Thank you.
Positioned right
on the crystal-blue coast
and offering stunning views
of the magnificent mountains,
this in-demand destination
could host upwards of 200 guests
in its modest 60 rooms.
If we level out the land,
this number could climb
to 300 guests and 100 rooms.
Or it could sustain
generations and generations
of a family and community.
Getting to know you, indeed.
All of our songs
we dance to,
these are all stories
of the island.
But to really dance the mele,
a song,
you must really feel the kaona,
the hidden meaning.
Understanding the island
might help you get there.
This is one of our most historic
fish ponds.
- Breathtaking.
- Yeah.
Volunteers from the community
help maintain it,
and the resources from the pond
in turn
help sustain the community.
I grew up coming here
and working the ponds.
That's amazing.
One of the few places
on the island
as yet untouched by developers.
I wanna build
something like this one day.
I try to come back
every now and then,
but it would be
great to leave the hotel job
and do something like this
full-time.
- What is it?
- No, nothing.
No. What?
You're just really unexpected, Ikaika.
I mean, listening to you
talk about
all these things
you wanna build,
I'm reminded that I used
to wanna build similar things.
And, I don't know,
life got in the way
and I-I forgot
that I wanted those things.
It's never too late to remember.
No. I guess not.
- Pua.
- Pua.
You're getting so close,
I think just maybe
you're missing the kaona,
the hidden meaning of the song.
It'll come.
It'll just take time.
But you already told me
what it means.
Uh, this hidden meaning
I can't tell you.
You'll have to discover it
for yourself.
Let's head back. I gotta do
hotel activities in an hour.
Okay.
I think you dropped this, aunty.
- Beautiful.
- Mahalo.
- Everything okay?
- You made an impression.
- With that kupuna.
- Kupuna?
Ah, it's a name
for our respected elders.
How did you know which side
to put the flower on?
Oh, um, it just seemed right.
Or maybe you've been paying more
attention than you've realized.
For tomorrow's lesson,
I wanna give you something.
Let's meet at our regular
beach spot after work?
It's a date.
Hello.
Hi.
What was that? It was beautiful.
A chant.
Putting the sun to sleep.
Been a long time
since I felt called to do that.
You've been reminding me.
Well, reminding me a lot lately.
I've made a career
out of creating spaces
all over the world.
I have never met anyone
with as much reverence
for a place as you.
I'm far from being
an example of that,
as my mother loves to remind me.
No, everything that I've seen
since I met you
has shown that you really care.
You really love this island,
and making me
fall in love with it, too.
Which is crazy because I thought
I was perfectly content
back home.
But being here, spending time
with you and with the island...
I think
that I'm maybe seeing that...
I didn't know
that I could feel more again.
And maybe that's why
I'm frustrated when you say
that I still don't get
the hidden meaning,
because, truthfully, I'm feeling
more than I have
in a very long time.
You'll understand the kaona
someday, don't worry.
You know what the kupuna
said to me yesterday?
- The one you gave the pua to?
- What?
She said
she could sense your spirit.
And she responded
very favorably to you.
That's no small praise
coming from a kupuna like her.
You also knew which side
to put the pua on,
and I'd never told you that.
That was a lucky guess.
I-I didn't know it mattered.
But you did. You're wearing
yours on the other side, too.
It's like you know
without knowing. It's natural.
She's right, you know?
There is something about you.
My mother is a kumu hula, and
for the longest time I thought
that's what I was going to be.
But things became
a little strained.
My father... Are you ready
for it? Was a haole.
He also wasn't a good one
at that.
He made some unwise investments,
got in a little
financial trouble.
Then one day he just
up and left. Never came back.
She never really got over that.
Ikaika, that's terrible.
He passed away when I was young.
My mom did her best
to bounce back,
but I think
I reminded her of him.
I'm glad my mother has
the halau.
I'm realizing
that my mother's real love,
her real child was the halau,
and I'll never be
good enough for it.
I'm sure that's not true.
I tried for years.
I even chose the halau
over what I wanted to build.
Invested in that instead
of the ponds I wanted to create.
And I think part of her
wanted to trust me,
but there was always
that part, too, that worried her
that I would turn out
to be like my father.
I'm so sorry.
It's okay,
I've made peace with that.
And now she's in this place
where she might lose the halau,
or at least the property its on.
So she's come back into my life
to ask me to somehow save it.
She made me
fall out of love with hula.
But... here you come,
all of a sudden, out of nowhere,
a haole, no less,
you're the one making me
fall back in love with it again.
I am so sorry.
No, it's okay.
I'm supposed to be your teacher.
I can't--
Ikaika... I understand.
Oh, I almost forgot.
I brought something for you.
I think you're ready
for the next step.
Normally in a halau,
this would be made for you.
But seeing as our situation
is a little unique,
I figured you can borrow
my old one.
It's one of my old pa'u skirts
from when I was a keiki.
Now you can really work on your
dance like a real haumana would.
It's beautiful! Thank you.
Bring it to our next lesson.
You're ready.
- Oh, aloha! Mrs. Ka-Ka-Kama--
- Not today.
- I was just wondering if I cou--
- Aunty, aunty.
I'll talk to Ikaika,
i-it's gonna be okay.
Ikaika isn't gonna do anything.
It's too late.
- Did you say "Ikaika?"
- Oh. Who are you, brah?
Well, well, well. If it isn't...
Wait, I'm sorry,
what is your name again?
It's been so long since
I've seen
you last,
I've completely forgot.
It's been less than a week,
Michael. Calm down.
I, uh, paid a little visit
to the property again yesterday.
You do know you're supposed to
be gaining the family's trust.
- Not bullying them, right?
- And I learned...
Some pretty fascinating information.
- I bet you did.
- I gotta hand it to you, Leah.
I'm impressed
there is a shark in you yet.
- What are you talking about?
- This little hula guy...
That you've been sneaking off
with, at first I thought
you were just getting, you know,
a little friendly
with the locals.
No judgement here. Then I
found out who he really was.
- Can ya make your point already?
- I realized...
That this nice-girl play of
yours is just an act. Well done.
Michael, I don't know
what you're talking--
Oh, I think you do
and I figured out
your little secret.
I'm on to you.
- What? I don't--
- I, uh, uh--
I have a meeting to get
to. I will talk to you later.
Hope it's a good meeting.
Your back was turned, but...
I used air quotes.
Oh, actually,
we are going to put this top.
There you go, now let's see
if it covers your knees.
Hm, just barely. But I think
for our purpose, this will do.
Thank you.
Are you ready for the lessons
to really begin?
What are you doing with that?
You.
This is the haole girl
that you wanna teach?
- We talked about this.
- You gave her your pa'u skirt?
It's just for the lesson--
We said tourist hapa haole only.
You shouldn't give it away.
She has no need for a pa'u!
I didn't give it away.
I thought--
Oh, you thought, did you?
Because it doesn't look like it
to me.
She's not haumana
and you're not a kumu.
- She's a swindling--
- That's enough.
I'm sorry,
but you shouldn't call her that.
Quiet, I want you
and all your villains
to stay away from my son.
- Mom.
- Your son?
Do you know what your kind
is doing to me and my family?
Ikaika, can I talk to you
for a moment?
- No, you cannot.
- But, aunty, I can explain.
- What did you call me?
- I'm sorry.
I am Kumu Kamalani,
and no aunty of yours.
Now take off that skirt,
and don't come back.
I'm so sorry, Kumu Kamalani.
I'm so sorry, Ikaika.
- Back so soon.
- Not now, Michael.
You know what
I was talking about earlier?
About how impressed I was with
your, we'll call it, work?
- Well, Diana agrees with me.
- What did you tell her?
Just the truth. In fact,
she was so impressed that... Ah.
Diana, hello!
- Or should I say aloha?
- Diana?
Is anyone else struggling
to breathe in this humidity?
I didn't know you were coming.
Oh, really?
Michael said he told you.
I did, didn't I?
Oh, I thought I did.
She's been so busy lately, I'm
sure it just slipped her mind.
Michael has been telling
me about your tactics with
the family, and I have to say,
I was starting to worry
about your ability
to pull this off,
especially after Michael told me
about your dancing.
But now that I see
what you're up to,
I'm sorry I ever questioned your
ability to attack like a shark.
That is exactly what I said.
I mean, chumming it up
with that hula guy
so you can get close to him
and the family
and then convince them
to surrender the buyout to you.
- I... Ah. Genius!
- What?
At first I thought, what could
you possibly see in this guy.
Right, and then just yesterday,
and I'm talking to his cousin
and I learned that he is
the heir of the property,
and thus the decision-maker
that we're all here
trying to impress.
- Ikaika, wait.
- Ooh. Is that him?
Oh, maybe you don't have this
as quite in the bag
as you thought.
How could you?
- Ikaika. No, I did--
- You have some nerve.
You know, I thought
something was a little strange.
Why would a rich hotel guest who
keeps such unpleasant company
want to spend any time
learning about the island
and our traditions and why would
she wanna make it a secret?
- It's all coming together now.
- That isn't what happened.
- It isn't?
- No.
Because it looks like
that is exactly what happened.
When my mother told me,
I didn't wanna
believe her,
but your colleagues
really cleared that up for me.
So thank you.
I didn't know that you were
related at all to the property.
- I swear.
- Are you even hearing yourself?
I told you
my mother was the kumu hula
and that her halau is in danger.
But the halau
is on the property site?
Stop with what
you're playing at!
She saw you there.
That is where you met.
Yes, but I-I didn't know
who she was at the time.
And-and I didn't know
the halau--
The land is currently
under my name.
No, the property
is under the name--
Robert!
My American name is Robert,
like my father.
When he passed, the property
was bequeathed to me.
That is how the halau
is still there.
And now I'm going to lose it.
After all these generations,
I'm the one to lose everything.
My mother was right.
Never trust a haole.
Don't bother putting your name
on the auction tomorrow.
Good job, everyone.
I'll see you all next week.
I wasn't expecting
to see you yet.
- It's the auction.
- I heard.
And I have something
to show you.
Coming.
- Diana?
- The auction is off.
- What?
- The property!
I just heard the news.
The family's attorney got
a check from an anonymous donor
who paid the lien just in time
to pull it from the auction.
But-but... That's... How-how?
How on earth did they come up
with this kind of money?
I've been trying to get
a hold of Leah, too,
but she's not in her room and...
What's this?
Just a little
goodbye-for-now gift.
Some snacks
for the kiddos and you.
Thank you.
Do you really have to go back?
I do. Yeah.
- But, uh...
- But what?
All I've done is make a mess
of things since I got here.
You were supposed to convert
to an island girl with me.
I ruined that fantasy too badly
for repair, I think.
But maybe one day,
after I have some time
to heal, I...
I'll come back and visit.
Oh, just come on.
Aw...
- I'm sorry, Leah.
- Don't be.
I learned that I...
Well, I learned
that I can really love.
I can feel exhilarated
and feel butterflies
and all those crazy things
I never thought I'd feel again.
And if the downside of that
is that I also have to feel
the pain of loss,
well, then I have
to deal with that.
At least I can feel.
And that's something
I didn't know I could do again
before I got here.
You sure you can't just
try talking to him?
Thank you for still loving me.
And thank you for always knowing
when to check in.
I real... I don't thank you
enough for that.
Oh, no thanks necessary.
Get in here. Oh!
This came in
from the attorney, too.
Why didn't you
tell me that you had
a business plan for the land?
- How?
- This is wonderful, Ikaika.
And the attorney said
that there's an anonymous
investment check
that will cover the development.
Looks like someone else
out there believes in it, too.
Diana?
- Why did you do it?
- Do what?
The anonymous check the family
suddenly got to cover the lien.
I know it was you.
You know I'm gonna have to ask
for your resignation letter.
Already submitted.
Leah.
Please, I just wanna understand.
I just knew in my heart
it was the right thing to do.
But giving up everything you've
worked for this whole time
at Livvana?
Uh, and giving up partner?
You know I have to give it
to Michael now.
And not to mention
however much you paid
to cover that lien.
Well, what I invested is small
compared to what you and
the Prescotts would have made
from displacing the family
that owns that land
and that runs
the community center.
And it's small compared
to what we've made at Livvana
doing that
countless times before.
I hope it was worth it.
I know that it is.
Diana, I-I need you to know
that this has nothing to do
with you.
This is about me, mm,
finally following my heart
that feels something for the
first time in a very long time.
You will always be the greatest
mentor I have ever had.
Thank you for that.
What am I gonna do without you?
Ah, well, I might be penniless
and looking for work soon.
I don't know if you're heard,
but I just blew
my savings on a whim investment.
Well, don't tease me.
Maybe take a little time
while you're here
and experience it.
It might change your life.
Did for me.
- Good luck.
- Thank you.
Hey, haole!
Billy said you needed these.
Mahalo.
- I'm sorry, Ikaika.
- For what?
For all the things
that I said to you
and for arguing with you
on your instincts.
Well, you were right
about doubting those.
No, I was very wrong.
And I'm sorry
for making you feel that
I could possibly love
anything more than you.
You're my son,
and I couldn't be more proud
of the man you've become.
You have a good head
and you have a good heart.
And you could see the truth
and the spirit in people
that I was too angry to see.
You honor me, Ikaika,
and I love you.
I better get in there. Class is
about to begin in a few minutes.
And we have a new haumana
joining our ohana.
- Someone new?
- Wanna come welcome 'em with me?
Ikaika, this is our halau's
new haumana.
Like I said, you were right
and I was wrong.
I went to the beach last night
to pray to our kupuna
for guidance.
And while I was there,
so was Leah.
She was dancing all alone,
and she made me feel something.
She danced from her na'au.
You taught her that.
And you taught her well.
Rumor on
the street is she just invested
in a very promising
local business.
Apparently, she did
the development plans, too.
Seems like we can use a partner
like her, don't you think?
Yeah.
- Hey, you did so good out--
- Thank you. I was so nervous.
Oh, don't be.
We'll see you next time.
Bye.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
I was just as surprised
as you probably were.
Kumu said she saw you dance
the mele on the beach.
Must have found the kaona
if it moved her.
Yeah, I, I think I did.
You see, I kind of messed up
with this really great guy.
Ah, we had this whole misunderstanding
and we both said
some hurtful things.
- Yeah, ouch.
- Yeah.
And it's really a bummer because...
I think I might actually
have feelings for this guy.
Is that so?
You know, like,
like, real feelings.
I think I might love him, actually.
Well...
What if he feels the same way?
Well, that's the thing, there's
nothing they can do about it
because there is this whole rule
that a teacher
can't get involved
with his haumana.
Oh, but he's not her teacher anymore.
And she's a haumana with a halau
that he's no longer a part of.
Though, there is this business
that he's hoping
she might partner with him on.
I've been waiting a long time
to do that.
- Me, too.
- My haole hula girl.
the bid in by Thursday,
we should be fine. I have a good
feeling about this one.
Alright. You got it, George.
Thank you.
Is that a close
on the Howard Ranch?
Almost. Fingers crossed.
Ah, impressive. You know...
You're practically running
this company singlehandedly.
If I'm running Livvana singlehandedly,
what does that say about you?
That I know how to benefit from
my harder-working colleagues.
You ready to go to this meeting,
Diana said that she wanted us
there at 4 p.m. sharp.
Come on, we gotta go.
And here she is now!
The youngest executive
in Livvana's history
has just hit $100 million
in sales for the year.
- Yeah!
- Congratulations, Leah.
We're so proud to have you
as part of our family.
Well...
- That's right.
- Okay. Oh, thank you.
Thank you so much. Thank you.
Oh, don't pick up
your own party.
That's what we have
a cleaning staff for.
You know
I can't do that to them.
I always like to leave a place
better than I found it.
Thank you. You really
didn't have to do all this.
We missed celebrating
the other milestones.
I figured we couldn't let
this one pass us up, too.
Especially not one this big.
Mind if I have
a private word with Leah?
- Oh, yeah, sure.
- Thanks.
Oh, Leah, leave that. Uh,
please, come and have a seat.
- I wanna have a chat.
- What's going on?
Right.
The board is very impressed
with you, you know?
I'm so flattered. Thank you.
It's not easy getting
where you are in this business.
I-I won't pretend
it was easy for me either.
Being a woman in what is still
very much a man's world,
you often have to work twice
as hard to only get half as far.
But it's worth it,
we're making a difference
taking the archaic work
of the past
and making it relevant
for the future.
We make vacation homes
and resorts, Diana.
We make futures
and we make money.
I know you've got that little...
Well, more than little nest egg
you've been saving for years.
But I mean it,
the board loves you.
I'd say all it takes is
one more impressive project,
and I'm looking
at my future partner.
Wow. Diana,
I don't know what to say.
You don't have to say anything.
You deserve it.
Just... don't mention anything
to Michael.
I wanna believe
he'll be a good sport,
but I'm not sure
how he'll take the news
that I'm giving you
the promotion over him.
- Huh. Hi, Michael.
- There she is!
- How was your little chat?
- You know Diana.
- She just likes to check in.
- With you, maybe.
Don't you guys have always had
your own little thing going on?
I think she just sees me
as similar to her.
And honestly, she's kind of
the only mentor I've ever had.
- Scoot up.
- Exactly.
Your own little thing going on.
She didn't by chance mention
anything about these, um,
murmurs I've been hearing about
there being an opening
for partner?
Like I said,
she just wanted to check in.
Gotcha. You done for the day?
How about
we grab some celebratory drinks?
Thank you for the invite,
but not tonight.
- I've already got plans. Oh.
- Oh, she got plans.
- Yeah. Okay, Michael, goodnight.
- What kind of plans?
- I'll see you tomorrow.
- Maybe I can call you after t...
- Leah?
- Thank you.
- Hello?
- Rachel. Hi!
- Leah, what's up?
- Yeah.
I got some pretty great news at
work today and was thinking
about going out
for an impromptu celebration.
You free?
Oh, I'm sorry.
I can't tonight.
Yeah, no worries. Next time.
- Okay, congrats, girl.
- Thank you.
You've reached Mary.
Sorry I
can't get to the phone. Leav...
- Oh, my goodness!
- Hey, Kiki!
It really is you!
You know,
I could hardly believe when
I saw your name
come up on my phone.
I know, I'm sorry it's been
so long. I've just been so--
Busy, I know. You know,
the kids have been asking.
- About their Aunty Leah.
- They have not.
Well, they would if they ever
got a chance to meet you.
- How are you doing? Yeah?
- I'm great.
- Yeah. You?
- Uh, same, same.
You know, servant and chauffer
and caterer and everything else
for the little ones.
- Lucky little ones.
- They deserve it.
But, man, those days of staying
up all night in the dorm room
with you and gorging ourselves
on our meal plan at Parkside,
well, it couldn't seem
further away.
Wait, did that happen
or did I just dream it?
You know, I still have the photo
from move-in day
on proud display.
Best random
rooming assignment ever.
So what's new in your world?
Well, I got some pretty big news
at work today.
I found out I might be up
for partner at the company.
Leah, that's a really big deal!
- Hello, congrats! Oh.
- Thank you.
You know, John and I always said
that you would be the...
I'm sorry. I-I-I don't know
why I said that.
No, don't be sorry.
So, are you dating anyone?
- Nice segue.
- Ha-ha-ha...
No, I'm not dating anyone.
You know me.
I do know you, Leah.
John wasn't the only guy
out there, you know?
For me, maybe he was.
And maybe a love like that, I
mean, like you have with Kenny,
only comes around
once a lifetime.
And I already had my go.
Yeah, I can't wait
to rub it in when one day
you tell me that you've fallen
madly in love with someone new
and you're gonna start having
some keiki of your own.
I have accepted
that John was that for me.
He was my one chance,
and I blew it.
If you keep telling yourself
that you're never gonna feel
this way again,
then you never will.
You've got to be open
to the finding, Leah.
Yes, John was your first love.
But that doesn't mean
he's your last.
Yeah, but maybe he was.
And that's okay.
I feel like I've leveled out
and I'm in this great place now.
I just don't feel things so much anymore.
You know I don't remember
the last time I cried?
Maybe this is what
growing up is.
N-now my food delivery
is all I need.
- You sure about that?
- Oh, I'm sure.
As long
as you're actually happy.
Work is great, house is great,
life is great.
- But?
- No, no buts.
Hm. You know, you should come
pay a visit sometime.
All that hard work must mean
you're due for a vacation.
Ah, maybe soon, but right now
when I'm up for partner at
the company, I just gotta tough
it out a little bit longer.
- Mom!
- Uh, just a minute, Kealoha!
The keiki are calling,
so I better go.
But I'm glad you called, sis.
Now go out and celebrate
that promotion
and have an extra drink for me!
You got it, Kiki.
Talk soon.
Okay, thanks.
- Good morning.
- Morning.
Oh, Leah, may I see you
in my office for a moment?
- Sure.
- Michael's already in there.
I love that dress, Diana.
Oh, thank you.
Uh, please, after you.
Big news, guys.
We just caught word
that there is a property
coming up for auction in Hawaii,
one we've had our eyes on
for a while.
Oh. I bet the Prescotts
will be pleased.
Mm-hmm, exactly,
it's precisely the kind of place
where we could develop a resort
they're looking to own.
So I'm sending the two of you
out there to acquire it.
- The two of us?
- Yes.
The board wants you both to go
for this one. Our two best.
I'm sure you've both heard
by now that there is
a partner position
opening up here at Livvana.
Well, they wanna see if you guys
can make this acquisition
happen, and they wanna see
which one of you will do it.
Which one of us?
A-aren't we on the same team?
Not quite.
Uh, this isn't a normal auction.
There're some rules in play here
we haven't dealt with before.
The property currently belongs
to a family that's been there
for generations,
but there's a big tax lien on it
that they are not able to pay.
Companies, however, are not able
to bid on the lien.
Private bidders only.
So you want us to go out there
and bid as private buyers.
Yes. The family also gets a say
in who takes over the lien.
So the board feels it would be
wise to give them options.
That's why they're sending
both of you.
- Right.
- Sounds good to me.
So when do we leave?
The auction is
at the end of the month,
so I'm having your flights
booked for tomorrow.
It's going to take time
to build trust with the family.
The sooner you get started,
the better.
How are we supposed
to build trust
with this family
we've never met?
Well, that's
for two of my best buyers
in front of me to figure out.
Don't you know someone
out there? Your college friend?
Uh, yeah. We talked just last
night, actually. So weird.
Oh, well, maybe not. See, you're
already connected. It's a sign.
So pack your bags,
and let's see
who can secure us
this deal of a lifetime.
Aloha,
ladies and gentlemen.
Let me be the first to welcome
you to beautiful Hawaii.
Sorry about that, George,
we just arrived,
so I haven't gotten online yet,
I'll take a look
as soon as we get to the room.
Yup, I'll call you then, bye.
- Oh, my gosh. I'm so sorry.
- Oh! Oh, I'm so sorry, miss.
- Apologies.
- No, it was my fault.
I wasn't looking and I...
Uh, I wasn't either. Apologies.
- Can I help you with those?
- Yes.
Uh, no, I've got it.
Thank you. Um...
I'm sorry. I-I was just looking
on my phone and I...
- Wow.
- Pretty great, huh?
This is what you were missing
because of that thing.
First time here?
Yes.
- Welcome.
- Thank you.
Your first time, too?
Yes, this is my first time
at this hotel.
We're pleased to have you. I'm
the activities director here.
- Ikaika.
- Leah.
Michael.
Well, pleasure.
Um, great to meet you guys.
Uh, we have our happy-hour
live entertainment
down in the main lawn
in an hour.
Check it out
if you guys are free.
We'll try and make it.
Thank you.
Are you sure you're okay?
He really slammed into you.
- You could be concussed.
- Yeah, uh, he...
I'm fine. I mean,
look at this incredible view!
Yeah, yeah, I guess
there are worse places
to compete head-to-head
for firm partner.
He said there's
entertainment in an hour? Well.
Wanna go settle in and then
you can meet me for a drink?
Okay. Sure.
Thank you.
May the best man win.
- May we do good work.
- Whatever.
Aloha and e komo mai.
Good evening and welcome,
everyone, my name is Ikaika,
and I'll be your MC
for the evening.
I hope you are all enjoying
your stay here with us.
I would love to introduce to you
our beautiful singer
for the evening, Mahulani. Please.
Let's give her
a round of applause.
And we've got a very special
treat for you all today.
For those of you who don't know,
hula is a dance
unique to Hawaii.
It portrays our prophecy
and history alike
and it connects us
with the tales
and stories of our ancestors.
Visiting us from
the beautiful island of Maui,
my Cousin Kehaulani
will be sharing
a little bit of hula
to all of you.
Mahalo, Kehaulani!
Let's give her another round
of applause, everyone.
That was something I guess
you can call it entertaining.
Should we get another round
of drinks? Tsk, tsk.
Ah, not for me, I don't think.
I'm-I'm feeling a little strange
all of a sudden.
I'm gonna go back to the room
to lie down for a bit.
- You all right?
- Yeah. Um...
Probably just jet lag.
Uh, I'll see you in the morning.
And another round of applause
for Mahulani.
- Morning, sunshine.
- Oh! Good morning.
- You feeling a little better?
- Much. Thank you.
Like I said, it was nothing.
Just needed some sleep.
- Ready to go to the property?
- Born ready.
- Hm. Sure.
- You mind driving?
Okay, huh,
so this is what's got
Diana and the Prescotts
all hot and bothered?
I think it's beautiful.
Maybe when we're done with it.
- W-wait.
- What?
Shouldn't we ask for permission
first?
Why?
- Who's there?
- Good morning. Uh...
My name is Leah.
This is Michael.
We're here to see the property
that's going into auction
at the end of the month.
Of course you are.
It's always the haoles.
- Pardon me?
- We're a little busy today.
But you can come back for
the scheduled tour on Wednesday.
Actually, we were hoping
that maybe we could get this
conversation rolling
a little bit before Wednesday.
You wouldn't happen to be
one of the family members
that's responsible
for putting this
beautiful property up for sale?
It's not for sale.
That went well.
This is gonna be fun.
- Kiki!
- Aw, it's really you!
I'm sorry it took so long.
Well, the kids are at school,
but let's sit and talk story.
You could tell me about
your trip and everything else.
Hey, come on, come on, okay.
I don't know, Leah.
That sounds tricky to me.
I know it is, but honestly,
somebody's gonna do it.
It might as well be my company.
We're not as unsporting
as the others.
I mean, at least we actually pay
what properties are worth.
But they're having you go up
against your partner for it too?
- My colleague, yes.
- Some company.
I mean,
that's the nature of business.
At the end of the day,
this family's going to walk away
with a lot of money,
it's gonna change their lives.
Maybe they don't want
their lives to change.
Change is inevitable, Kiki.
Might as well be
comfortable, too.
What?
Forgive me, sis,
but I can't help but remember
all the things that you used
to talk about in school.
About building
sustainable housing
and community resources
and just...
Wow, Kiki.
Yeah, I had so many dreams.
I mean, I would still love to do
those things.
And to be honest, I have been
saving up so that I can one day.
But I have to earn my way there
first, I guess.
That's what I'm trying to do.
Man, it really is everything
you said out here.
Yeah, now you see
why I never came back to LA.
- I can't blame you.
- Where are you staying?
At the Hale Hotel.
Yeah, it's nice.
There was even a hula dancer
last night that, um...
- That what?
- I don't know.
Uh, watching her,
this kinda sounds silly,
I, I felt something.
This coming from the woman
who said just a couple days ago
she couldn't feel anything anymore.
I know, I know, but, yeah,
watching her dance, uh,
the look on her face,
it was just pure joy
or-or longing,
or-or maybe both.
I-I don't know. I wanted
to feel that. Is that crazy?
That must have been
a great dancer.
Well, it sounds like
they're stepping up
the haole entertainment
over there, huh?
What is this word you're saying?
- Haole?
- Yeah. What does it mean?
Uh, it's what you are.
You know, not from here.
Yeah, that's what the woman
called us today.
Oh, well, don't be surprised
when everybody here
calls you that.
- Is it bad?
- No. It, it just is.
Now, let's get your haole okole
up and over here.
I wanna give you a full tour
before you go.
- Okay, okole?
- Yeah.
That's what you've
been sitting on, girl.
Hi, Diana.
Haven't heard
from you yet.
Michael called me first thing
after you guys
left the property.
Well, that surprises me.
There wasn't much to tell.
I mean, the property
is beautiful, I already
have some ideas
as to how to build
things around the natural lay
of the land.
Uh, Michael thinks the whole
thing would need to be leveled
so we can start fresh.
And I'm inclined to agree.
Really? I think
that would be a mistake.
Now is not the time
to be branching out.
Not when you have
this competition going on.
- Competition?
- Why call it anything else?
My hands are tied here, Leah,
I just don't want you making
choices that might jeopardize
your future, you know?
Aloha, everybody. It's time
for our group hula lesson.
Well, I thought you said
the board loves me.
Do I have any volunteers
to come on up and help me...
The board is still
very old-school business.
And the idea of a woman partner
is a bit more new-school.
They have these ideas of what
makes a successful executive,
and they're going to be
watching you closely.
Hey, you on the phone.
This is a no-cell-phone
activity zone.
Put that phone away or I'm going
to make you a volunteer.
- Look, I understand that, but--
- Fine. I'm gonna get you.
Uh, listen, Diana, I have to go,
but I, I will get back to you
very soon, uh, with my thoughts
on the property.
Thanks, bye.
Let that be a lesson
to all of you.
We take our cell-phone rule
very seriously.
Now, the lovely Leah is going
to learn hula and dance with me
one of our most cherished
hapa haole songs.
Now, first we start
with the feet.
All right? Like this, follow me.
- Come on.
- Do I have to?
The sooner you start,
the sooner it'll be over.
I have to call you back.
There you go.
Next is the hips.
Ey, you're a natural. Let's give
Leah a little bit of love!
Everybody!
Now for the fun part.
Hula tells a story.
So follow my hands and arms
and help tell this love story
with me.
Let's give another round
of applause to Leah, everybody.
Whoo-hoo-hoo!
Thank you so much
for being a good sport.
All right, now let's get
everybody on stage with me.
Let's do it all together!
- Hey, that was great up there.
- Oh, gosh, I...
You're the dancer
from last night.
That was beautiful!
I mean, you made me cry.
- Thank you.
- No, truly.
You made me feel things
I didn't know I could feel.
- It was lovely.
- Mahalo. You know...
Hula has always been special to
me, and it's so great to see new
people connect with it. Have you
ever thought about learning?
Oh, no. I, I mean, I didn't ever
see it until you last night.
I-I think I would remember
seeing something that beautiful.
Well, if it calls to you...
I just wanted to let you know
you did great up there.
Even Ikaika was impressed,
and he's never impressed before.
Well, thank you.
It was a pleasure meeting you.
You, too.
- Wow! That was cool.
- Ah, come on.
You showing all those moves.
That was crazy!
That was crazy, Leah.
I gotta hand it to you, though,
I would've never done
anything like that, I wouldn't
have been caught dead...
- Doing what you did up there.
- Gee, thanks, Michael.
I didn't choose to go up there.
He made me.
Why did you let him
force you to do it?
I would have just kept walking.
Buh-bye.
I guess I'm not as dismissive
as you are.
Hold that thought. Oh.
Hi, Diana.
No, no, it's a little bit
quieter now.
No, no,
she isn't dancing anymore.
She's actually sitting right
here next to me. Ah, uh-huh.
Yeah, you-you wanna...
I'm sure she would love to.
She wants to talk to you.
Oh. Okay. Diana, hi.
Yeah, it was right when
we were on the phone earlier.
I thought I told you
to take this seriously.
Do you know what the guys
on the board would say
if they saw you making a fool
of yourself like that?
- No one is going to see.
- Michael said he took a video.
He what?
It was just
a silly hotel-tourist thing.
I-I... It was a one-time thing.
We don't need anything
making you look soft, okay?
Or anything
to make the board think that
I'm making a mistake
by backing you, too.
Please, try to focus
on the end goal here.
Yeah, you got it.
I'll check in with you guys
tomorrow, okay?
Bye, Diana.
You told her I was up there?
Yes, she called
while you were up there and she
wanted to know where you were.
- And you took a video?
- I did, yeah. But it was funny.
I mean,
it was, it was fun.
You would, uh...
You wanna see it? I...
You don't wanna see it. Where
you going? I can delete it.
- To get some work done.
- I'll delete it.
It's not a big, um...
Deleted.
That's great, George. Thank you.
Yeah, I'll send an email
to Diana right now.
Have a great night. Bye.
Hey, Diana. Just closed
on the Howard Ranch.
Will send you all the details tomorrow.
Sorry about the...
Send.
What are you doing, Leah? Oh.
Good morning.
Good morning, I wanted
to see if you were ready
to head over to the property together.
Maybe we can grab some coffee
on the way?
Um, I actually think I'm gonna
do my own thing today.
Ah. Are you still mad
at me about yesterday?
I just don't think it makes
sense for us to be doing
these visits together when
you're constantly reminding me
that we're competing and are not
actually a team on this.
Uh, okay,
I'll take that as a yes.
Maybe I'll see you there.
Bye, Michael.
Maybe I'll see you...
Yeah, this looks like
a pa'u.
Leah!
- Ikaika. Good morning.
- Hi.
I almost didn't recognize you
without your cell phone.
I almost didn't recognize you
without your microphone
and audience.
Touche.
Um, sorry,
but it's a thing we do
out here, calling out the guests
like that.
- How fun for us.
- Oh, so much tension.
We gotta teach you
how to hang loose.
Some of us have too much work
to do to hang loose.
I don't know, you did
pretty great up there yesterday.
Have you ever
danced hula before?
- No.
- Well, you're a natural at it.
- Are you making fun of me?
- This time I'm not, actually.
I mean it. Seriously, you should
put that phone down more often.
A different side of you
comes out.
Oh, what the heck.
At the risk of sounding
totally insane,
you don't teach hula,
per chance?
- I-is this a real question?
- Yes.
Well, sure. Yeah, we do
group lessons here every day.
I don't want group lessons.
I need something more private.
- Do you do that?
- No, not really.
Uh, what about that dancer
you featured the other night?
You said she's your cousin.
Kehaulani?
- Yeah.
- Uh, does she teach?
Well, she left earlier for Maui
this morning.
- No worries, thank you.
- Well, why do you wanna learn?
I-I don't know...
I felt compelled to ask.
That's all.
Have a good day.
S-so, hey, cuz.
What's up with you
and that wahine?
- Nothing.
- Yeah.
That didn't look
like nothing, brah.
She's a guest here at the hotel.
She was just asking about
taking hula lessons.
Oh. Hello!
Gotta clean the vine
off the tea leaf.
- All that stuff.
- I know. Uh, I know.
What's this? Must be for aunty.
Cuz, you know I grew up with you
my whole life.
- But you know I just realized.
- What's that?
You look like the kind,
you know, that,
that guy from
that brewing company commercial.
- You think so?
- Yeah.
I mean, so identical,
like, chicken-skin identical.
Yeah. Ah, come on.
- Hi, kumu.
- Billy.
Aloha.
Ah, this note
was on the gate for you.
The phone number of another
haole who wants to take over
the place. I saw her leave it.
Aloha, mama. Where do you
want me to put these?
Barely even a hello
for your mother before you get
to business?
Those can go back over there.
Sometimes I think if you didn't
need to borrow things
from the halau
for your silly tourist shows,
I would never
get to see you anymore.
I see you
every couple of days, ma.
And the only reason
why I'm doing
the hotel job is for the halau.
Oh, cuz, you should tell kumu
about that haole
at your hotel that wanted
the private lessons.
- She might have money.
- What is this?
You don't wanna be a kumu,
but you wanna start
teaching private lessons
to tourists?
That's not what's happening
at all.
One of the guests at the hotel
saw Cousin Kehaulani dance,
and she danced at one of
the participation activities,
and she seemed to love it,
because she asked
about taking private lessons
to learn more.
- You're not a kumu.
- Obviously.
Yeah, but, aunty, this woman,
she looked like she could pay.
I told her I didn't teach.
Yeah, but you're not gonna
show her anything real.
Just spend some time showing her
Hukilau and--
She's not gonna be happy
with just Hukilau.
What's going on between you
and this haole?
Nothing. I-I just told you.
For once Billy might be right.
You can teach the haole.
Goodness knows
we need all the money
we can get right now.
But only hapa haole, understand?
Yeah, of course.
Trading the phone
for another device, I see.
I can't be the only person
on the island
trying to get work done.
No, but you might be
the only person doing it
at the bar of what is typically
a vacation resort.
How's it? I didn't think
you were working tonight.
I'm not. Just here to see
this lovely lady.
- Is that so?
- It is, indeed.
I wanted to tell you that,
after careful consideration,
I have decided
that I will teach you hula.
- If you still want to learn.
- You will?
Under a few conditions.
One, no phones.
Two. And this came
from the kumu--
- What's a kumu?
- A teacher.
- A kumu hula is a hula teacher.
- Like you.
No. I'm not a kumu.
Normally if you want to learn
hula, you would have to join
a halau, a hula school,
so to speak.
And the teacher and leader
of the halau is the kumu hula.
But that really means
joining the ohana
and committing for
a long journey, and frankly,
no halau is just gonna let
anyone join on a whim.
Especially not someone just
visiting here for a short time.
And the kumu who taught me,
in particular,
is very discerning
as to who she will accept
as haumana students.
So you're saying
you can't teach me.
Um, I'm explaining that
I'm not a kumu,
though I thought that's what I
was going to be for a long time.
So, two, what we are going
to learn is very informal
and just scraping the surface of
what we can learn
outside of a halau.
Only English songs,
only basic moves,
what we call hapa haole.
If you wanna dive deeper
into the styles
we call 'auana or kahiko,
traditional hula
all in Hawaiian,
then you would have to join
a halau.
Okay. I get it.
When do we start?
This is my haole.
Sorry for the mess.
Are you kidding? It's beautiful!
I know it's not much,
but you wanted private.
Definitely won't be seen
by any of your coworkers here.
Yeah, that's perfect. Thank you.
Now, the thing
about hula
is that its main purpose
is not to entertain.
It's meant to perpetuate
and preserve the stories,
culture, history and traditions
of Hawaii.
Hula is the heartbeat
of the Hawaiian people,
and so it must be protected.
To know hula is to know Hawaii.
- Right.
- Great. Let's get started.
Let's start with the feet.
Take off your shoes.
In hula,
we start with the feet up.
It's our base, our foundation.
This is called kaholo.
One, two, three, four.
One, two, that's it,
three, four.
One, two, three, four.
One, two, three, four. Perfect.
Let's try hala.
Hala, point right.
Two, point left.
To, yeah, right, two, left.
Two, right. Two, left. Two.
Okay. Now let's try the ka'o.
Ka'o is the movement
of the hips from right to left.
Right to left. Right to left.
Right to left.
Think of moving your hips
like a figure eight
or an infinity sign.
Constant flow.
Yeah, right, left.
Right to left. Right, left.
Right, left. Yeah. Right. Yeah.
- Sis!
- Hi!
- Okay, come, come, come.
- Hi!
- Hello!
- Aunty!
This is your Aunty Leah.
Hello, Leilani, Kealoha,
it is so nice
to finally meet you in person.
Hey, Kealoha,
it's Leah, remember?
Okay, look, look, look, look.
You know who I'm talking about.
There is something different
about you today, Leah.
- Is there?
- Yeah.
Maybe the island
is changing you, eh?
Maybe I'm just really happy
to finally be meeting
your beautiful family.
As much as I wanna
take the credit,
I-I noticed it
when you first got here.
- You meet someone?
- No.
No!
- No, spill it.
- It's nothing.
I started taking hula lessons.
- I mean, I mean, not really.
- You what?
It's just beginning stuff
with someone from the hotel.
What kind of someone?
They... Can they even do that?
I guess, to the extent
that we're learning, yes.
Uh, he said he got permission
from his kumu,
even though he's not part
of the halau anymore.
Um, who is he?
- The guy teaching me.
- I see.
And this guy,
does he know what he's doing?
I mean, it seems like it to me.
Ah, imagine that.
My Leah, a little hula girl.
Oh, shh!
But I can't tell anyone because
if my boss found out,
she would kill me.
I don't think your boss
would be the only one opposed.
- What do you mean?
- I'm just surprised.
Usually kumu hula
have strict rules
against teaching just anybody
hula, especially tourists.
But every halau is different,
I guess.
Well, he said it's outside of
halau, and he's not even in it,
and he got
his kumu's blessing...
I know,
I know it's unconventional,
but for the first time
in a long time
I'm feeling alive.
I don't know. Hm.
I believe it.
I can see it, too.
- Okay, all right.
- Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
Ah! Howdy, partner. How has
your, uh, work solo day been?
- It was great. Yours?
- Great, great.
Um, didn't see you
at the property today.
- I must have missed you.
- Oh, I missed you, too.
Well, where, uh,
where else have you been?
Elsewhere.
Well, would you care to join me?
No, I have some work to do, actually.
So I'm gonna head up. But enjoy
the rest of your night.
It looks like it's gonna be
a beautiful sunset.
And one, two, three, four.
One, two, three, four.
Very good.
Now let's stop and move on
to the next part, hands.
This flowing movement
of the hands is called mili.
Okay.
Softer.
Smooth. Soft, but strong.
Delicate, but purposeful.
Focus.
Um, I don't know
if my hands move that way.
- I have an idea.
- Okay.
- What are we doing here?
- I'm gonna show you.
- You see the waves?
- Yeah.
See how they move in a powerful,
smooth, continual motion?
That's how your hands
need to move.
Let the island and nature
show you.
Try it.
It's not about them. It's about
you and hula and the island.
Come on.
Yeah.
Why'd you do that?
Oh, the trash? It's a habit.
I always like to leave a place
better than I found it.
That's actually a Hawaii rule.
Leave the island
better than you found it.
You're not too bad for a haole.
- You know that?
- I'll take it.
Your boyfriend,
on the other hand--
What? I don't have a boyfriend.
The guy you're always with.
Michael? No.
Michael is not my boyfriend.
Does he know that?
You did good today.
Thank you. But now I'm starving.
Can I take you to dinner?
There's that place by the hotel
I've been meaning to try.
- No. You don't wanna go there.
- I don't?
Let me take you out
for some real kind of grindz.
- This is delicious.
- Fully sustainable, too.
Prawns are raised right here
on the land.
You can see the pools
all around us.
Yeah, that's something
you don't see in LA.
Family has been here
for generations,
as has this business.
Right up the highway they have
this fully-sustainable
fish pond
maintained
by generations of volunteers
providing resources
to the community.
Wow! That's wonderful!
We're very connected
to the land here.
Hawaii is more
than beaches and mai tais.
Though, those are
pretty great, too.
You see that tree
right over there?
- Yeah.
- I once knocked myself out.
By running into it.
- What?
- No, no joke.
Me and my Cousin Billy
made a stupid bet
over who can run the fastest,
so I ran so fast,
and when I looked behind me
to see if Billy was catching up,
I ran right into that tree
and knocked myself out.
Right in front
of the whole halau, too.
Come to think of it,
maybe that's when it was decided
that being a kumu
wasn't in my future.
- Mahalo, aunty.
- Aunty?
Oh, everyone's aunty
and uncle here.
Sign of respect and endearment.
We're all one big ohana, family.
I love that.
- Do you ever regret it?
- Regret what?
Not becoming a kumu.
No.
Why would I want such an honored
and respected role
when I can easily teach tourists
the Hukilau at some hotel?
No, but seriously,
I don't regret it.
It was the best decision for me.
What about you?
- What about me?
- Would you change anything?
Oh, I don't know.
I don't even know what that
would look like, you know?
I take that back.
I wish I had told John
how much I actually loved him
before it was too late.
Sorry. I don't know
where that came from.
Don't be sorry. Who's John?
John was my first...
Well, really, my only love.
We met in college
and just clicked.
Right after school I got
this incredible job offer
on the other side of the country
and I left him for it.
I broke his heart.
A couple years of later
I realized how much I missed him
and how much I messed up,
and I went to find him.
But he had gotten married and
was starting a family
with someone new.
- I'm sorry.
- Ah. It was a long time ago.
I dove fully back into work.
And one day,
it stopped hurting so much.
I kind of stopped feeling
or doing anything
outside of my career.
And it's been that way
ever since.
So, really, this is
kind of making a change for me.
I mean, no part of me ever
thought that I would be here
and learning hula.
And hiding it from my work,
no less.
So, thank you for helping me.
Thank you for wanting to learn.
Sorry
for the unexpected rambling.
No, thank you
for trusting me with it.
- To new horizons.
- And new friends.
And getting to know
the real Hawaii.
Oh, before I forget.
- What's this?
- For the last two lessons.
- Oh, no, I can't.
- What do you mean you can't?
It's been my pleasure, Leah.
Uh, you're reconnecting me
with my home and
letting me experience it
through your eyes.
That's more valuable to me.
Thank you.
Positioned right
on the crystal-blue coast
and offering stunning views
of the magnificent mountains,
this in-demand destination
could host upwards of 200 guests
in its modest 60 rooms.
If we level out the land,
this number could climb
to 300 guests and 100 rooms.
Or it could sustain
generations and generations
of a family and community.
Getting to know you, indeed.
All of our songs
we dance to,
these are all stories
of the island.
But to really dance the mele,
a song,
you must really feel the kaona,
the hidden meaning.
Understanding the island
might help you get there.
This is one of our most historic
fish ponds.
- Breathtaking.
- Yeah.
Volunteers from the community
help maintain it,
and the resources from the pond
in turn
help sustain the community.
I grew up coming here
and working the ponds.
That's amazing.
One of the few places
on the island
as yet untouched by developers.
I wanna build
something like this one day.
I try to come back
every now and then,
but it would be
great to leave the hotel job
and do something like this
full-time.
- What is it?
- No, nothing.
No. What?
You're just really unexpected, Ikaika.
I mean, listening to you
talk about
all these things
you wanna build,
I'm reminded that I used
to wanna build similar things.
And, I don't know,
life got in the way
and I-I forgot
that I wanted those things.
It's never too late to remember.
No. I guess not.
- Pua.
- Pua.
You're getting so close,
I think just maybe
you're missing the kaona,
the hidden meaning of the song.
It'll come.
It'll just take time.
But you already told me
what it means.
Uh, this hidden meaning
I can't tell you.
You'll have to discover it
for yourself.
Let's head back. I gotta do
hotel activities in an hour.
Okay.
I think you dropped this, aunty.
- Beautiful.
- Mahalo.
- Everything okay?
- You made an impression.
- With that kupuna.
- Kupuna?
Ah, it's a name
for our respected elders.
How did you know which side
to put the flower on?
Oh, um, it just seemed right.
Or maybe you've been paying more
attention than you've realized.
For tomorrow's lesson,
I wanna give you something.
Let's meet at our regular
beach spot after work?
It's a date.
Hello.
Hi.
What was that? It was beautiful.
A chant.
Putting the sun to sleep.
Been a long time
since I felt called to do that.
You've been reminding me.
Well, reminding me a lot lately.
I've made a career
out of creating spaces
all over the world.
I have never met anyone
with as much reverence
for a place as you.
I'm far from being
an example of that,
as my mother loves to remind me.
No, everything that I've seen
since I met you
has shown that you really care.
You really love this island,
and making me
fall in love with it, too.
Which is crazy because I thought
I was perfectly content
back home.
But being here, spending time
with you and with the island...
I think
that I'm maybe seeing that...
I didn't know
that I could feel more again.
And maybe that's why
I'm frustrated when you say
that I still don't get
the hidden meaning,
because, truthfully, I'm feeling
more than I have
in a very long time.
You'll understand the kaona
someday, don't worry.
You know what the kupuna
said to me yesterday?
- The one you gave the pua to?
- What?
She said
she could sense your spirit.
And she responded
very favorably to you.
That's no small praise
coming from a kupuna like her.
You also knew which side
to put the pua on,
and I'd never told you that.
That was a lucky guess.
I-I didn't know it mattered.
But you did. You're wearing
yours on the other side, too.
It's like you know
without knowing. It's natural.
She's right, you know?
There is something about you.
My mother is a kumu hula, and
for the longest time I thought
that's what I was going to be.
But things became
a little strained.
My father... Are you ready
for it? Was a haole.
He also wasn't a good one
at that.
He made some unwise investments,
got in a little
financial trouble.
Then one day he just
up and left. Never came back.
She never really got over that.
Ikaika, that's terrible.
He passed away when I was young.
My mom did her best
to bounce back,
but I think
I reminded her of him.
I'm glad my mother has
the halau.
I'm realizing
that my mother's real love,
her real child was the halau,
and I'll never be
good enough for it.
I'm sure that's not true.
I tried for years.
I even chose the halau
over what I wanted to build.
Invested in that instead
of the ponds I wanted to create.
And I think part of her
wanted to trust me,
but there was always
that part, too, that worried her
that I would turn out
to be like my father.
I'm so sorry.
It's okay,
I've made peace with that.
And now she's in this place
where she might lose the halau,
or at least the property its on.
So she's come back into my life
to ask me to somehow save it.
She made me
fall out of love with hula.
But... here you come,
all of a sudden, out of nowhere,
a haole, no less,
you're the one making me
fall back in love with it again.
I am so sorry.
No, it's okay.
I'm supposed to be your teacher.
I can't--
Ikaika... I understand.
Oh, I almost forgot.
I brought something for you.
I think you're ready
for the next step.
Normally in a halau,
this would be made for you.
But seeing as our situation
is a little unique,
I figured you can borrow
my old one.
It's one of my old pa'u skirts
from when I was a keiki.
Now you can really work on your
dance like a real haumana would.
It's beautiful! Thank you.
Bring it to our next lesson.
You're ready.
- Oh, aloha! Mrs. Ka-Ka-Kama--
- Not today.
- I was just wondering if I cou--
- Aunty, aunty.
I'll talk to Ikaika,
i-it's gonna be okay.
Ikaika isn't gonna do anything.
It's too late.
- Did you say "Ikaika?"
- Oh. Who are you, brah?
Well, well, well. If it isn't...
Wait, I'm sorry,
what is your name again?
It's been so long since
I've seen
you last,
I've completely forgot.
It's been less than a week,
Michael. Calm down.
I, uh, paid a little visit
to the property again yesterday.
You do know you're supposed to
be gaining the family's trust.
- Not bullying them, right?
- And I learned...
Some pretty fascinating information.
- I bet you did.
- I gotta hand it to you, Leah.
I'm impressed
there is a shark in you yet.
- What are you talking about?
- This little hula guy...
That you've been sneaking off
with, at first I thought
you were just getting, you know,
a little friendly
with the locals.
No judgement here. Then I
found out who he really was.
- Can ya make your point already?
- I realized...
That this nice-girl play of
yours is just an act. Well done.
Michael, I don't know
what you're talking--
Oh, I think you do
and I figured out
your little secret.
I'm on to you.
- What? I don't--
- I, uh, uh--
I have a meeting to get
to. I will talk to you later.
Hope it's a good meeting.
Your back was turned, but...
I used air quotes.
Oh, actually,
we are going to put this top.
There you go, now let's see
if it covers your knees.
Hm, just barely. But I think
for our purpose, this will do.
Thank you.
Are you ready for the lessons
to really begin?
What are you doing with that?
You.
This is the haole girl
that you wanna teach?
- We talked about this.
- You gave her your pa'u skirt?
It's just for the lesson--
We said tourist hapa haole only.
You shouldn't give it away.
She has no need for a pa'u!
I didn't give it away.
I thought--
Oh, you thought, did you?
Because it doesn't look like it
to me.
She's not haumana
and you're not a kumu.
- She's a swindling--
- That's enough.
I'm sorry,
but you shouldn't call her that.
Quiet, I want you
and all your villains
to stay away from my son.
- Mom.
- Your son?
Do you know what your kind
is doing to me and my family?
Ikaika, can I talk to you
for a moment?
- No, you cannot.
- But, aunty, I can explain.
- What did you call me?
- I'm sorry.
I am Kumu Kamalani,
and no aunty of yours.
Now take off that skirt,
and don't come back.
I'm so sorry, Kumu Kamalani.
I'm so sorry, Ikaika.
- Back so soon.
- Not now, Michael.
You know what
I was talking about earlier?
About how impressed I was with
your, we'll call it, work?
- Well, Diana agrees with me.
- What did you tell her?
Just the truth. In fact,
she was so impressed that... Ah.
Diana, hello!
- Or should I say aloha?
- Diana?
Is anyone else struggling
to breathe in this humidity?
I didn't know you were coming.
Oh, really?
Michael said he told you.
I did, didn't I?
Oh, I thought I did.
She's been so busy lately, I'm
sure it just slipped her mind.
Michael has been telling
me about your tactics with
the family, and I have to say,
I was starting to worry
about your ability
to pull this off,
especially after Michael told me
about your dancing.
But now that I see
what you're up to,
I'm sorry I ever questioned your
ability to attack like a shark.
That is exactly what I said.
I mean, chumming it up
with that hula guy
so you can get close to him
and the family
and then convince them
to surrender the buyout to you.
- I... Ah. Genius!
- What?
At first I thought, what could
you possibly see in this guy.
Right, and then just yesterday,
and I'm talking to his cousin
and I learned that he is
the heir of the property,
and thus the decision-maker
that we're all here
trying to impress.
- Ikaika, wait.
- Ooh. Is that him?
Oh, maybe you don't have this
as quite in the bag
as you thought.
How could you?
- Ikaika. No, I did--
- You have some nerve.
You know, I thought
something was a little strange.
Why would a rich hotel guest who
keeps such unpleasant company
want to spend any time
learning about the island
and our traditions and why would
she wanna make it a secret?
- It's all coming together now.
- That isn't what happened.
- It isn't?
- No.
Because it looks like
that is exactly what happened.
When my mother told me,
I didn't wanna
believe her,
but your colleagues
really cleared that up for me.
So thank you.
I didn't know that you were
related at all to the property.
- I swear.
- Are you even hearing yourself?
I told you
my mother was the kumu hula
and that her halau is in danger.
But the halau
is on the property site?
Stop with what
you're playing at!
She saw you there.
That is where you met.
Yes, but I-I didn't know
who she was at the time.
And-and I didn't know
the halau--
The land is currently
under my name.
No, the property
is under the name--
Robert!
My American name is Robert,
like my father.
When he passed, the property
was bequeathed to me.
That is how the halau
is still there.
And now I'm going to lose it.
After all these generations,
I'm the one to lose everything.
My mother was right.
Never trust a haole.
Don't bother putting your name
on the auction tomorrow.
Good job, everyone.
I'll see you all next week.
I wasn't expecting
to see you yet.
- It's the auction.
- I heard.
And I have something
to show you.
Coming.
- Diana?
- The auction is off.
- What?
- The property!
I just heard the news.
The family's attorney got
a check from an anonymous donor
who paid the lien just in time
to pull it from the auction.
But-but... That's... How-how?
How on earth did they come up
with this kind of money?
I've been trying to get
a hold of Leah, too,
but she's not in her room and...
What's this?
Just a little
goodbye-for-now gift.
Some snacks
for the kiddos and you.
Thank you.
Do you really have to go back?
I do. Yeah.
- But, uh...
- But what?
All I've done is make a mess
of things since I got here.
You were supposed to convert
to an island girl with me.
I ruined that fantasy too badly
for repair, I think.
But maybe one day,
after I have some time
to heal, I...
I'll come back and visit.
Oh, just come on.
Aw...
- I'm sorry, Leah.
- Don't be.
I learned that I...
Well, I learned
that I can really love.
I can feel exhilarated
and feel butterflies
and all those crazy things
I never thought I'd feel again.
And if the downside of that
is that I also have to feel
the pain of loss,
well, then I have
to deal with that.
At least I can feel.
And that's something
I didn't know I could do again
before I got here.
You sure you can't just
try talking to him?
Thank you for still loving me.
And thank you for always knowing
when to check in.
I real... I don't thank you
enough for that.
Oh, no thanks necessary.
Get in here. Oh!
This came in
from the attorney, too.
Why didn't you
tell me that you had
a business plan for the land?
- How?
- This is wonderful, Ikaika.
And the attorney said
that there's an anonymous
investment check
that will cover the development.
Looks like someone else
out there believes in it, too.
Diana?
- Why did you do it?
- Do what?
The anonymous check the family
suddenly got to cover the lien.
I know it was you.
You know I'm gonna have to ask
for your resignation letter.
Already submitted.
Leah.
Please, I just wanna understand.
I just knew in my heart
it was the right thing to do.
But giving up everything you've
worked for this whole time
at Livvana?
Uh, and giving up partner?
You know I have to give it
to Michael now.
And not to mention
however much you paid
to cover that lien.
Well, what I invested is small
compared to what you and
the Prescotts would have made
from displacing the family
that owns that land
and that runs
the community center.
And it's small compared
to what we've made at Livvana
doing that
countless times before.
I hope it was worth it.
I know that it is.
Diana, I-I need you to know
that this has nothing to do
with you.
This is about me, mm,
finally following my heart
that feels something for the
first time in a very long time.
You will always be the greatest
mentor I have ever had.
Thank you for that.
What am I gonna do without you?
Ah, well, I might be penniless
and looking for work soon.
I don't know if you're heard,
but I just blew
my savings on a whim investment.
Well, don't tease me.
Maybe take a little time
while you're here
and experience it.
It might change your life.
Did for me.
- Good luck.
- Thank you.
Hey, haole!
Billy said you needed these.
Mahalo.
- I'm sorry, Ikaika.
- For what?
For all the things
that I said to you
and for arguing with you
on your instincts.
Well, you were right
about doubting those.
No, I was very wrong.
And I'm sorry
for making you feel that
I could possibly love
anything more than you.
You're my son,
and I couldn't be more proud
of the man you've become.
You have a good head
and you have a good heart.
And you could see the truth
and the spirit in people
that I was too angry to see.
You honor me, Ikaika,
and I love you.
I better get in there. Class is
about to begin in a few minutes.
And we have a new haumana
joining our ohana.
- Someone new?
- Wanna come welcome 'em with me?
Ikaika, this is our halau's
new haumana.
Like I said, you were right
and I was wrong.
I went to the beach last night
to pray to our kupuna
for guidance.
And while I was there,
so was Leah.
She was dancing all alone,
and she made me feel something.
She danced from her na'au.
You taught her that.
And you taught her well.
Rumor on
the street is she just invested
in a very promising
local business.
Apparently, she did
the development plans, too.
Seems like we can use a partner
like her, don't you think?
Yeah.
- Hey, you did so good out--
- Thank you. I was so nervous.
Oh, don't be.
We'll see you next time.
Bye.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
I was just as surprised
as you probably were.
Kumu said she saw you dance
the mele on the beach.
Must have found the kaona
if it moved her.
Yeah, I, I think I did.
You see, I kind of messed up
with this really great guy.
Ah, we had this whole misunderstanding
and we both said
some hurtful things.
- Yeah, ouch.
- Yeah.
And it's really a bummer because...
I think I might actually
have feelings for this guy.
Is that so?
You know, like,
like, real feelings.
I think I might love him, actually.
Well...
What if he feels the same way?
Well, that's the thing, there's
nothing they can do about it
because there is this whole rule
that a teacher
can't get involved
with his haumana.
Oh, but he's not her teacher anymore.
And she's a haumana with a halau
that he's no longer a part of.
Though, there is this business
that he's hoping
she might partner with him on.
I've been waiting a long time
to do that.
- Me, too.
- My haole hula girl.