The Epic Tale of Hi’iaka

A New Musical

The story of Hi’iakaikapoliopele began as a Hawaiian oral tradition, passed down from generation to generation. Our musical begins with the goddess Hi’iaka’s quest to find her sister Pele’s dream lover, restore him to life, and deliver him safely to Pele at her crater home. Hi’iaka and her companions make their way through dangers and ordeals, facing spectral foes and worldly wiles. It is a very human account of love and lust, jealousy and justice, peopled with deities, chiefs, demons and commoners. At it’s core, it is a story of two sisters who have a major falling out, the havoc wreaked because of it ….and ultimate redemption.

Creative Team

Book, Music and Lyrics: Roslyn Catracchia and Patrick Makuakane

Original Story: Ho’oulumahiehie
Hawaiian Consultant: M. Puakea Nogelmeier
Stage Director: Scott Schwartz
Choreographer: Patrick Makuakane

Scenic Design: Kevin Depinet
Costume Design: Manaola

Music Supervisor: Brad Haak

Orchestrations and Instrumental Track Production: David Kauahikaua

Hawaiian Music Advisor: Shawn Pimental

Musical Arrangements: David Kauahikaua and Brad Haak

Producers: Michael Jackowitz for WitzEnd Productions and Kuhio Lewis for Hawaiian Council

Associate Director: Melanie Lockyer
Associate Choreographer: Christine Yasunaga

Costume Coordinator: Maile Speetjens
Preliminary Artwork: Solomon Enos

Keyart by Mance Creative for Rubicon Theatre Company

State of Hawaii Tourism/Creative Industries Division Consultant: Georgja Skinner

Marketing: NMG Networks

PR Consultant: Adrian Kamali’i

Advisors during development: Keali’i Reichel and Stephen Schwartz

Principal Characters:

Hi’iaka, the youngest of the sisters and the favorite of Pele
Pele, the Volcano Goddess
Lohi’au, chief of Kauai and Pele’s lover
Hopoe, Hi’iaka’s best friend
Wahine, Hi’iaka’s most trusted ally and traveling companion
Kane, God of procreation

To see more about The Epic Tale of Hi’iaka…