Hokulani Children’s Theatre Makes History

Photo courtesy of Vicki Boswell

Community Contributed
By Vicki Boswell

In a landmark moment for the Hokulani Children’s Theatre of Molokai (CTOM), 21 excited students, accompanied by six dedicated chaperones and staff, embarked on a memorable journey to Lanai over the weekend of Oct. 11 to 13. The occasion was a joint performing arts camp in collaboration with the Lanai Academy of Performing Arts (LAPA), which culminated in CTOM’s first-ever off-island performance of “Jane and the Giant Peach” at the Lanai Intermediate High School Gym.
The adventure began as students boarded boats from Molokai to Lanai, embarking on a weekend filled with learning, fun, and new friendships. The camp featured training sessions in voice, dance, theater and modeling, provided by Oahu’s renowned Kapa Mag non-profit. Participants eagerly absorbed every lesson, mastering new techniques in the performing arts while bonding with their peers from Lanai.
The performing arts camp culminated in a joint showcase where students proudly displayed their talents. After an impressive display of skills, the grand finale arrived: CTOM’s debut off-island performance of “Jane and the Giant Peach.” For many of the young actors, performing outside of Molokai for the first time was a dream come true. The gym at Lanai Intermediate High School buzzed with excitement as the crowd applauded the talented young cast.
But the weekend wasn’t all work and no play. On Sunday, the young performers stretched their confidence even further, taking on the Adventure Tower at Lanai Adventure Park — an exhilarating test of balance and bravery. They also visited the beloved Lanai Cat Sanctuary, home to hundreds of friendly felines, before cooling off with a swim at the Lanai Community Pool. It was a day filled with fun and adventure, helping to cement new friendships and boost team spirit.
The entire experience — both on and off the stage — was transformative for the students, who returned home with not only new skills and memories but also a sense of accomplishment and pride. The performance marked the beginning of what will hopefully be many more collaborations and exchanges between the islands.
This historic weekend was not only a success for the performers but for both island communities, united through the love of the arts.