Hawai‘i Island's creative force comes in this trio of entrepreneurs

While the name Sig Zane isn’t unknown throughout fashionable circles on O‘ahu, it isn’t every day that the residents of one isle get to deeply experience the true artistry of an entire family of talent that resides on another island. In fact, there may still be some that aren’t aware: authentic (and hand drawn) aloha attire designer Zane is married to the uber-talented kumu hula (and cultural practitioner) Nalani Kanaka‘ole. Along with son Kuha‘o—an entrepreneur and artist—the Hilo-based trio will lecture, display and talk story at an open gallery event for an entire week in Waikiki.
Although there’s been plenty written about each of the family members (including here), it cannot be understated that their combined knowledge of significant cultural practices melded with an extremely creative eye has been a successful formula. Furthermore, in even truer Hawaiian sensibility, their “success” isn’t measured in dollars—but in the sharing of aloha, a hula performance, an ‘oli (chant), garment or printed work. The Zane family truly understands the value of proliferating a modern version of the aloha spirit—something that many before (and plenty afterwards) have struggled with or executed poorly.
The show, produced by the folks at Interisland Terminal, is entitled “ITO,” which happens to be the airport call sign for Hilo, Hawaii.
“Hilo to Kaunakakai, between Lihu‘e to Hana, or going to Lana‘i and then to Honolulu, each unique locale offers its own stamp in your passport of memories,” says Sig Zane. “Traversing between islands are a distinct part of Hawaiian life as in the past and especially today.” Son, Kuha‘o adds, “ITO is our point of origin! Home base, return to sender, the three-letter cluster that ends a mirage of airport codes on our return flight. ITO is the code, representing our "Point A"- Hilo, Hawaii.”
Throughout the course of their week-in-residence (at the Waikiki Parc and Halekulani hotels), all three will lead discussions about both their individual and collaborative creative work. A pop-up shop of Sig Zane Designs will run concurrently, and will debut a new, limited-edition line for the occasion.
The show begins on Thursday, June 2, and runs through Sunday, June 12, 2011
Hours will be 10:30am – 7:30pm, daily at the Waikiki Parc Hotel
Free, validated parking at the Waikiki Parc hotel will be provided for all ITO visitors and event attendees
The program of events includes:
June 2, 6:30 – 8:30pm
ITO: Early Board – Opening Night, ticketed event
June 4, 5:00 – 7:00pm
ITO: Nalani – Discussion of installation with artist
June 5, 4:00 – 6:00pm
ITO: “Piano & Bubbles” – Champagne Talk Story, ticketed event
June 7, 6:00 – 8:00pm
ITO: Sig – Lecture / Q & A at Hau Terrace at Halekulani, ticketed event
June 10, 5:00 – 7:00pm
ITO: Kuha‘o – Discussion of installation with artist
"Their “success” isn’t measured in dollars—but in the sharing of aloha, a hula performance, an ‘oli (chant), garment or printed work..."