How long is the performance?

The running time is approximately 2½ hours, including an intermission.

Are there discounts available?

Yes—$5 off for teens and $5 off for kamaʻāina with a valid Hawaiʻi state ID.

Where do I go to meet or pick up tickets?

The meeting point / venue address is 1280 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753; arrive early to collect tickets at the box office.

Is the production accessible?

The company lists an Access for All initiative; check their website or contact the box office for specific accommodations prior to booking.

Can I photograph or record the performance?

Photography and recording are typically prohibited during the performance—confirm house policies at the venue and respect quiet, reflective scenes.

Is the show family-friendly?

Content reflects historical and political themes; families should review the synopsis and judge suitability, though teens receive a discount.

The Conversion of Ka’ahumanu — Live History Play in Kihei | Theater | History Tour

Situated on the southern shore of Maui in the town of Kihei (meeting point: 1280 S Kihei Rd), The Conversion of Ka’ahumanu brings a central episode of Hawaiian history to stage. In a compact, intensely human production produced by Wave of Harmony and ProArts Playhouse, Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl’s script traces the political and spiritual shift that followed Kamehameha I’s death, as Kaʻahumanu becomes Kuhina Nui and must decide whether to hold or dismantle the kapu system.

The two-and-a-half-hour performance (including intermission) is driven by an all-female ensemble under the direction of Hōkū Pavao, with original music by Stephen Henderson that threads traditional phrasing and contemporary composition. This is theater that asks audiences to confront decisions of leadership, community care, and cultural survival; scenes pivot between intimate council-room argument and public ritual, each beat illuminated by careful staging and clear, disciplined performances.

What makes this show a distinct part of Maui’s outdoor-recreation scene is its rootedness in place. Maui is an island made by volcanic forces — Haleakalā’s slopes and the coastal ʻāina inform local stories — and the play returns those landscape-shaped concerns to audiences who may have seen the island only from beaches and trails. It’s an opportunity to pair sunrise hikes or snorkeling trips with an evening that explains the human narratives of power, faith, and change that shaped the islands.

Practical details are straightforward: multiple performances in June, a running time of 2½ hours, and discounts—$5 off for teens and kamaʻāina with valid ID. Season sponsors and support from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts underline the production’s community backing. Check the company’s Access for All information before booking if you need accommodations.

For visitors, this production offers cultural context to complement time spent on lava fields, coastal reefs, and Haleakalā’s summit. Attend to hear language and songs rooted in Hawaiian perspectives, and bring curiosity rather than preconceived answers. The theater setting is intimate: arrive early to find parking near 1280 S Kihei Rd, respect cultural protocols during quiet, reflective scenes, and consider pairing the evening with a daytime visit to nearby loko iʻa (fishponds) or shoreline to see the living contexts the play describes.

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before curtain to pick up tickets, settle into the intimate house, and read program notes; bring a light layer for cooler evening breezes off the Pacific and set aside time afterwards to discuss the questions the play raises. Box office and online reservations sell out early on weekend nights. In short, The Conversion of Ka’ahumanu is not museum history. It’s a present-tense conversation with Maui’s past—staged locally, politically charged, and musically alive—an essential evening for visitors who want to understand the island beyond postcards.

About ProArts Playhouse

ProArts Playhouse is a performing arts venue and presenting organization that curates live music, comedy, film, magic, and community-centered events.
The Playhouse programs an eclectic calendar that features local and touring artists, including Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning bands, singer-songwriters, jazz and blues ensembles, improv and stand-up comedy, and film screenings.
ProArts Playhouse collaborates with regional artists and media partners to present headline concerts, themed nights, salon concerts, monthly improv shows, and benefit performances that support local causes.
Audiences can expect professionally produced shows with varied formats — full-band concerts, intimate duo sets, solo comedy and magic performances, and film presentations. Recent listings include headline bands, guitar showcases, harp and soul duos, a long-running Blues, Rock & Soul Revue featuring guest instrumentalists, comedy series inspired by short-form improv, and family-friendly magic shows. Program notes reference partnerships and return engagements that signal ongoing community ties.
ProArts Playhouse emphasizes accessibility of diverse artistic styles and fosters audience connection by hosting celebrations, dance parties, and educational talks alongside entertainment. Ticketed events often highlight award-winning musicians and guest artists noted in event descriptions. The organization’s public calendar and event listings provide details on show length, featured performers, and special programming.
For patrons seeking live entertainment across multiple genres, ProArts Playhouse serves as a reliable source for curated performances, standing out for its breadth of offerings and consistent presentation of local and touring talent. Event pages list ticketing, accessibility, contact details and FAQs to help attendees plan visits and reserve seats easily online ahead of performances.