Orkin

Kumu Kahua is a theater that celebrates and examines life in Hawaii, showcasing some of the state's most talented actors, directors, playwrights and technicians. The theater stages plays about life in Hawaii, plays by Hawaiian playwrights, and plays for Hawaii's people. The 100-seat playhouse is an intimate affair, the perfect setting to watch world premieres by local playwrights such as Dennis Carroll, Lee Cataluna, Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl, Edward Sakamoto and Lee A. Tonouchi. Performances have included notable favorites such as "Ghosts in the Plague Year," "The Great Kaua'i Train Robbery" and "It's All Relative." Another unique aspect of the theater is that it encourages actors to use their natural local dialect or accent. Many of the plays are written in Hawaii Creole English. The theater promotes local talent by offering classes in acting and writing, as well as sponsoring an annual playwriting contest. Located in Honolulu, Kumu Kahua Theatre was founded in 1971.

The East Hawaii Cultural Center is an important force that promotes Hawaiian arts, culture and creative traditions. Since Hawaii is a multi-ethnic state, the council was founded in 1967 with six charter organizations that reflect the diversity of the Pacific islands. The cultural center is home to an effective alliance of arts organizations, including the Big Island Dance Council, Hawaii Concert Society, Bunka No Izumi, Kin Ryosho Dance Academy, and the Philippine Women's Circle.