Hula Girls set to return to home stage

February 07, 2012

IWAKI, Fukushima Prefecture--Grass skirts and ukuleles are set to make a triumphant return to Iwaki.

Spa Resort Hawaiians, a major hot spring resort, is scheduled to fully reopen on Feb. 8, after 11 months of reconstruction work due to the Great East Japan Earthquake.

The dancing "Hula Girls," the main attraction of the resort, were busy rehearsing their act on their refurbished home stage on Feb. 6.

Although Spa Resort Hawaiians reopened partially in October, reconstruction continued at the facility that houses the stage, and the Hula Girls had to use a temporary platform in a different facility.

Once the resort is fully reopened, the Hula Girls plan to perform their program that was in place until the March 11 disaster struck.

"The show will be the same as before, but that carries great significance to us, as we have endured so much," said Maluhia Yukari, the troupe leader.

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The Hula Girls rehearse on their home stage at Spa Resort Hawaiians in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, in anticipation of the stage's reopening on Feb. 8. (Jun Kaneko)

The Hula Girls rehearse on their home stage at Spa Resort Hawaiians in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, in anticipation of the stage's reopening on Feb. 8. (Jun Kaneko)

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  • The Hula Girls rehearse on their home stage at Spa Resort Hawaiians in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, in anticipation of the stage's reopening on Feb. 8. (Jun Kaneko)