Watching the Aloha Island Experience is so much fun because of the talented performers — and they all even took time to pose for a photo with me. (Jessica Hudson Photo)
When Aloha Island Experience director Mary Burns told me to make sure my family arrived early for the Tuesday night show on Surfside Beach, I knew she was being serious. However, I didn’t expect 25 people to already be there for a 7 p.m. show when I brought 10 chairs for my family at 5.
By the time the show started, there were at least 300 people — including many locals who come several times during the summer for the free Tuesday night show — and likely as many as 400.
Not only that, but we got to watch a wedding ceremony just a few yards down the beach.
“You never know what you might find when we get to the beach,” Burns said. “We just kind of go with it.”
And go they do.
The show took about 70 minutes and it was so much fun to watch from start to end. There were hula dancers of all ages — some started as students 15 or so years ago and now help Burns and her two daughters while some youngsters are just starting. There are also those living in South Carolina now who are part of the hula culture.
The show was both entertaining and educational for any age. I loved how Burns invited anyone who wanted to participate to come and try hula dancing — and my 13-year-old granddaughter did surprisingly well.
However, the fire dancing obviously is a favorite for all ages. The skill it takes to do what the dancers did was terrific, especially as the sun was setting on a gorgeous night.
Princess Mialani was making her first performance since a fire injury and Burns thought she did “amazing” and so did everyone watching the show. Chief Chad handled the fire sticks with such ease and speed — and never slowed down.
If you find yourself in the Myrtle Beach area this summer, find your way to 3rd Avenue North in Surfside Beach to watch Aloha Island Experience. You will not be disappointed.
The performers receive no salary. They do share tips.
“But there are so many of them that when they divide the tips, it’s not a lot of money for each performer. They just love what they do,” Burns said.
For information call 843-457-8255 or follow on Facebook or Instagram.
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This is a story I did earlier this week with some background information on Burns and Aloha Island Experience.
