Romance in Hawaii

Leah (Kelley Jakle) is an up-and-coming relator who has a chance to become a partner. All she has to do is secure a property that is in foreclosure in Hawaii. The only problem is that the owners don't want to sell. To make matters worse, her coworker is also after the same property in hopes that he will be made a partner. While things on the business front aren't going well, Leah discovers Hula and falls in love with it. However, she is worried that her coworker will use her newfound hobby against her as she isn't focusing solely on work. So, she signs up for secret lessons from a charming local, Ikaika. We find out Leah was in love once before, but was hurt and is now afraid to put herself back out there. But things start to change with Ikaika. It's basically the same formula as the hallmark Christmas movie. The big city businesswoman comes to the small town and starts developing feelings for the small-town local man. However, I found this movie very charming, even if the formula is pretty predictable. The two leads have amazing chemistry, and there was never a dull moment. Also, it felt unique enough that it wasn't the same old Hallmark film you've seen a hundred times. Kelley Jakle shines as the lead. Kelley is an amazing actor and singer, and it's so refreshing to see her in a starring role. She plays Leah perfectly. You feel like she is a real person. As someone who has been in a bad relationship before, it really felt relatable that she was scared to open up to someone else again. Also, she is way too cute. Her outfits are perfect. Kelley also has an amazing voice, as she is probably better known for her singing. So, seeing her sing in this movie was special. My only criticism would be that the ending felt a little rushed. Some of the supporting cast also struggle with their lines. But I can overlook that as they don't seem to be traditional actors and are likely just local talent. All in all, it's a super cute movie for what it is and worth watching for Kelley Jakle alone!

I loved this movie. Not a typical Hallmark movie type. A real good story ececellent acting and beautiful scenery. I like the way the leads played off each other. The Hawaiian customs were interesting and extremely informative. In addition I appreciated no politics no hidden agenda just a very nice entertaining movie. I often wonder why more movies are done like this without the politics or hidden agenda. The story was original with good substance and very realistic Hackle the lead actress demonstrated very good range and believable. Hackles colleague can't act to save his life. He was comical and not in a good way. His part was ridiculous plus again his acting was forced. All in all a very nice movie with UpTv.

I wanted to see more Hula dancing, REAL hula. My wife wanted the same.

I could not believe it when this popped up while I was perusing movies in Tubi, I clicked on it out of boredom, and quickly realized there was some Hula in it.

The instruction scenes in it were fantastic, it just needs some more actual Hula dancing with less drama, OR just more dance in it and a longer movie There is finally a movie out like this, Never thought to see it, this should be a GAF selection, no politics or hidden agenda, A little too much drama and a little too little dance

Also the actress should have done at least one more song.

I love Kelley Jakle, but I wonder about casting an obvious blonde in a role where that would be a definite handicap for the character trying to make inroads in the midst of a community with strong cultural values that border on xenophobic at times. The movie even makes references to that by using pejorative labels for people from outside.

As if xenophobia isn't enough negativity, Leah has a competitor for promotion who plays dirty using sexism against her and a boss who plays into it. "Women have to work twice as hard to get half as far." Unfortunately, at a time when Leah should be focusing on business, she decides to concentrate a lot of effort on socializing and Hula and seems to ignore what she was sent for.

Interestingly neither of these things is the focus of the movie. There is a lot of screentime spent on Hulu dancing. This combines with the romantic plot thread, but it also shortchanges that a bit.

From the minute Leah meets the hotel events coordinator, Ikaika, and then the property owner at least part of the general outcome is predictable. This becomes apparent before the midpoint. Another theme that seems to be universal in this type of movie is that of the Evil Developers who want to destroy everything beautiful putting only buildings in their place. (Are all Developers really that stupid?) I thought there were some rough parts in getting there because not everything made sense. To explain what I mean would be spoilers and I don't want to do that.

I love to hear Jakle sing and she does one song,

Dance of the heart, also called romance in hawaii. Leah (kelley jakle) is sent to hawai'i on assignment. With her co-worker. But right from the start, we know that they are there under false pretenses; the property on which they want to bid cannot be sold to a company. And yet they are making offers on behalf of their company. Clearly, there will be a painful confession at some point where the seller realizes a company is the actual buyer. Leah takes informal hula lessons from ikaika (cedric jonathan), one of the islanders working at the hotel. Having been to kauai'i many times, the sunsets are incredible. As well as the deep colors. And the fun people. And the beaches. And the customs. Here, the script needed some fixing up; in the first half of the film, many of the conversations are choppy and awkward. Almost as if some of the lines were missing. Rough editing? The basic story is very sweet, and I admire the lessons and hawai'ian customs that are shared with the viewer. I'm sure not many mainlanders (including myself) knew the rules concerning hula. Having hiked the north shore of na pali, some day I would love to visit the ceremonial hula platforms on the property. It's a beautiful story, and a nice opportunity to share customs, songs, and hula with the mainlanders. So why does leah feign surprise when ikaika learns the truth? We all heard the boss talking about the false premise right at the start. Sure, leah didn't realize who actually owned the land, but she knew from the start they were going in under false pretenses, and that would anger the family. It is a cute story, but the script just needed a tune-up. Directed by nanea miyata.