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Romance in Hawaii

  • TV Movie
  • 2023
IMDb RATING
6.4/10
374
YOUR RATING
Kelley Jakle and Cedric Jonathan in Romance in Hawaii (2023)
ComedyRomance

Leah, a successful financial executive, discovers the missing passion from her life when she starts taking secret hula dance lessons from handsome local Ikaika, while on assignment in Hawaii... Read allLeah, a successful financial executive, discovers the missing passion from her life when she starts taking secret hula dance lessons from handsome local Ikaika, while on assignment in Hawaii.Leah, a successful financial executive, discovers the missing passion from her life when she starts taking secret hula dance lessons from handsome local Ikaika, while on assignment in Hawaii.

  • Director
    • Nanea Miyata
  • Writers
    • Carolina Espiro
    • Nanea Miyata
  • Stars
    • Kelley Jakle
    • Cedric Jonathan
    • Peter Porte
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.4/10
    374
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Nanea Miyata
    • Writers
      • Carolina Espiro
      • Nanea Miyata
    • Stars
      • Kelley Jakle
      • Cedric Jonathan
      • Peter Porte
    • 11User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos1

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    Top cast48

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    Kelley Jakle
    Kelley Jakle
    • Leah Davis
    Cedric Jonathan
    Cedric Jonathan
    • Ikaika
    Peter Porte
    Peter Porte
    • Michael
    Carrie Schroeder
    Carrie Schroeder
    • Diana
    Lora Puanani Contreras
    • Kamalani
    Coel Mahal
    Coel Mahal
    • Kiki
    Blake La Benz
    Blake La Benz
    • Billy
    • (as Brutus La Benz)
    Emalia Dalire
    • Kehaulani
    Deanna Espinas
    • Kupuna
    Cameron Luat
    • Kealoha
    Kylie Luat
    • Leilani
    Max Ulloa
    • Bartender
    Mailani Makainai
    • Mailani
    Catherine Sackett
    • Office Worker
    Hayley Seat
    Hayley Seat
    • Office Worker
    Isaac Newman
    • Office Worker
    Isabella Urdaneta
    Isabella Urdaneta
    • Office Worker
    Joshua Chang
    • Office Worker
    • Director
      • Nanea Miyata
    • Writers
      • Carolina Espiro
      • Nanea Miyata
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews11

    6.4374
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    Featured reviews

    9solojere

    Super Cute

    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!
    7the_doofy

    More Hula please

    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.
    8vjf36

    Hawaii

    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.
    3aeszeki

    Bad acting, bad directing, artificial

    This could have been good with better actors and a bit of rework of the script. As it is, it seems artificial, forced. The leads just recite the lines but I can't see any feelings from them. It's difficult to watch.

    The lead actress has a lovely singing voice and beautiful eyes. Maybe she is good in something else but this role wasn't good for her.

    The male lead is very good looking but a wooden actor. I can believe him as a dancer. Otherwise, he is sort of boring.

    I like films with cultural elements and I would like to learn about hula but, somehow, in this film, everything sounded fake. I don't know if the hula part was realistic. I couldn't really buy the premise.
    6ksf-2

    cute story, script needs fixing up.

    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.

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      There's a scene where Ikaika is telling Billy he looks like the guy from those beer commercials. The actor who plays Billy is the same actor from those local beer commercials.

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    FAQ12

    • When was Romance in Hawaii released?Powered by Alexa

    Details

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    • Release date
      • February 18, 2024 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Production Company Website
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Dance of the Heart
    • Production companies
      • Nicely Entertainment
      • The Ninth House
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Color
      • Color

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