‘Romance in Hawaii’ is a tropical delight

Category: Television and Streaming

Romance in Hawaii is the perfect mid-winter movie. It takes viewers to the lush greenery of Oahu. One could almost smell the plumerias and feel the warm tropical breeze. 

Leah (Kelley Jakle) is a successful L.A. businesswoman up for a promotion. She is a shoo-in for partner in her company until a glitch happens to put a damper on her plans. The company acquires property all around the world and repurposes them for vacationeers. With a special property in Hawaii about to be taken over due to lack of payment, Leah and her co-worker Michael (Peter Porte) are both sent to the island to bid on the property in question. The thing is, they are competing against each other, for the property and for the promotion. Michael is a true jerk, in every way, and Leah is a sentimentalist. These two could never have a romance, so don’t think the title leads you to that conclusion.

Up until now Leah has been a hard-working somewhat loner but when she gets to Hawaii she opens up and starts to feel alive. There’s something about the art of hula that speaks to her heart. When she asks the guest relations worker at the hotel, Ikaika (Cedric Jonathan), to teach her hula, Leah’s heart really opens up to the dance that tells the story of the islands. It also opens up to the feeling of Aloha and yes, eventually to Ikaika. 

Things get a little mixed up and soon both her job and relationship with Ikaika are in jeopardy. But she still feels the connection to Hawaii, hula, and the spirit of Aloha. 

The funny thing is, while watching this show, it brought me back to my very first visit to the islands. There’s something about Hawaii that infuses some people with a new sense of life. And it didn’t hurt that my best friend told me to “go have an island romance.” (I was single at the time!) I didn’t end up with one however Leah does. Lucky girl!

During these cold winter months, this is the perfect escape. Plus, you’ll learn about Hawaiian culture, music, customs, and you’ll also learn a few Hawaiian words. 

Romance in Hawaii airs on UP Faith and Family February 18, 2024. 

Aloha and hoʻomaikaʻi (enjoy)

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.