International Foundations
Malu’s early years included tours in Japan, American Samoa, Poland, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, Norway, London, and Jeju, Korea.
Malu Productions
From international tours to long-running Hawaiʻi productions, Malu Productions has spent more than 27 years sharing the music, dance, and stories of Polynesia with audiences around the world.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Producer · Choreographer · Entrepreneur · Educator · Mentor
Michelle Malulani Ake is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Malu Productions, Inc. She is an innovative producer, choreographer, entrepreneur, educator, and mentor with an extensive background in Polynesian performing arts. A former special education teacher with a master’s degree in education, Michelle has spent nearly three decades preserving and sharing Polynesian culture through live entertainment, education, storytelling, and authentic cultural experiences.
Malu Productions began with a six-week Japan Tour. That experience launched a company that would grow into one of Hawaiʻi’s premier cultural entertainment companies. From a young age, Michelle performed across Hawaiʻi and in more than 26 countries, sharing the stories of Polynesia through dance.
Her career includes appearances in Hollywood motion pictures and music videos. She has also performed for notable guests and celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Van Halen, Snoop Dogg, Steven Seagal, Lionel Richie, Kimora Lee Simmons, U2, Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider, Don Cheadle, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Today, Michelle leads Malu Productions with high standards, a distinct creative style, and a values-driven approach. She has built lasting venue and client partnerships while guiding Malu’s cast and crew to entertain, engage, and energize audiences through meaningful guest experiences that proudly share the rich heritage of Polynesia.
Her leadership centers on people and community. Michelle is deeply committed to the health and well-being of Malu’s performers and staff. Through mentorship, training, and professional opportunities, she develops artists and leaders while preparing the next generation to carry Malu Productions forward as a multigenerational family business.
Featured In
Dynamic Women 2026
Michelle Malulani Ake, Founder and CEO of Malu Productions, Inc., was featured in Modern Luxury Hawaiʻi’s Dynamic Women spotlight. The profile shares her journey from teacher and performer to company founder, Malu Productions’ growth since 1998, its international reach, and her commitment to preserving Polynesian culture and empowering future generations.
View Magazine FeatureA Family Business
Malu Productions, Inc. is a family-owned and operated Hawaiʻi company. Today, second- and third-generation family members actively contribute to the business, carrying forward its cultural standards, relationships, and commitment to the people it serves.
Professional Affiliations
Malu Productions, Inc. is proud to be a member of leading organizations supporting Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry, business community, family enterprises, and women leaders.
From Travel Contracts to Steady Shows
A history of international touring, long-term partnerships, and live productions across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.
Malu’s early years included tours in Japan, American Samoa, Poland, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, Norway, London, and Jeju, Korea.
The company continued international work through Japan, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, Tahiti, Hainan, Australia, and New Zealand while establishing the Fia Fia Show, Hale Koa Lūʻau, Norwegian Cruise Line entertainment, Royal Hawaiian Center’s hula show, and Tiki’s Grill & Bar.
Malu expanded through the Big Kahuna Lūʻau, Diamond Head Lūʻau at Waikīkī Aquarium, Magic of Polynesia at Roberts Hawaiʻi, and the Ka Moana Lūʻau partnership. International travel continued through Asuka Cruise and tours across the Pacific, while the Hale Koa partnership entered additional five-year terms.
Malu moved into a dedicated business office and navigated the COVID-19 period while preserving the company’s foundation, relationships, and commitment to its people.
Recent milestones include Aloha Kai Lūʻau, expanded Hale Koa programming, Rhythms of Polynesia at The Westin Maui, renewed Asuka Cruise tours, and the next chapter of Malu’s long-standing Hale Koa partnership.
Company Archive
The original company timeline documents travel contracts in yellow and steady shows in black.