Focus Hawaii Al Harrington

Authors

• Lance Chase
• Al Harrington

Files

Description

Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features celebrated entertainer Al Harrington, known for his roles on Hawaii Five‑0 and his long‑running Waikiki show. Harrington shares his journey from his childhood in American Samoa and Hawai‘i, to attending Punahou and Stanford, teaching history, and eventually becoming a knife dancer, emcee, singer, and one of Honolulu’s top headliners. He speaks candidly about the responsibility entertainers have to educate as well as entertain, the importance of countering Hollywood stereotypes of Polynesians, and the need to adapt to changing audiences. Harrington also reflects on family decisions, turning down Hollywood opportunities to raise his children in Hawai‘i, his sons’ athletic careers at BYU, and the life lessons he continues to share with younger performers—including the value of education, preparation, cultural understanding, and reading widely.

Length of Video

00:28:31

File Size

206.5MB

Archives Call Number

22.FH

Air Date

10-20-1990

Keywords

Lance Chase, Focus Hawaii, Al Harrington, Hawaii Five‑0, Waikiki entertainer, Polynesian performance, knife dancer, Punahou School, Stanford University, Hawaiian culture, Hollywood stereotypes, entertainment industry insights, BYU–Hawaii interview, education and preparation, Samoan heritage, family and career choices

Recommended Citation

Chase, Lance and Harrington, Al, "Focus Hawaii Al Harrington" (1990). Focus Hawaii. 100.
https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/focushawaii/100