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Christmas has arrived at Chef Chai’s, with Santa-in-charge Robert Cazimero serenading while diners enjoy Chai Chaowasaree’s splendid feast.

For the holidays this year, Cazimero is performing five shows, which began Wednesday (Dec. 11) and continues through Sunday (Dec. 15). No, it’s not the lavish theatrical outings of seasons past, when his hula halau gathered and provided a spectacle, singing and dancing. Nonetheless, Cazimero is dutifully vocalizing while performing at the grand piano.

Indeed, the keyboard has become the “orchestra” for Cazimero since he abandoned the stand-up fiddle bass after brother Roland – who was famous for his sit-down guitarmanship on his signature white cube –unexpectedly died.

**Robert Cazimero at the keyboards at Chai’s: ’tis the season.**

That was then, this is now, and the less-is-more concept works because of Cazimero’s stewardship. He’s emcee, musician, and crooner, calling the shots. It’s casual, spontaneous stuff, and you never know what to expect. Yes, Cazimero’s two hula soloists – Sky Perkins Gora — and Bully Keola Makaiau – have their solos.

But surprise guest hula dancers always get the proverbial spotlight. On the show I caught Thursday night (Dec. 12), the parade of guests included Robert’s sister, Kanoe “‘Tootsie” Cazimero, kumu hula Vicky Holt Takamine, and Cha Thompson.

Holt Takamine, kumu of Halau Pua Ali’i ‘Ilima, did a solo hula and was applauded for her recent achievement. She has been awarded the 31st annual Dorothy and Lillian Gish prize of $450,000. She is a pioneering, renowned, master teacher of traditional Hawaiian dance, and longtime Merrie Monarch judge.

And among the spectators: Nina Keali‘iwahamana Rapozo

On this night, Cazimero opened with “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and wound up with “Mele Kalikimaka.”

In-between, there were Hawaiian “moments,” like a sweet “Wahine Ilikea,” a vocal that begged for a solo hula; “Ku‘u Home O Kahalu‘u,” the Olomana signature; and a lively “Teve Teve” hula by Bully Keola Makaiau, in honor of Boyce Rodrigues, the late brother of Nina.

One nostalgic entry was a holiday tune, “A Christmas Wish,” penned by Roland, who sang lead, with Robert doing a few harmonic lines. It boasts a sweet sentimental line: “Christmas shouldn’t be just one day a year but all year in your heart.” Welcome to jollywood.

“When You Wish Upon a Star,” the Disney anthem, appeared again, one of his trusty titles, and while in no way linked to “Star,” another oldie — “Puff the Magic Dragon,” the Peter, Paul and Mary hit – was a curious inclusion. Indeed, who sings this anymore? He does.

“Waikiki,” with Cha dancing, was a sentimental favorite from Cazimero’s song bank; she hasn’t lost her hula chops.

“Drinking Champagne,” the Myra English classic, continues to occupy a logical spot in his must-sing list, since it’s the apt tune that accompanies his ritual of hoisting a glass of bubbly, and spectators join the toast.

Yes, Chai’s red Christmas tree a stone’s throw away, signifies the holiday season is in full swing

And if you want to catch Cazimero in one the remaining shows, call Chai’s at (808) 330-0279 for availability though It’s likely already a sellout…

And that’s Show Biz…