Born Name:  Clarissa Haili

Born Date:  October 28, 1901

Born Place:  Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Died Date:  December 12, 1979

Died Place:  Honolulu, Hawaii

Occupations:  Singer, hula dancer, actress, comedienne

Brief Biography:  Hilo Hattie was often called "Hawaii's Ambassador of Aloha". Originally a schoolteacher, she became a global icon for her comedic hula routines and gave her name to the famous retail chain, Hilo Hattie.

Early Life & Discovery:
First Career: She taught at Waipahu Elementary for years, often entertaining her students with funny dances.
Accidental Fame: In 1936, while on a cruise to Oregon, she filled in for an ill performer. She performed a comedic version of the song "When Hilo Hattie Does the Hilo Hop," which became her signature.

Entertainment Career:
Stage Name: She legally changed her name to Hilo Hattie in 1942.
Radio & Film: She was a regular on the world-famous Hawaii Calls radio show. Her film credits include Song of the Islands (1942) and Blue Hawaii with Elvis Presley.
Television: Later in her career, she had a recurring role on the original Hawaii Five-O series as Mrs. Pruitt.

Legacy & Retail Brand:
The Store: In 1971, she partnered with Richard and Evelyn Margolis to create a clothing line under her name. This eventually became the Hilo Hattie retail chain, now a major destination for visitors seeking authentic Hawaiian wear.
Awards: She was one of the first entertainers inducted into the Hawaiian Music Walk of Fame.