“Uncle Keoki” from Alu Like’s “Ke Ola Pono No Nā Kūpuna” Program. Photo credit: Ku’ehu Mauga.
The 35th Annual Hawai‘i Kūpuna Hula Festival takes place on Sept. 13 and 14, 2017, at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa.
The festival features hālau from across the state as well as Japan, Okinawa and California.
Tickets are available for $15. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. on both evenings and performances begin at 5 p.m.
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The dancers aged 55 and over will compete in up to five judged categories based on this year’s theme, ‘O Ke One Kaulana O Kehelelani A I Nā ‘Ala Onaona O Kamawaelualani.
Wednesday evening will start with an appearance from the Hawai‘i Island Festivals Royal Court followed by the soloists’ competitions and the International Ho‘olaule‘a.
Thursday evening, the hālau strut their stuff in the kane, wahine and mixed group competitions. Awards will then be presented to the winners in all five categories as well as the overall point winner.
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The Hawai‘i Kūpuna Hula Festival also features a free craft fair in conjunction with the evening competition on Sept. 13 and 14.
The craft fair will take place in the foyer of the Sheraton ballroom and the adjacent conference rooms from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Wednesday and Thursday.
Over 30 artists and vendors from around the state will sell koa and Hawaiian wood carvings, jewelry, lauhala jewelry, clothing, Hawaiian clothing and bags, original artwork, lauhala, fresh lei, baked goods, and more.
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Tickets are still available for the evening performances of the at the festival.
Tickets are $15 each night and can be reserved in advance. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (808) 323-4340.
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