Moku O Keawe Hula Festival Grows

The 8th Annual Moku O Keawe International Festival opens Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Hilton Waikoloa Village with high-caliber hula competition, an expanded Made-in-Hawai‘i Marketplace and unique Hawaiian cultural workshops.

Hālau from Hawai‘i, Japan and elsewhere will compete in Hula Kahiko, Hula Auwana, and Kupuna divisions, group and solo, in the Hilton’s Monarchy Ballroom. Emceed by KAPA radio personality Ka‘ea Alapa‘i, Thursday and Friday are evening performances; Saturday’s events begin at 1 p.m.

Workshops presented by the competition judges include hula kahiko and auwana by Kumu Hula Nalani Kanaka‘ole, Iwalani Kalima, Cy Bridges and Chinky Mahoe. Additionally, three generations of the legendary Lim ‘Ohana will present a talk-story session and Kele Kanahele will help students create Ni’ihau shell lei.

Featuring a wide variety of some of the best products from over 50 Hawai‘i Island vendors, the new Marketplace at Hilton Hawaiian Village will showcase hula implements, fresh lei, silk-screened clothing, woven lauhala hats and purses, food products, fine arts, jewelry, fragrance and soaps.

In the “class without walls,” noted ipu-maker Kalim Smith demonstrates how to make the traditional gourd drums.

Here’s the full schedule:

Thursday, Nov. 7
• 9 a.m.-noon, Workshop: Hula Auwana, “Aia La O Pele,” Instructor: Kumu Hula Iwalani Kalima
• 1-4 p.m., Workshop: Hula Auwana, “Lei Pua Kenikeni,” Instructor: Kumu Hula Chinky Mahoe
• 5 p.m., Doors open for Kahiko Night
• 6-9 p.m., Competition: Wahine Kahiko, group and solo

Friday, Nov. 8
• 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Workshop: Hana Lei Pupu (Ni‘ihau shell lei-making), Instructor: Kele Kanahele
• 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Made-in-Hawaii Market Place
• 9 a.m.-3 p.m., “Class without walls,” Ipu Heke – Hula Gourd Implement. Instructor: Kalim Smith, open to the public, complimentary
• 9 a.m.-noon, Workshop: Hula Auwana, “Ni‘ihau,” Instructor: Kumu Hula Nalani Kanakaole
• 1-4 p.m., Workshop: Hula Auwana, “Hualalai,” Instructor: Kumu Hula Cy Bridges
• 5 p.m., Doors open for Kupuna Night
• 6-10 p.m., Competition: Kupuna, group and solo. Awards presentation to follow.

Saturday, Nov. 9
• 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Made-in-Hawaii Market Place
• 9 a.m.-3 p.m., “Class without walls,” Ipu Heke – Hula Gourd Implement. Instructor: Kalim Smith, open to the public, complimentary
• 9 a.m.-noon, Workshop: “Following Tradition.” Mo‘olelo (talking story) with three generations of the Lim ‘Ohana
•  Noon, Doors open for Auwana competition
• 1-7 p.m., Competition: Wahine Auwana, group and solo, and Makua Solo. Awards presentation to follow.

Advance registration is required for workshops, on line or at the festival registration area, up to one hour prior to class. For information and tickets, visit www.MOKIF.com. A $5 rate for self-parking is provided by Hilton Waikoloa Village.