April Hula Kahiko Performance at HVNP

Halau Hula O Kalaulani O Puʻuanahulu. VAC provided photo.

On Saturday, April 16 the Volcano Art Center’s 2016 Hula Kahiko series will continue.

From 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Halau Hula O Kalaulani O Pu’uanahulu will perform, under the direction of Kumu Hula Stephanie Naomi Apolo.

Apolo started dancing hula since when she was four years old under hula master George Kanakilakeikiahi-ali’I Naope. Following his retirement, Apolo danced for other kumu, including Iwalani Kalima, Etua Lopes, Ray Fonseca, Francis Henry Pohukaina “Kaina” Keana’aina, Raylene Ha’alelea Lancaster, and Hulali Solomon Covington.

Halau Hula O Kalaulani O Pu’uanahulu was started with seven girls in May of 2012 by Apolo, who has grown the halau to 24 students.

Apolo hopes to be able to teach the manaʻo that she was taught by Uncle George, share the values that were taught by her kupuna of Pu’uanahulu, allow the girls to experience hula competitions and other memorable events, and travel to share what she loves.

The halau’s performance is part of a year-round series sponsored by the VAC.  Hula halau from across Hawaiʻi are invited to perform each month in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting at the kahua hula within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

The performances are presented authentically in an outdoor setting, rain or shine, without electronic amplification.  Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats.

April’s hula kahiko performance will take place in conjunction with Kumu Hula Ab Valencia and members of Hālau Hula Kalehuaki‘eki‘eika‘iu, who will share “Nā Mea Hula” (all things hula) on the lanai of the Volcano Art Gallery.

The events are free as part of a grant from the County of Hawai’i Department of Research and Development, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, and individual funding from members of the VAC ohana.

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a modification of policies and procedures to participate in this event should contact Desiree at (808) 987-7288 or email volcanohula@gmail.com as soon as possible, but no later than 14 days before the scheduled event.