Hula Kahiko at Volcano Art Center, June 18

Kumu Hula Iwalani Kalima and Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani ‘E will perform in the Volcano Art Center’s Hula Kahiko series on June 18. Photo credit: Kenji Kuroshima

The Volcano Art Center’s 2015 Hula Kahiko series continues on Saturday, June 18, at 10:30 a.m. with a performance by Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani ‘E under the direction of Kumu Hula Iwalani Kalima.

Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani ‘E was founded in 1986 to coordinate cultural education programs that benefit Hawai‘i communities.

Students in the hālau, ranging in age from keiki to kūpuna, are taught all aspects of the hula tradition including the practice of traditional Hawaiian values.

Kumu Hula Iwalani Kalima was born and raised in Keaukaha Homestead in Hilo. Her hula roots stem back from her great-grandmother, Kapeka, who was a chanter for Queen Lili‘uokalani, and her grandfather, Joseph Nohea Kalima Sr., who composed the famous mele, Hilo Hula.

Iwalani began dancing at the age of 8 under the direction of Uncle George Lanakilakeikiahiali‘i Na‘ope.

She graduated (‘uniki) and received her na kumu palapala in 1982. Her role as a hula dancer, as well as a kumu hula, has taken her to Washington, Vermont, L.A., Japan and Tahiti.

Through the tutelage of Uncle George and her family’s upbringing, she developed a deep love for her culture and now devotes her time to continue the preservation of hula.

This performance is part of a year-round series sponsored by the Volcano Art Center. For the series, hula hālau from across Hawaiʻi are invited to perform each month in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting at the kahua hula (platform) in the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

These 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.

Held in conjunction with the Hula Kahiko performances, the public is invited to join Native Hawaiian culture specialist Loke Kamanu and her ʻohana as they set up shop on the lānai of the Volcano Art Gallery from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Presenting a lovely display of “Na Mea Hula” (all things hula), Kamanu will share a variety of instruments, implements and lei styles that play an integral role in the life of the hula practitioner. This memorable demonstration is hands-on and family-friendly.

These free events are supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawai‘i Department of Research and Development and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and individual funding from members of the Volcano Art Center’s ‘ohana.

National Park entrance fees may apply.

The Volcano Art Center is a nonprofit educational organization created in 1974 to promote, develop, and perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawai‘i’s people and environment through activities in the visual, literary and performing arts.

Visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222 for more information.