Kūpuna Hula Festival Draws International Competition
“Aunty BJ” 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.
The dancers, ages 55 and better, 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.
The Hawai‘i Kūpuna Hula Festival also features a daily craft fair. Over 30 artists and vendors from around the state will sell everything from koa carvings, jewelry, clothing, original artwork, lauhala and so much more. The craft fair is opened from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days of the festival.
For more information and to purchase tickets, call (808) 323-4340.
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