Ku Mai Ka Hula returns with local and international halau
Halau Halonaikeohokapalai from Maui displaying the female kahiko-style (ancient) competition. -- Marsha Aguon photo
Halau I Ka Wekiu from Oahu dancing the male kahiko-style (ancient) event at last year’s competition. -- Photo courtesy MACC
Halau Halonaikeohokapalai from Maui displaying the female kahiko-style (ancient) competition. -- Marsha Aguon photo
Halau I Ka Wekiu from Oahu dancing the male kahiko-style (ancient) event at last year’s competition. -- Photo courtesy MACC
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Maui's premier annual hula competition, Ku Mai Ka Hula, or Hula Appears, returns to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului this week.
Beginning with a special panel discussion with Kumu Hula Kamaka Kukona of Halau o Ka Hanu Lehua, Kumu Hula Kapono'ai Molitau of Na Hanona Kulike 'O Pi'ilani and Na Kumu Hula 'Iliahi and Haunani Paredes of Halau Kekuaokala'au'ala'iliahi at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the McCoy Studio Theater, audience members will hear about traditions with respect to costuming the halau; what does and does not inspire the kumu hula; and whether there are "trends" to hula and are they followed. Some personal experience stories from each will be shared as the kumu hula describe the step-by-step process of dressing an 'olapa, or dancer. The evening will offer an interesting look into the insight, traditions and creativity required of a kumu hula.
The competition proper will kickoff at 6 p.m. Friday in the Castle Theater with the solo competitions where male and female dancers vie for the title of Mr. and Mrs. Hula Maui in both kahiko (ancient) and 'auana (modern) hula.
The group competition and awards ceremony begin at 1 p.m. Saturday with male and female dancers competing for first place in the two styles of hula, as well as a third style for kupuna (grandparent or ancestor) who compete in the 'auana style.
The Napili Kai Foundation led by Kumu Hula Holoau Ralar will perform from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Yokouchi Pavilion before the group competition begins.
Attendees to Ku Mai Ka Hula may browse and shop the displays of made-in-Hawaii products from an array of crafters and artisans prior to and throughout the performances on both Friday and Saturday. A full selection of food and beverages will also be available for purchase in the Yokouchi Pavilion Courtyard.
"The MACC is pleased to continue its co-sponsorship of Ku Mai Ka Hula in its 12th year. The competition's perpetuation of Maui mele, both traditional and contemporary, is essential to building community pride and exhibits the highest levels of performance excellence," said Kahulu Maluo, MACC cultural programs director. "We are also thrilled to be hosting halau from outside the islands with the inclusion of the Mainland and Japan competitors."
* Tickets for Thursday's panel discussion are $15 (plus applicable fees). Tickets for the competition are $25 for adults per day; $45 for a two-day pass; children 12 and younger are half-price. The two-day pass is only available by calling 242-7469 or by visiting the MACC box office. The single day passes may also be purchased online at www.mauiarts.org.