Aulani's Hula Halau is one of the featured groups Saturday at Waikoloa Bowl. (Photo special to Hawaii247.com)

MEDIA RELEASE

West Hawaii na kumu hula join celebrated entertainers onstage 4:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at the Waikoloa Bowl for Hoike 2009, to create a memorable evening of Hawaiian music and hula under the stars. 

Doors will open at 3:30pm.

Creator of the event Kumu Hula Keala Ching has named the production “Pili Mau i ka Poli – Memorable Relationships.” 

The theme honors the relationship of three hula masters: Kumu Hula Kapu Hoapili, Kumu Hula Aulani Young and Kumu Hula Hulali Solomon Covington.  

Their halau will open the show with seldom-seen hula kahiko performances, in the traditional form of the dance.  

The concert portion of the program spotlights “songbird of Milolii,” Aunty Diana Aki, legendary slack key artist Ledward Kaapana and Rolinda Bean and Alula featuring music from their new CD release, also named “Pili Mau i ka Poli.”  

Special guest artists include Kumu Hula Kawaikapuokalani Hewett and Kumu Hula Ula Hewett.  

With the support of Waikoloa Bowl at Queens’ Gardens and other sponsors, Hoike 2009 is a collaboration of respected artists and their halau:  Kumu Hula Aulani Young of Aulani’s Hula Hālau, Kumu Hula Kapu Hoapili and Kumu Hula Hulali Solomon Covington of Beamer-Solomon Halau o Poohala and Kumu Hula Keala Ching of Ka Pa Hula Na Wai Iwi Ola.   

“It’s important for all of us to work in collaboration,” Ching said. “By gathering some of our best performers and musicians, respected na kumu hula and their students, and sharing their amazing talents with the West Hawaii community here under the stars, we honor not just their memorable relationships, but the relationship between us all, past and present. It’s a beautiful thing.” 

Hoiike 2009 is intended as a benefit for all participating halau through ticket sales and other venues.  

General Admission (lawn area) is $15 adults, free for keiki 11 years old and under. Reserved Admission (reserved tickets-open seating in chairs) is $25 adults and children.  

Coolers, alcoholic beverages and smoking are not permitted inside Waikoloa Bowl.

For more information, call Na Wai Iwi Ola at 640-1384.