(Photo courtesy of Haunani's Aloha Expressions)

MEDIA RELEASE

* 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 20
Kilauea Visitor Center, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Haunani’s Aloha Expressions is comprised of an all-Hawaiian performing group of kane and wahine kupuna — elders ranging in ages from 70 to 90.

These men and women also belong to the Alu Like Kupuna Program, meeting on a regular basis.

As they have for many years, they continue to voluntarily welcome malihini — visitors on incoming cruise liners and at the Hilo airport — to share the aloha spirit. The kupuna also entertain on a regular basis for patients at the Life Care Center of Hilo, Hale Anuenue, Extended Care, Hawaii Island Adult Day Care, Aunty Sally Kaleohano Luau House Senior Program and more.

Haunani’s Aloha Expressions were the overall winners of the Kupuna Competition with the song, Tutu E. They have won the Moku o Keawe competition on numerous occasions. They make all of their own colorful costumes and lei, singing and dancing hapa-haole hula and have performed at the park’s annual cultural festival for many years.

Na Leo Manu is part of Ike Hana Noeau, a series of Hawaiian cultural programs sponsored by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Hawaii Natural History Association.

Your $5 donation helps support Ike Hana Noeau programs. Park entrance fees apply.