MEDIA RELEASE

The 7th Annual Moku O Keawe International Hula Festival, Nov. 1-3 at Waikoloa Beach Resort, offers something special for everyone who loves Hawaiian culture.

Along with the Festival’s three nights of exciting international hula competition at Waikoloa Bowl at Queens’ Gardens, is an extensive Made-in-Hawaii Marketplace at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

Moku O Keawe also promotes cultural education through a series of hands-on workshops in hula kahiko and auwana, chant, cordage, ipu-making and more.

One of Hawaii’s most distinctive hula events, Moku O Keawe is an educational, entertaining and engaging experience for visitors and residents to enjoy on many levels.

International competition, Waikoloa Bowl at Queens’ Gardens. Moku O Keawe brings together halau from Hawaii, Japan, Mexico, the mainland and elsewhere with top caliber hula competition in Hula Kahiko, Hula Auwana, and Kupuna divisions, group and solo.

Competition nights feature live music onstage and Mistress of Ceremonies, KAPA radio personality Kaea Alapai.

Tickets are $5 lawn seating, $15 reserved. (Ticketmaster fees additional. Beach chairs and mats welcome.)

Cultural Workshops

The hula competition judges — Nalani Kanakaole, Ed Collier, Iwalani Kalima, Nalei Napaepae-Kunewa — are asked to share their knowledge through workshops.

As masters, their insights and experiences are offered on a personal basis, allowing participants an opportunity to learn about hula kahiko and hula auwana, as the various lineages of the kumu hula are unique forms in style, repertoire, and interpretation.

Hawaii Marketplace, Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

The Made-In-Hawaii Marketplace features a wide variety of some of the best products from 35 Island of Hawaii vendors, including Hula implements, fresh lei, silk-screened clothing, woven lauhala hats and purses and jewelry.

“A plethora of knowledge of Hula — both auwana and kahiko – has been shared via Moku O Keawe International Festival,” said designer Kuhao Zane. “Implements, costuming, chants, a sense of place, and most importantly, we share our unique perspective of Hawaiian thought. We remember all who have brought us to this point and have firmly planted the pillars of knowledge for the next generation to build upon.”

“Much like the light rain that falls on to the ohia, gathering within the tips of the lehua blossoms, and dripping down to nourish the tap root — this year’s design embodies the process of our lehua, gathering the moisture that will promote proper growth by nourishing the taproot. We flourish,” he said.

The Moku O Keawe International Festival is sponsored by the Moku O Keawe Foundation, a private nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing, enriching and educating the practice and development of hula and its associated arts.

— Find out more:
www.MOKIF.com