24 Sep 26th Hula O Nā Keiki at Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel

The 26th Hula O Na Keiki, a children’s solo hula competition, will be held on the grounds of Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel November 11-12, 2016. Though the event has grown over the years, from a single day affair to an entire weekend of Hawaiian arts and music, the objective has remained the same – to educate our children in the ways of our ancestors so the culture can be carried forward.

Children from ages 5 years old to 17 years old will steal your heart and shutter your camera as you watch them compete in their categories for the coveted awards and titles. Besides each contestant going through a somewhat nerve-wracking interview in front of a panel of judges before the competition they are also required to memorize a chant in the native Hawaiian language. Later that evening they will perform one of their the kahiko (traditional) or auana (modern) style hula.

The next night is their last chance to prove to themselves, their halau (hula school) and especially their kumu (teacher) that they have mastered the hula. Unless of course, they are also entered in the Palua (couple) Division when we get see them dance one more time in tandem! It’s a weekend of “oohs” and “ahs” of colorful costumes, sassy attitudes, and of course, expertise of traditional hula!

A Festival of Hawaiian Arts will be featured throughout the competition weekend. Artisans from all over the state will be prominently stationed throughout the courtyard sharing their fine works of jewelry, clothing, Hawaiian implements, and accessories.

Entertainment, demonstrations, and food booths serving delicious foods, will be available throughout the weekend. In between rehearsals and performances, enjoy the festivities planned around this event. More information HERE!