25th Anniversary Edition of Hula O Nā Keiki, Nov. 13-15

2014 Overall Wahine Award: Leimakamae Maura Kea of Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi under the direction of Nā Kumu ʻIliahi & Haunani Paredes. Courtesy photo.

By Maui Now Staff

The 25th Anniversary edition of Hula O Nā Keiki, Maui’s only children’s hula competition, will be held Nov. 13-15, 2015 at the Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel.

The competitive event is open to students from around the world and commemorates one of Hawaiʻi’s richest traditions.

Twenty-five participants ranging from ages five to 17 will compete in their respective categories for coveted awards and titles, and the chance to win from a total of nearly $13,000 in cash and prizes.

Categories included soloist, pālua of boy and girl pairs, the ancient kahiko style of hula, modern hula styles classified as ‘auana, oli or chant, Hawaiian language, and clothing and adornments.

Event organizers say, now in its 25th year, “the cultural competition continues to educate participants and attendees alike in Hawaiian traditions and perpetuates the culture so that the traditions can be carried forward.”

To complement the keiki hula competition, weekend festivities at the hotel include arts and crafts from all islands, cultural and hula workshops, and Hawaiian entertainment.

The event runs from Friday to Sunday, Nov. 13 to 15, 2015 at the Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel. To purchase Hula O Nā Keiki tickets, call Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel at (800) 262-8450.

Leimakamae Maura Kea of Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi and Kaleookalani Pinto of Hālau Hula ʻO Kawaihoʻomalu took home the overall Wahine and Kāne titles respectively in the 2014 event.