40th Anniversary of Iola Balubar’s Maui Hālau

Maui Kumu Hula Iola Balubar (left) joins fellow entertainers in welcoming inaugural passengers aboard Mokulele Flight 215 from Kahului to Honolulu. File photo © 2009 by Wendy OSHER.

By Maui Now Staff

Kumu Hula, Iola Balubar of Maui celebrates the 40th Anniversary of her Hālau Hula O Keola Aliʻi O Ke Kai at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Castle Theater.

Over the past four decades, Iola Caldito Balubar has been teaching students ranging in age from keiki to kupuna, and showcasing dances of Polynesia from the Hawaiian Islands, Tahiti, New Zealand and Samoa.

The hālau has competed in The Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula on Oʻahu, the Merrie Monarch Festival on Hawaiʻi Island, and mainland competitions in Las Vegas and San Francisco.

The hula dancers have also performed at resort lūʻau shows, shopping centers and festivals on Maui and in Japan.

In addition to hula, the anniversary event will also feature performances from Maui musicians Richard Hoʻopiʻi, Hulu Lindsey, The Waiheu Sons, Uluwehi Guerrero, Ernie & Damien Paiva and Kamaka Fernandez.

Pre-show events start at 5 p.m. with a silent auction, Hawaiian arts and crafts, and performances of hula and dances of Polynesia by the hālau.

Tickets are $27 for general admission.