10th Annual Kū Mai Ka Hula Competition Slated for September

Kū Mai Ka Hula (“Hula Appears”). Courtesy image.

By Maui Now Staff

Kū Mai Ka Hula (“Hula Appears”), the only adult hula competition on Maui, returns to the Castle Theater at Maui Arts & Cultural Center for its tenth consecutive year on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 10, 11 and 12, 2015.

Maui’s premier annual hula competition features award-winning hālau from across the islands, as well as the Mainland and Japan.

Competitors will be judged by renowned Kumu Hula Keali‘i Reichel, Taupōuri Tangarō, Maka Herrod and Ulalia Woodside.

Kū Mai Ka Hula is presented by The MACC in association with Kauahea Inc., a nonprofit organization founded by Hōkūlani Holt to support Hawaiian arts and culture. Hōkūlani is also the cultural programs’ director for The MACC.

“Kū Mai Ka Hula is a wonderful opportunity for all who enjoy hula to come together and celebrate,” said Holt. “This competition highlights those hālau who have been successful in competitions so that the best come to Maui. We will also be featuring solo winners from other competitions during our intermissions. It will be a weekend of hula excellence!”

On competition days (see “Event Schedule” below), attendees can browse and shop displays of made-in-Hawai‘i products from an array of crafters and artisans before and throughout the performances.

A full selection of food and beverages will be available for purchase in the Yokouchi Pavilion Courtyard.

A professionally produced DVD featuring full-length performances from both the solo and group competitions will be available for preorder or for purchase at the event. A full-color commemorative program will also be available for purchase.

Tickets go on sale Saturday, Aug. 1, for MACC members and Saturday, Aug. 8, for the general public.

Tickets are $10 for Thursday’s talk-story and live performance.

Tickets for each competition day are $25 for adults; half-price for keiki 12 and under.

The two-day competition special is $37; half-price for keiki 12 and under.

Call The MACC Box Office at (808) 242-SHOW (7469) or purchase tickets online.

Event Schedule

The Life and Music of John Kamealoha Almeida
Thursday, Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m. • McCoy Studio Theater
This talk story and live performance is an event for hula enthusiasts as a deeper exploration into the mind of Hawaiian song composer Almeida, who was blind since childhood, yet wrote beautiful songs about the beauty that surrounded him.

Solo Competition
Friday, Sept. 11, 6 p.m. • Castle Theater
Male and female dancers vie for the title of Mr. and Ms. Hula Maui in kahiko and ‘auana styles.

Group Competition & Awards Ceremony
Saturday, Sept. 12, 1 p.m. • Castle Theater
Male and female dancers compete for first place in kahiko and ‘auana styles, as well as kūpuna, who compete in the ‘auana style.