12th Annual Kū Mai Ka Hula, Sept. 8-9

The Maui Arts & Cultural Center presents the 12th Annual Kū Mai Ka Hula, Maui’s only adult hula competition, this Friday and Saturday, Sept. 8-9, 2017. Friday’s schedule features solo competition beginning at 6 p.m.; and Saturday features group competition and awards, beginning at 1 p.m at the MACC’s Castle Theater.

This year’s Kū Mai Ka Hula competition features award-winning hālau from Maui, O‘ahu, two from the continental US (Las Vegas, NV and Oakland, CA) and two international hālau from Japan.

Competitors will be judged by renowned kumu hula, Iwalani Kalima, Shane Kamakaokalani Herrod, Ulalia Woodside, and Keali’i Reichel.

“The MACC is pleased to continue its co-sponsorship of Kū Mai Ka Hula in its 12th year. The competition’s perpetuation of Maui mele, both traditional and contemporary is essential to building community pride and exhibits the highest levels of performance excellence,” said Kahulu Maluo, MACC cultural programs director. “We are also thrilled to be hosting hālau from outside the islands with the inclusion of the mainland and Japan competitors.”

Events schedule:

Kākua Ka Pā‘ū: A Discussion on ‘A‘ahu Hula — Thursday, September 7, 7:30 pm, McCoy Studio Theater – the 2017 Kū Mai Ka Hula competition weekend begins with this special presentation— a panel discussion with several Maui kumu hula to hear about traditions they carry in respect to costuming their hālau, what inspires them, what doesn`t, are there “trends” and do they follow them, plus experiences with each of them as they describe the step-by-step process of dressing an ‘olapa. The evening is sure to be an interesting look into the insight, traditions, and creativity of a kumu hula. Among the kumu hula participating will be Kumu Hula Kamaka Kukona, and Kumu Hula Kapono`ai Molitau. Facilitated by Kahulu Maluo, MACC’s cultural programs director.

Kū Mai Ka Hula – Friday, Sept. 8, 6 p.m., Castle Theater — Solo Competition
Male and female dancers vie for the title of Mr. and Ms. Hula Maui in kahiko & ‘auana styles.

Saturday, Sept. 9, 1 p.m., Castle Theater – Group Competition & Awards Ceremony
Male and female dancers compete for first place in kahiko & ‘auana styles, as well as Kupuna, who compete in the ‘auana style. From 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., there will be a performance in the Yokouchi Pavilion by the Nāpili Kai Foundation, Kumu Hula Holoau Ralar.

Additionally, attendees can browse and shop displays of made-in-Hawai’i products from an array of crafters and artisans before and throughout the Friday and Saturday performances. A full selection of food and beverages will be available for purchase in the Yokouchi Pavilion Courtyard.

Kū Mai Ka Hula is presented by Maui Arts & Cultural Center in association with Kauahea Inc, a nonprofit organization founded by Hōkūlani Holt to support Hawaiian arts and culture. She is also Director, Ka Hikina O Ka Lā, Hawai‘i Papa o ke Ao, University of Hawai‘i Maui College. According to Holt, “Kū Mai Ka Hula is a wonderful opportunity for all who enjoy hula to come together and celebrate. This competition highlights those hālau who have been successful in competitions so that the best come to Maui. It will be two days of hula excellence!”

TICKETS: Kākua Ka Pā‘ū tickets are $15 (plus applicable fees). Kū Mai Ka Hula tickets per day are $25 for adults; $45 for a two-day pass; half-price for kids 12 & under (plus applicable fees). The two-day passes are only available by phone or in person at the Box Office. MACC members receive a ten percent discount for Kū Mai Ka Hula tickets. Call the MACC Box Office at (808) 242-SHOW (7469) or purchase tickets online at MauiArts.org.

CLICK HERE to watch highlights of last year’s competition.

Prior to the competition Friday night, the musical stylings and traditional sounds of Nā Wai `Ehā will be performed in the Yokouchi Pavilion and from 11:45 a..m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturday, there will be a performance by the Nāpili Kai Foundation, Kumu Hula Holoau Ralar. A full selection of food and beverages will be available for purchase in the Yokouchi Pavilion Courtyard from 4:30-6 p.m. on Friday and 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Saturday.

CLICK HERE for the menu.

Kū Mai Ka Hula. PC: Marsha Aguon

Kū Mai Ka Hula. PC: Marsha Aguon

Kū Mai Ka Hula. PC: Marsha Aguon

Kū Mai Ka Hula, Hālau Nāwaipunalei, Kāne Kahiko.

Kū Mai Ka Hula, Hālau I Ka Wēkiu, Wāhine Kahiko.

Kū Mai Ka Hula, Hālau I Ka Wēkiu, Wāhine ‘Auana.

Kū Mai Ka Hula, Hālau I Ka Wēkiu, Kāne Kahiko.

Kū Mai Ka Hula, Hālau I Ka Wēkiu, Kāne ‘Auana.

Kū Mai Ka Hula, Hālau Hula Keali‘i O Nālani, Kūpuna ‘Auana.