International Hula Competition to be Held on Maui

By Vanessa Wolf

Halau NaLeiKaumaka O Uka performs at 2012’s Ku Ma iKa Hula.Courtesy photo

The Maui Arts & Cultural Center has announced that Kū Mai Ka Hula (“Hula Appears”) will soon return to their theaters for its eighth year of presenting the professional, prestigious hula competition on Maui.

In the days leading up to the event, there will also be a lecture/demonstration, says the MACC.

On Thursday, Sept. 12, Kumu Hula Taupouri Tangaro presents “UNUKUPUKUPU/Dancing Beyond the Veil.”

The demonstration is conducted by Dr. Taupōuri Tangarō, Uniki ‘Ailolo of Halau O Kekuhi and Associate Professor at Hawai‘i Community College.

Tangarō’s presentation, discussion and workshop of hula is intended “to reacquaint ourselves with the collective role that choreography, chant, ritual regalia and dreaming have in spiritual transformation.”

The event takes place at 7:30 p.m. in the Yokouchi Pavilion and costs $13.

Then, on Friday. Sept. 13, is the master class Kumu Hula Taupouri Tangaro Hula Workshop.

Intended for advanced hula practitioners, Dr. Tangarō is instructing on
’aiha’a dance and ho’opa’a traditions: kumu hula, alaka‘i, advanced ‘ōlapa and ho’opa’a.

The master class is at 7:30 p.m. in the McCoy Studio for $10. Reservations are required and interested parties should call Moani at 808-243-4227.

On Saturday, Sept. 14 from 1 to 7 p.m. is Kū Mai Ka Hula, an international competition.

Hālau winners from Japan compete in solo and group performances with hālau from Hawai‘i, Washington and California in a full afternoon of performances.

The MACC noted that the competition includes adult male and female categories as well as solo performances in kahiko (traditional) and ‘auana (modern) hula.

To date, there are 34 performances planned, with group and solo performances from eight different hālau. The judges for the competition will be Leimomi Ho, Maka Herrod and Dr. Taupōuri Tangarō.

Saturday’s Kū Mai Ka Hula is presented by Maui Arts & Cultural Center in association with Kauahea Inc., a non-profit organization founded by Hōkūlani Holt to support Hawaiian arts and culture.

Holt, also the cultural programs director for The MACC, feels this is an important hula event for Maui, explaining that “Kū Mai Ka Hula is a wonderful opportunity for all who enjoy hula to come together and celebrate. If you are a hula enthusiast, this is where you should be. Each of the competing hālau has placed or won top awards in other hula competitions. Hālau participants include winners from Hawaii’s prestigious Merrie Monarch Festival and the Maui Festival Kū Mai Ka Hula Competition in Japan.”

In addition to the performances, made in Hawai’i arts and crafts as well as food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Tickets for Kū Mai Ka Hula are $25 adults and half that for keiki 12 and younger.

Have an idea for a fun, funny or thought-provoking story or topic? Get in touch: we want to hear from you. – Vanessa (@mauinow.com)