17th Annual Kū Mai Ka Hula competition at the MACC, Sept. 14

Kū Mai Ka Hula (“Hula Appears”) returns to the Castle Theater for its 17th annual event Sept. 14 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) as Maui’s premier annual competition – and Maui’s only adult hula competition. A related presentation and discussion, The Uluwehi Project, will take place Thursday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the MACC’s McCoy Studio Theater. Tickets for both events are on sale now online only at MauiArts.org.

This year’s Kū Mai Ka Hula competition features award-winning hālau from around Hawai‘i and the continental US Competitors will be judged by renowned kumu hula, from around the pae ʻāina of Hawaiʻi, to include Kumu Hula Iwalani Kalima, Kumu Hula Ulalia Woodside Lee, Kumu Hula Maka Herrod, and Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata.

Events schedule:

The Uluwehi Project
Thursday, Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m., McCoy Studio Theater

The 2024 Kū Mai Ka Hula competition weekend begins with a short documentary film that showcases the imagery of the mele Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai through the elements of Hula, ʻĀina, and Kaiāulu and a discussion led by Lanihuli Kanahele, great-granddaughter of the late Edith Kanakaʻole. Edith Kanakaʻole practiced environmental stewardship through the mele that she composed and the hula that she choreographed. This was a staple in her practice. This presentation will highlight the diversity within Hula and the ocean as we follow the song of Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai. Without a healthy ecosystem, there is no hula. Without the Hula, there are no records.

Kū Mai Ka Hula – Saturday, Castle Theater
Saturday, Sept. 14, 1 p.m., Solo & Group Competition and Awards Ceremony

In its 17th year, the Kū Mai Ka Hula competition will feature award-winning hālau competing in solo, group and kūpuna categories. Male and female dancers perform both kahiko (traditional) and ‘auana (modern) hula stylings.

Expect to see hālau competing in a level of performance as seen in other well-known prestigious hula competitions, yet this event takes place at the MACC’s Castle Theater on Maui.

Attendees can browse and shop displays of made-in-Hawaiʻi products from an array of crafters and artisans before and throughout Saturday’s performances. A full selection of food & beverages will be available for purchase in the Yokouchi Pavilion Courtyard.

Pre-show entertainment by Nāpili Kai Foundation will take place from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Yokouchi Pavilion. Solo and group competition begins in the Castle Theater at 1 p.m., and the awards ceremony will follow.

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 the Director of Ka Hikina O Ka Lā, Hawai‘i Papa O Ke Ao, University of Hawai‘i Maui College. Kū Mai Ka Hula remains an opportunity for both residents and visitors 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.

TICKETS: Kū Mai Ka Hula tickets are $25 for adults; half-price for kids ages 12 and under (plus applicable fees). MACC members receive a 10% discount. Group and UHMC student rush tickets also available through the MACC Box Office. The MACC Box Office is not currently open for window sales but is available for ticketing by email at boxoffice@mauiarts.org.