Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Resort presents 34th Annual Hula O Nā Keiki at Kamehameha Schools Maui, Oct. 9-10

Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Resort invites residents and visitors to experience the 34th annual Hula O Nā Keiki, a cherished Maui tradition celebrating the next generation of Hawaiian hula practitioners, taking place Oct. 9–10, 2026 at Kamehameha Schools Maui.

This year’s competition will be held in Kamehameha Maui’s Keōpūolani Hale (auditorium), creating more space for the community to gather and experience Maui’s only keiki hula competition and the traditions carried forward by its young dancers. While the event will also be livestreamed for audiences around the world, there is something special about being in the room – seeing the children performing on stage when their eyes light up, their faces light up and you can hear the mele and the energy.

“Hula O Na Keiki is an opportunity to showcase the transmission of knowledge from one generation of Kumu, or the source, to the next generation and that ‘ike, that knowledge, comes with so much aloha,” said Kahulu De Santos, Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Resort director of ʻImipoʻokela and executive director of Hula O Nā Keiki.

Established in 1990, Hula O Nā Keiki welcomes soloists ages 6 to 17 to demonstrate their mastery of hula kahiko (ancient hula) and hula ʻauana (modern hula). The competition format includes interviews with an esteemed panel of judges where participants share the meanings behind their mele and hula, their personal connection to Hawaiian culture and why they dance.

“Hula is more than just dancing to me, it’s a way for me to express myself and tell a moʻolelo. And through Hula O Nā Keiki, I’ve been able to build more pilina with my ʻohana, Laka, Piʻiholo, and myself as an ʻōlapa. It has given me a deeper appreciation for hula and the people and traditions that have shaped me to who I am today,” said Elizabeth Kamaile Kahailihauwelo Kekahuna, Miss Hula O Na Keiki 2025.

At its heart, Hula O Nā Keiki is about learning, sharing and carrying Hawaiian traditions forward. The event allows young dancers to deepen their understanding of Hawaiian language, music, hula and cultural values while sharing that knowledge with the community.

“Hula O Nā Keiki is special because it gives young people a prestigious platform to share not only their artistry, but the ʻike, stories and cultural connections behind their hula,” said De Santos. “Each year we witness young dancers carry forward the teachings of their kumu with humility, discipline and aloha. Their dedication gives us great hope for the future of our culture, and we are proud to provide a place where their voices and talents can be celebrated.”

The 2026 Hula O Nā Keiki Participants (Keiki | Island| Hālau | Kumu):

• Callie Kozuki | Maui | Hālau Hula O Keola Aliʻiokekai | Kumu Hula Iola Balubar
• June Wu | Maui | Hālau Hula O Keola Aliʻiokekai | Kumu Hula Iola Balubar
• Waianu Kaleiomakaliʻi Hall | Maui | Hālau Hula Kauluokalā | Nā Kumu Hula Uluwehi Guerrero & Kaui Krueger
• Isaac Kazuyuki Kauahikaua Woodward | O‘ahu | Ka Pā Hula ʻO Kawaihoʻomalu | Kumu Hula Kū Koanui-Souza
• Keolaokalani Ah Wong | O‘ahu | Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe | Nā Kumu Hula Tracie and Keawe Lopes
• Paisley Keira Cabico | Maui | Pukalani Hula Hale | Kumu Hula Hiʻilei Maxwell-Juan
• Madison Hana Delmore Fukuda | Maui | Pukalani Hula Hale | Kumu Hula Hiʻilei Maxwell-Juan
• ʻIhikolonahe Sheilo Maxwell | Maui | Hālau Keʻalaokamaile | Nā Kumu Hula Kealiʻi Reichel and Henohea Kāne
• Makalapua Kahula | Maui | Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka | Kumu Hula Nāpua Silva
• Laci Jade Kaimuloa Bates | Hawai‘i | Hālau Kalaʻakeakauikawēkiu | Kumu Hula Kenneth Dean Alohapumehanaokalā Victor
• Jadynn-Kalena Makanauʻimaikalanimai Young | O‘ahu |Hālau Nā Maka O Ka Lauaʻe | Kumu Hula Lauaʻe Yamasaki

Winners will receive cash prizes, with the overall winner receiving an enhanced prize package that includes inter-island flight for courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines, portrait photography, tickets to see Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana and a three-night stay at Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort. As part of the experience, the overall winner will have the opportunity to perform at Kani Ka Pila Grille in Waikīkī.

“Hula O Nā Keiki has been a treasured tradition and a signature event at Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Resort for more than three decades,” said Edwin Torres, General Manager. “This year’s move to the beautiful Kamehameha Schools Maui campus allows us to welcome more guests and come together to celebrate this special cultural tradition.”

Tickets will go on sale shortly. For event updates, ticket information, livestream details and resort reservations, visit Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Resort.