Makalapua Kahula and Isaac Woodward earn titles at 34th Annual Hula O Nā Keiki Competition

The 34th Annual Hula O Nā Keiki Competition crowned its winners this past weekend, including recipients of its two overall distinctions. Makalapua Kahula, representing Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka under the guidance of Kumu Hula Nāpua Silva, earned the title of Miss Hula O Nā Keiki 2026. Isaac Kazuyuki Kauahikaua Woodward, representing Ka Pā Hula ʻO Kawaihoʻomalu under Kumu Hula Kū Koanui-Souza, was named Master Hula O Nā Keiki 2026.

Hosted at Kamehameha Schools Maui’s Keōpūolani Hale and presented by OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort, the two-day cultural celebration showcased soloists ages 6–17 as they demonstrated proficiency in oli (chant), hula kahiko (ancient hula) and hula ʻauana (modern hula). The competitors also took part in private interviews with judges about the meanings behind their oli, mele and hula, their cultural connections and why they dance hula.

Presided over by Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata as master of ceremonies, the competition featured solo performances from nine distinguished hālau representing O‘ahu, Hawaiʻi Island and Maui. The soloists performed before an esteemed panel of judges: Kumu Hula Māpuana Kekahuna Aarona, Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe, Māpuana de Silva, Leimomi Ho and Hōkūlani Holt.

“Established in 1990, Hula O Nā Keiki is a long-standing pillar of Hawaiian culture on Maui,” said Kahulu De Santos, OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort director of ʻImipoʻokela and executive director of Hula O Nā Keiki.

“The weekend is more than a competition; it represents the transmission of ʻike from kumu to keiki, and it’s our privilege to continue upholding this proud tradition.”

Additional award recipients, along with their honors, kumu and hālau, are listed below:

ʻŌpio Wahine

• Makalapua Kahula (Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka, Kumu Hula Nāpua Silva): ʻŌpio Overall Oli and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Award; ʻŌpio Interview Award; ʻŌpio Wahine – 1st Place Hula Kahiko Award; ʻŌpio Wahine – 1st Place Hula ʻAuana Award.
• Keolaokalani Ah Wong (Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe, Nā Kumu Hula Tracie and Keawe Lopes): ʻŌpio Wahine – 2nd Place Hula Kahiko Award; ʻŌpio Wahine – 2nd Place Hula ʻAuana Award.
• ʻIhikolonahe Sheilo Maxwell (Hālau Keʻalaokamaile, Nā Kumu Hula Kealiʻi Reichel and Henohea Kāne): ʻŌpio Wahine – 3rd Place Hula Kahiko Award; ʻŌpio Wahine – 3rd Place Hula ʻAuana Award.

Kaikamahine

• Waianu Kaleiomakaliʻi Hall (Hālau Hula Kauluokalā, Nā Kumu Hula Uluwehi Guerrero and Kaui Krueger): Keiki Overall Oli and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Award; Keiki Interview Award; Kaikamahine – 1st Place Hula Kahiko Award, Kaikamahine – 1st Place Hula ʻAuana Award.
• Paisley Keira Cabico (Pukalani Hula Hale, Kumu Hula Hiʻilei Maxwell-Juan): Kaikamahine – 2nd Place Hula Kahiko Award; Kaikamahine – 2nd Place Hula ʻAuana Award.
• Callie Kozuki (Hālau Hula O Keola Aliʻiokekai, Kumu Hula Iola Balubar): Kaikamahine – 3rd Place Hula Kahiko Award; Kaikamahine – 3rd Place Hula ʻAuana Award.

ʻŌpio Kāne

• Isaac Kazuyuki Kauahikaua Woodward (Ka Pā Hula ʻO Kawaihoʻomalu, Kumu Hula Kū Koanui-Souza): ʻŌpio Kāne – 1st Place Hula Kahiko Award; ʻŌpio Kāne – 1st Place Hula ʻAuana Award.

Kumu award:

• Nā Kumu Hula Kealiʻi Reichel and Henohea Kāne (Hālau Keʻalaokamaile): Akoni Akana & Kanoeau Delatori Kumu Hula Award.

“Ensuring young students of the hula schools have a platform to showcase their artistry puts the heart of OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort’s cultural mission into practice,” said Edwin Torres, General Manager of OUTRIGGER Kā’anapali Beach Resort. “We are honored to continue supporting this beloved event and to witness the dedication of these talented keiki and their kumu.”

The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors including OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort, Kilohana by Hawaiian Council, Kamehameha Schools Maui, Pilikahakai Foundation, Hawaiian Airlines, Berlien & Co., Native Intelligence and Dellabeles Floral Design, Maui Soda & Ice Works, Maui Print Works, Pacific Media Group, MauiNow.com, Maui Nō Ka ʻOi Magazine, Signature Event Rentals, Kanileʻa ʻUkulele & Guitar, Maui Fruit Jewels, lululemon Maui, Hula Grill Kāʻanapali, Monkeypod Kitchen, Maui Floral, Flowers by Cora, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and Maui Photo Hub.

For more information about how OUTRIGGER Kā’anapali Beach Resort perpetuates Hawaiian culture in its programming, visit outrigger.com. OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort offers an unparalleled getaway for guests, steps from the acclaimed Ka‘anapali Beach. Enjoy a stay fit forthe entire family and experience the heartbeat of Hawaiʻi through hula, mele (song) and language lessons. Reservations can be made at outrigger.com, where guests can save 40% off Ocean View rooms and take full advantage of kama‘āina specials.