25th Celebration of Hula O Nā Keiki, Nov. 13-15

Leimakamae Maura Kea of Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, Hula o Nā Keiki 2014 overall wahine winner. Photo credit: Dee Coyle.

The 25th anniversary celebration of “Hula O Nā Keiki”, Maui’s only children’s hula competition, is set to take place November 13-15, 2015 at the Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel in West Maui.

The competition commemorates the art of hula, one of Hawai‘i’s richest traditions, and brings the dance to light through the movement of keiki trained in both modern and ancient forms.

Participants ranging in age from five to 17 will compete in their respective categories for both solo and pair titles.  There’s also an opportunity to win part of the $13,000 in cash and prizes awarded each year.

The competition includes a judge’s interview as well as hula performances in both kahiko (ancient) and ‘auana (modern) dance categories. Dancers are also judged on their proficiency in the Hawaiian language, and the appropriateness of their costume.

Hula o Nā Keiki judges/emcee montage. Photo credit: Dee Coyle.

This year’s list of judges include:

• Hokulani Holt – (19th year judging)
• Kapono’ai Molitau – Oli/Hula Judge (5th year judging)
• Maka Herrod – Music/Hula Judge (7th year judging)
• Olana Ai – Hula Judge (3rd year judging)
• Kekuhi Keliikanaka’oleohaililani – Hula Judge (2015 HoNK mele composer and 4th year judging)
• Kehaulani Kekua (Kaua’i) – Hula Judge (1st year judging)
• Keali’i Reichel – (2nd year judging)

To complement the keiki hula competition, weekend festivities at the hotel include arts and crafts from all islands, cultural and hula workshops, and Hawaiian entertainment.

The festivities also feature a Sunday brunch full of entertainment with KPOA 93.5 FM’s Morning Goddess, Alaka’i Paleka serving as the mistress of ceremonies. Alaka’i’s involvement with HoNK stems back to when she was the event emcee for a 15 year stretch from 1990 to 2005.  To make reservations for this special anniversary brunch, please call: (808) 667-0124.

Last year’s winners included: Leimakamae Maura Kea of Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi and Kaleookalani Pinto of Hālau Hula ʻO Kawaihoʻomalu took home the overall Wahine and Kāne titles respectively in the 2014 event. For a complete list of last year’s results visit our 2014 results link here.

The 432-room Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel is marketed as “Hawai‘i’s Most Hawaiian Hotel.” The hotel is offering 25th Anniversary packages and kama‘āina rates for this special weekend. For reservations call 1-800-262-8450 toll-free from the US and Canada, or visit the Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel web site.

Leimakamae Maura Kea of Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, Hula o Nā Keiki 2014 overall wahine winner. Photo credit: Dee Coyle.

Kaleookalani Pinto of Hālau Hula ʻO Kawaihoʻomalu, Hula o Nā Keiki 2014 overall kāne winner. Photo credit: Dee Coyle.

Leimakamae Maura Kea of Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi and Kaleookalani Pinto of Hālau Hula ʻO Kawaihoʻomalu took home the overall Wahine and Kāne titles respectively in the 2014 event. Photo credit: Dee Coyle.

Kaleookalani Pinto of Hālau Hula ʻO Kawaihoʻomalu, Hula o Nā Keiki 2014 overall kāne winner. Photo credit: Dee Coyle.

Leimakamae Maura Kea of Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, Hula o Nā Keiki 2014 overall wahine winner. Photo credit: Dee Coyle.