Maui’s Kū Mai Ka Hula Competition Kicks off with Lāhui Sexuality Panel Discussion

Kū Mai Ka Hula. PC: Marsha Aguon

This year’s annual Kū Mai Ka Hula (“Hula Appears”) competition on Maui features award-winning hālau hula (hula schools) from Hawai‘i, the US mainland and Japan competing in solo and group performances that are open to the public to attend.

Male and female hālau invited to compete at Kū Mai Ka Hula perform in both kahiko (traditional) and ‘auana (modern) hula styles.

Held at Maui Arts and Cultural Center’s Castle Theater, the event also features an artisan market with made-in-Hawai‘i products from an array of crafters, as well as food and beverages for purchase.

The group competition takes place on Sept. 8 at 1 p.m., followed by the event’s awards ceremony.

Competitors will be judged by renowned kumu hula, Kamakaokalani Herrod, Iwalani Kalima,
Ulalia Woodside, and Pueō Pata.

A related talk story panel discussion, Lāhui Sexuality, will take place Thursday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the MACC’s McCoy Studio Theater. Tickets for both events are on sale now.

Lāhui Sexuality: A Talk Story Panel Discussion — Thursday, September 6, 7:30 pm, McCoy Studio Theater – the 2018 Kū Mai Ka Hula competition weekend begins with this special presentation, a panel discussion for hula practitioners and those interested in some of the deeper themes of Hawaiian arts. Lāhui sexuality: what is Hawaiian sexuality? What are the Hawaiian words that point to sex and sexuality that provide a unique worldview? What does our cultural memory tell us about our relationships to each other and our roles in society? Panelists will include, in part, Mehanaokalā Hind, Manaiakalani Kalua, and Keali’i Reichel to discuss the primal, the carnal, and the essential elements of Hawaiian sexuality. (Contains adult subject matter)

Kū Mai Ka Hula – Saturday, Sept. 8, 1 p.m., Castle Theater — Solo & Group Competition and Awards Ceremony.  Male and female dancers vie for the title of Mr. and Ms. Hula Maui in kahiko & ‘auana styles. Dancers compete for first place in kahiko & ‘auana styles. There will also be three Kupuna hālau in the competition. From 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., there will be a performance in the Yokouchi Pavilion by the Nāpili Kai Foundation, Kumu Hula Holoau Ralar.

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 Director, Ka Hikina O Ka Lā, Hawai‘i Papa o ke Ao, University of Hawai‘i Maui College. According to Holt, “Kū Mai Ka Hula remains a wonderful opportunity for all 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. It will be another day of hula excellence on Maui.”

TICKETS: Lāhui Sexuality tickets are $18 (plus applicable fees). Kū Mai Ka Hula tickets are $25 for adults; half-price for kids 12 & under (plus applicable fees). MACC members receive a 10% discount for Kū Mai Ka Hula tickets. Call the MACC Box Office at (808) 242-SHOW (7469) or purchase tickets online at MauiArts.org.