Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel to Host 2018 Hula O Nā Keiki Competition

Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel will host their 28th annual children’s hula competition, Hula O Nā Keiki, from Nov. 9 to 10, 2018.  Hotel representatives said that the event is meant to educate children in Hawaiian traditions to carry the culture forward.

After months of practicing, keiki hula dancers between the ages of 5 and 17 will have the chance to showcase their hard work and compete for the coveted titles. The competition begins with an interview in front of the judges, in which the contestants are required to recite an oli, or chant. Later in the evening, the contestants will perform both their kāhiko (traditional) and ʻauana (modern) style hula routines.

The contestants will dance one last time for the judges and audience on the second night of the competition. Children who have entered in the pālua (couple) division will also dance during the second night.

The event will also feature the Hawaiian Festival of Arts and crafts, where local artisans will offer demonstrations, educational sessions, and workshops for attendees. The competition will be held in the KBH Kanahele ballroom and will run from 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9 and from 1 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10.

More information on the Hula O Nā Keiki competition can be found online.