20th Annual Kū Mai Ka Hula competition at the MACC, Sept. 12

Kū Mai Ka Hula (“Hula Appears”) returns to the Castle Theater for its 20th annual event on Saturday the 12th at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center as Maui’s premier yearly competition – and Maui’s only adult hula competition. Tickets are on sale now at MauiArts.org.

Featuring award-winning hālau competing in solo, group, and kūpuna categories. Male and female dancers from all around Hawai’i and the Continental US compete in both kahiko (traditional) and ʻauana (modern) hula stylings. Expect to see hālau perform at a level of excellence, as seen in other well-known prestigious hula competitions, yet we are fortunate this event takes place here on Maui.

Attendees can browse and shop displays of made-in-Hawaiʻi products from an array of crafters and artisans before and throughout Saturday’s performances. A full selection of food and beverages will be available for purchase in the Yokouchi Pavilion Courtyard.

There will also be pre-show entertainment by Ke Kula o Piʻilani: An independent Hawaiian culture immersion private school whose mission is to nurture lifelong learners and passionate community leaders by cultivating an enriching environment of academic excellence grounded in Hawaiian culture and values. Their haumāna (students) and faculty will proudly open the Kū Mai Ka Hula event with Hawaiian culture through oli, mele and hula.

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 the Director of Ka Hikina O Ka Lā, Hawai‘i Papa O Ke Ao, University of Hawai‘i Maui College. Kū Mai Ka Hula remains an opportunity for both residents and visitors 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.

In keeping with the MACC’s dedication to supporting the victims of the wildfires, hurricanes, and floods, patrons for this concert are asked to bring non-perishable items for the Maui Food Bank.

TICKETS: $40 for adults and $20 for kids 12 & under (TOTAL Cost–ALL fees included) Tickets are on sale now. MACC members receive a ten percent discount. All ticket sales are online only at www.mauiarts.org. or those wishing to join as a member and receive ticket discounts on select shows, advance ticket purchasing, and many other benefits, please visit www.mauiarts.org/membership.