Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 33, Number 8, 1 August 2016 — City's Nā Hula Festival returns [ARTICLE]

City's Nā Hula Festival returns

The 76th Annual Nā Hula Festival is returning to its two-day schedule in 2016, from August 6 to 7, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is held at Kapi'olani Park, Honolulu's oldest and largest puhlie park. Since 1940, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation has celebrated the artistry and grace of hula, Hawai'i's premier dance form. The festival is Hawai'i's longest running annual non-competitive hula event. The event was started by Violet "Aunty Lei" Collins and Aliee Kalahui, both leading ladies in the City's Music and Dance Section to showcase the kumu hula (teachers) and haumāna (students) from the Parks department. Nā kumu hula and sisters, Leilani and Puanani Alama have participated in Nā Hula since its ineephon. Both participated initially as students. Just three years later at the age of 18, Aunty Leilani brought her studio to Nā Hula. Aunty Puanani brought her studio in 1954. They and their haumāna have participated every year since, until the passing of Aunty Leilani in 2014. Aunty Puanani continues their 'ohana's legacy. Everyone is encouraged to bring their hāli'i (covering, spread), mea 'ai (food), and enjoy a beautiful relaxing day of hula at the park. Admission is free. Kapi'olani Park was dedicated on July 11, 1877 by King Kalākaua. He called it the "first puhlie park of the Kingdom," and named it in honor of his queen, Kapi'olani. For more information, please go to www.honoluluparks.com or eall 768-3032. — R. Kaiulani Vincent Kauahi