HAWAIʻI KUPUNA HULA FESTIVAL RETURNS TO KONA
HAWAIʻI KUPUNA HULA FESTIVAL RETURNS TO KONA
The 38th Annual Hawai‘i Kupuna Hula Festival kicked off Wednesday evening at the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa as solo hula performers danced to live music in front of hundreds of spectators.
The two-day festival, presented by the Department of Parks & Recreation’s Elderly Activities Division, has returned this year for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are so excited to revive the Kupuna Hula Festival after a three-year hiatus,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “So many of these kupuna have been instrumental in preserving and teaching these significant cultural traditions to younger generations. Their dedication to perpetuating hula and Hawaiian values ensures that our rich heritage continues to thrive, not just for today, but for future generations as well. It is a privilege to honor them and celebrate the wisdom and aloha they share with our community.”
Twelve hālau and 275 participants from Hawai‘i Island, Moloka‘i and the State of Washington are participating in this year’s event. Participants were excited to come together, take the stage and celebrate hula.
“What an opportunity,” said Linda Elves, a festival participant from Ocean View. “What an opportunity to share our mele, our song, with all the people who come.”
The theme of this year’s festival is “Na Manu O Hawai‘i – Our Native Birds of Hawai‘i.”
The festival – which includes a craft fair with vendors selling Hawaiian apparel, jewelry, artwork, and more – continues Thursday, Sept. 12 with group performances starting at 5 p.m. Tickets are $20.
