The Volcano Art Center’s Hula Kahiko Series will continue at 10:30 a.m. today, with performances by three halau: Hula Kalehuak‘ieki‘eika‘iu from Volcano, under the direction of kumu hula Ab Valencia; Hula Kamamolikolehua of Kaka‘ako, Oahu, directed by kumu hula Pohaikealoha Souza, and Hula Kalehua‘apapaneoka‘au from Palolo, Oahu, under the direction of kumu hula Patrick Kapuawehi Choy.
The Volcano Art Center’s Hula Kahiko Series will continue at 10:30 a.m. today, with performances by three halau: Hula Kalehuak‘ieki‘eika‘iu from Volcano, under the direction of kumu hula Ab Valencia; Hula Kamamolikolehua of Kaka‘ako, Oahu, directed by kumu hula Pohaikealoha Souza, and Hula Kalehua‘apapaneoka‘au from Palolo, Oahu, under the direction of kumu hula Patrick Kapuawehi Choy.
These three kumu hula “unikied” (graduated) together in 1991. Each established their own halau after their ‘uniki. They continue the hula traditions of their teacher (Mae Kamamalu Klein, of Oahu) and enjoy coming together to share the mana‘o, aloha and traditions of hula.
This performance is part of a year-round series sponsored by the Volcano Art Center. For the series, hula halau from across Hawaii and beyond are invited to perform each month in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting at the kahua hula (platform) in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This special site was realized through the vision of the late hula master Edith Kanaka‘ole, kumu hula of Halau ‘O Kekuhi. The kahua hula is located just a short walking distance from the Volcano Art Gallery in an area known as Ka‘auea. This sacred spot affords the kumu and haumana (student) a pristine view into Halama‘uma‘u, home of goddess Pelehonuamea.
The performance will be presented authentically in an outdoor setting, rain or shine without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats. National Park entrance fees apply. This free event is supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawaii, Department of Research and Development and the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a modification of policies and procedures to participate in this event should contact Desiree at 987-7288 or email volcanohula@gmail.com as soon as possible but no later than 14 days before the scheduled event.
The Volcano Art Center is a nonprofit educational organization created in 1974 to promote, develop, and perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawaii’s people and environment through activities in the visual, literary, and performing arts. Visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222 for more information.