Hula Arts at Kilauea performance series continues

The Volcano Art Center’s Hula Arts at Kilauea performance series continues Saturday (Nov. 17) with a presentation by kumu Ha‘amauliola Aiona with the students of Ke Kula ‘O Nawahiokalani‘opu‘u Public Charter School, beginning at 10:30 a.m. in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

At Nawahi PCS, Aiona established a holistic Hawaiian language fine and performing arts program called Mahu‘ilani. The focus of this program is sharing the traditional arts of hula instrument creation, ‘ohe kapala, hula, oli and hana keaka, or theatre performance. Mahu‘ilani shares the students’ various artistic creations through community classes, demonstrations, exhibitions and hula dramas all through the Hawaiian language.

The presentation takes place in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting at the kahua hula (platform) in the national park. These performances are presented authentically in an outdoor setting, rain or shine, without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats.

In conjunction with the performance, join kumu hula Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe on the lanai of the Volcano Art Center Gallery as he shares with you “Na Mea Hula” (“All Things Hula”). Come and learn a hula, use various hula implements and try your hand at lei making. Experience the different aspects that play an integral role in the life of the hula dancer.

These cultural demonstrations are hands-on and family friendly and slated from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Hula Arts at Kilauea performance days.

The events are free, but national park entrance fees might apply.

For more information, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.