2018 Hula Arts at Kilauea series concludes Saturday

Volcano Art Center’s 2018 Hula Arts at Kilauea performance series concludes Saturday (Dec. 15) with a presentation by Halau Unuokeahi under the direction of kumu hula Kapua Ka‘au‘a. The performance begins at 10:30 a.m. at the kahua hula (platform) near the VAC Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

On the winter solstice 2016, Halau Unuokeahi opened its doors under the tutelage of Ka‘au‘a, affectionately known as “Kumu ‘Au‘a.” Ka‘au‘a underwent the ‘uniki rites in December 2014, led by her kumu, Taupouri Tangaro of Unukupukupu. The Unuokeahi traditions stem from her kumu and his kumu’s from the Kanaka‘ole hula ‘aiha‘a traditions in Hilo.

Halau Unuokeahi is made up of culturally sustainable members from various communities. Students who arrived at the halau come to learn traditional and cultural leadership through mo‘olelo, ritual and environmental sustainability. Many of the students reached or are reaching higher academic degrees, an essential piece for the journey of the halau.

Saturday’s performance is part of the year-round Hula Arts series sponsored by Volcano Art Center.

As part of the series, hula halau from throughout Hawaii are invited to perform in the one-of-a-kind outdoor setting in the national park. Performances are presented authentically, rain or shine, without electronic amplification.

Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats.

Hosted in conjunction with the Hula Kahiko performance, join cultural practitioner Loke Kamanu and ohana from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on the VAC Gallery lanai as they share “Na Mea Hula” (“All Things Hula”). Learn a hula, use various hula implements or try your hand at lei making.

These events are free, but park entrance fees might apply.

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