In celebration of the 56th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival, ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is hosting three days of cultural enrichment programming Wednesday through Friday, April 24-26. This series is organized annually at ‘Imiloa to complement and honor Merrie Monarch’s major purpose — the perpetuation, preservation and promotion of the art of hula and Hawaiian culture through education.
“We are thrilled to offer our community and visitors an opportunity to join us at ‘Imiloa and enjoy these culturally rich experiences,” says Ka‘iu Kimura, executive director of ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center. “From beautiful stories delivered through the art of hula and chant to talk story with inspiring masters of hula, from talented performers of ‘The Battle of Kuamo‘o’ to Grammy award-winning musicians, we look forward to welcoming everyone!”
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, April 24: “The Battle Of Kuamo‘o,” performed by students from Kamehameha Schools-Hawaii High School.
• This opera, sung entirely in the Hawaiian language, tells the story of the fateful conflict (after the death of King Kamehameha) between regional chief Kekuaokalani, loyal to the traditional customs and religion, and Liholiho, the new king swayed by his regent mother to end the old ways to make way for the new. Through music, traditional dance and chant the story is retold of the fate of an island nation, shaped by a single battle. This 90-minute performance promises to be culturally educational and entertaining.
This talented cast will travel to Scotland this summer to perform the opera at the international Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August. ‘Imiloa is proud to host the first performance of the opera by the traveling cast.
10 a.m. Thursday, April 25: Ilala‘ole Hula Tradition presented by Kimo Alama Keaulana
• Ilala‘ole was the last of the 19th century chanters and kumu hula to have lived in the 20th century. He was well-respected in the community not only for hula and mele but his extensive knowledge of all things Hawaiian. He was born and raised before contact with the outside world and those chants and hula are definitely of ancient traditions. He is largely responsible for much of the repertory of the chants and hula that we have for the Kamehameha family today. When Ilala‘ole’s daughter, “Mama Betty” Atkinson, passed away, she had named Keaulana as a hanai son. He is proud and privileged to be a part of this impressive hula family and lineage.
1 p.m. Thursday, April 25: Bringing Stories To Life Through Hula Ki‘i
• The Hula Preservation Society presents the rare form of hula ki‘i with na kumu Aulii Mitchell, Mauliola Cook and Kaponoai Molitau. In hula ki‘i, the dancer becomes the image, or manipulates and dances with a puppet. Along with live performances from their three distinct hula lines, the society will share archival photos and videos of our late masters skilled in this rich and challenging genre.
10 a.m. Friday, April 26: Papakolea’s Finest
• A musical performance that honors the lands, history and families of Papakolea, Honolulu. In the late 1800s, many Hawaiians were displaced from their land in rural parts of Oahu. Several of those families moved onto public lands above Punchbowl crater, looking for a healthy, self-sufficient life. They created the first neighborhood of Papakolea. Through their stories of resilience and perseverance, the Hawaiian identity within this region is strong and vibrant. This special performance will share the rich stories and history of Papakolea, a Native Hawaiian community that continues to be a source of cultural knowledge and pride. The performance will be given by some of Papakolea’s finest, the Asing ohana — Kamakoa Lindsey-Asing, ‘Aina Asing and Puka Asing. Join them as they share familial stories through mele.
1 p.m. Friday, April 26: Hawaii’s Music At Its Finest
• Featuring Grammy award winners, Na Hoku Hanohano awardees, singers, songwriters, producers, parents, educators, friends and lahui uplifters. Kainani Kahaunaele, Kamakoa Lindsey-Asing, Kihei Nahale-a and Sean Naleimaile will share their experiences and their innovative music that builds upon the legacy of Hawaiian musicians of the past and encourage people to rediscover, reconnect and reinstil what Hawaiian music and performers of Hawaiian music represent.
Pre-sale tickets for each cultural enrichment program at ‘Imiloa are $10 for ‘Imiloa members and $12 for the general public. A limited supply of tickets will be available for purchase on the day of each event for $15 (members and general public).
Pre-sale tickets can be purchased at ‘Imiloa’s front desk or by calling 932-8901.
For more info, visit imiloahawaii.org/shows-events.