The Palace Theater is celebrating Lei Day today with performances by Kulaiwi and Kainani Kahaunaele.
Ticket sales support the Kupuna Component of Hawaii Island’s efforts to produce the annual statewide conference entitled Aha Kupuna in June.
Aha Kupuna is an event kupuna attend to expand their knowledge base, better equipping themselves to impart information to children of all ages in fresh and exciting ways.
Today at the Palace, a lei contest will start the festivities from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., which will be free to view in the lobby. Those interested in participating in the lei contest can email gurlygurly@gmail.com.
A silent auction will be set up in the lobby, with bidding to start at 2 p.m. Winners will be announced during the concert.
The concert, presented by Ka Piko O Ka Lei Leuhua O Keawe, will be from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are required for entrance.
Kumu Iwalani Kalima, who also helped plan Brother Walter’s tribute last year, presented the Palace with this idea as a way to raise funds for Aha Kupuna.
“We are always happy to partner with community organizations to provide the space and bring people together to make the community a better place,” said Executive Director Phillips Payson. “The Palace has a deep history for everyone across the island, and I think it’s important to always look for the opportunity to expand our reach.”
The concert will feature live performances by Kulaiwi with Halau Hula Kauluola and Kainani Kahaunaele with Hula Halau O Kou Lima Nani ‘E.
Kulaiwi is a popular, three-piece band that has a number of Na Hoku Hanohano Awards between them.
Lehua Kalima is one-third of Hawaii’s beloved Na Leo Pilimehana, Shawn Pimental is a Grammy-nominated producer, and he and Kawika Kahiapo have performed with countless island and national favorites.
Kulaiwi just recently won the 2022 Na Hoku Hanohano Album of the Year Award, Hawaiian Album of the Year Award, Group of the Year Award, and Hawaiian Engineering Award of the Year.
Kahaunaele is a mele enthusiast, singer, songwriter, teacher and musician. She was born and raised in Anahola, Kauai, and has lived in Hilo for 27 years. She is an advocate for Hawaiian language revitalization and the perpetuation of Hawaiian music through education and performance.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit https://hilopalace.com/hpt_event/lei-day/.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
