The elegance of swirling Holoku gowns will be enhanced by the voice of one of Hawai‘i’s entertainment galaxy’s most beloved singers, Emma Veary. Coming to Kauai to participate in the rebirth of a century old tradition, Emma will be accompanied
The elegance of swirling Holoku gowns will be enhanced by the voice of one of Hawai‘i’s entertainment galaxy’s most beloved singers, Emma Veary. Coming to Kauai to participate in the rebirth of a century old tradition, Emma will be accompanied by Kaua‘i recording artists Kekai Chock on guitar and Poncho Graham on bass. Emma’s daughter Robin will present hula as seen in the glory days of Holoku. Kaua‘i’s Manulele will make a special appearance.
The style of dress known as Holoku was inspired and developed during the missionary days into gowns of great elegance. Competition for the most beautiful of gowns became an annual event on Kaua‘i, but disappeared in 1980. Until then Kauaians came out in record numbers to see and compete as they wore their finest Hawaiian formal attire.
The 2007 Holoku Gala Presentation, Reviving a Tradition, will be held on Saturday, from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Kauai Museum, 4428 Rice St., and intends to reintroduce the beauty and style of the uniquely Hawaiian Holoku. The Kauai Museum is the cultural sanctuary for the arts and artifacts of native Hawaiians and nurtures the creative spirit of today’s artists, states a museum press release.
Presentation-goers will experience the history of Holoku and view the museum’s collection as well as a parade of gowns. Heavy pupus will be served. A no host bar will be available. Participants will also have the opportunity to bid on a unique offering of auction items.
Community members who would like to model and share their own Holoku gowns are invited to contact Kumuhula Vern Kauanui at 482-0310.
The Holoku Gala is a partnership presentation of the Kauai Museum and Malama Pono; Kauai AIDS Project. Tickets are $75 and are available from Malama Pono at 246-9577 and from the Kauai Museum at 246-2470. Museum members enjoy a special rate of $60 on presentation of their membership card. Additional outlets are Hanalei Surf Shop, Bambulei, Aunty Lilikoi’s and Wrangler’s Steakhouse.
