Powerful kane (male) hula, Native Hawaiian arts, workshops, demonstrations and entertainment highlight a week of events honoring Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole beginning Saturday and running through March 28 on the South Shore. Prince Kuhio, in line for succession to the
Powerful kane (male) hula, Native Hawaiian arts, workshops, demonstrations and entertainment highlight a week of events honoring Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole beginning Saturday and running through March 28 on the South Shore.
Prince Kuhio, in line for succession to the throne before the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown, was known for his work to perpetuate the Native Hawaiian culture and preserve Native Hawaiian practices. Serving in the U.S. Congress for 10 years, Kuhio led the effort to establish the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. He was called “Ke Ali‘i Maka‘ianana” (Prince of the People).
The Prince Kuhio Celebration of the Arts honors Kuhio’s cultural dedication by interpreting many of the arts and cultural practices established by Native Hawaiians.
The week of daily events interprets Hawaiian cultural arts and practices with kahiko hula, workshops, an outrigger canoe regatta and cultural demonstrations. In honor of Hawai‘i’s beloved prince most events are free of charge.
Activities take place at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa, Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club, National Tropical Botanical Garden, Prince Kuhio Park and Kukui‘ula Village. A full listing of event details and locations can be found at princekuhio.wetpaint.com.
The celebration kicks off Saturday with outrigger canoe races, followed by a quintet performance, cultural demonstrations and ‘ukulele lessons Sunday. Monday there will be a session on salt-making near Salt Pond Beach Park, followed by a royal dinner at Plantation Gardens Tuesday. Talk story Wednesday about flora, fauna and history. Thursday, take a class on hula kahiko followed by a lu‘au.
The Prince Kuhio holiday, March 26, will feature an evening of entertainment with headliners Ledward Ka‘apana and Mike Ka‘awa. Ledward has been nominated three times for a Grammy Award and three times on compilations. The Prince Kuhio commemorative ceremonies are March 27 at Prince Kuhio Park.
The celebration closes March 28 with cultural demonstrations and entertainment at Kukui‘ula Village.
For more information, contact Stella Burgess, director of Hawaiian culture and community relations, Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa, 240-6369 or sburgess@hyatt.com. See a full page of activities, D8.
