Na Hula O Kaohikukapulani earns 2nd place at Hula ‘Oni E

LIHU‘E — The traveling contingent of Na Hula O Kaohikukapulani returned home with a pair of second place trophies Monday after participating at the Hula ‘Oni E keiki hula festival over the weekend.

Running Aug. 24 through 26 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on O‘ahu, the halau under the direction of Kumu Hula Kapu Kinimaka-Alquiza finished with second place awards in kahiko (ancient) and ‘auana (contemporary) hula in the Kaikamahine, or young women, category.

This is a step up from the halau’s appearance in 2011 when it placed third in both kahiko and ‘auana and third during its appearance in 2010.

Kinimaka-Alquiza said this year’s Hula ‘Oni E was the 21st year the event was hosted by Kumu Larry and Hokulani DeRego of Honolulu. The event earned a Certificate of Merit in 2003 for the “Keep It Hawai‘i” awards presented by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.

During the competition, groups from around the state and as far away as Japan participated in six categories, although Na Hula O Kaohikukapulani dancers were limited to performances in the 10-halau kaikamahine division and danced in kahiko and ‘auana.

“The halau wants to extend its appreciation for the support and help it received from the more than 100 family and friends who traveled with the group,” Kinimaka-Alquiza said. “We want to thank the hair dressers, chaperones, cooks and makeup artists for all their work.”

The kumu hula said this year she wants to especially express her appreciation to the halau musicians, including Kahalau Leoiki, Robbie Lynn Contrades, Wes Kaui and the Triple T, a trio of Ni‘ihau lasses, including Hi‘ipoi Kanahele-Vakameilau, Kahikiui Kanahele and Tita Kanoe Ka‘aumoana-Morton.

Kinimaka-Alquiza said the Triple T will be working to become a part of the halau’s annual Holiday Hula event scheduled for Dec. 9 at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa.