It’s time for one of Kauai’s most loved traditions. “Holiday Hula,” a Christmas Celebration with Halau Na Hula O Kaohikukapulani and their Kumu Hula Kapu Kinimaka-Alquiza, is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sunday at the Grand Hyatt Kauai. A crowd of 1,000 is expected
It’s time for one of Kauai’s most loved traditions.
“Holiday Hula,” a Christmas Celebration with Halau Na Hula O Kaohikukapulani and their Kumu Hula Kapu Kinimaka-Alquiza, is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sunday at the Grand Hyatt Kauai. A crowd of 1,000 is expected for the 28th annual event.
The theme is “Let’s Hula for Christmas.”
“It’s our way of celebrating our years together as halau in the spirit of Christmas,” Kinimaka-Alquiza said.
The celebration will highlight more than 100 dancers and special guests, who will share their love and expertise of music and dance. Past dancers of Halau Na Hula O Kaohikukapulani who have moved on will be traveling far to return just for this spectacular show. Hula will be shared by keiki to kupuna, as they perform to Christmas tunes as well as traditional and modern hula. It will be a festive evening and all are invited to enjoy and support the fundraising efforts of the dancers.
Come listen to the sweet voice of Nei Moana Henriques, who will be graduating from the University of Hawaii this year, as featured vocalist in the opening number. Be mesmerized with the dynamic sound of Hiipoi Kanahele-Vakameilau from Niinahu. In addition, Eki Ripley and Uilani Hickson, both of Kauai, will sing a duet to cumulate the evening celebration.
A special hula tribute dedicated to the late Kumu Hula Doric Yaris will be shared in memory of his many years with Kumu Kapu’s Halau. Close and dear friends Ben Naka’ahiki, Kunane Aipoalani and Sharon Maha Leoiki will lead the group in a medley of tunes that were special memories of Kumu Doric and halau.
Singing the music for this special evening under the name of Na Kapu Mele are Maha Leoiki, Robbie-Lynn Contrades, Jack Wilhelm, Berto Genovia and Kalani Kaiminaauao and Hi’ipoi Kanahele-Vakameilau.
Tutu Ane Kanahele, accompanied by her Ohana, will be sharing original compositions she has written for Ke Akua, Niihau and Kauai.
Holiday Hula includes a silent auction, baked goods and other foods. Funds support the halau, student scholarships, cultural exchanges, halau dance competition and other programs.
Kinimaka-Alquiza said Holiday Hula is a special, exciting and fun event to offer during the holiday season. This presentation will bring closure to the halau for 2014 and will guide them into a new, energized, exciting year for 2015.
“Christmas has always been a special time to gather halau families together before the new year begins,” Kinimaka-Alquiza said.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
For tickets, call Kumu Kapu at (808) 651-3099 or Haru at 634-5746.
