The Volcano Art Center’s 2015 Hula Kahiko series continues at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (June 20) at with a performance by Hula Halau O Kou Lima Nani ‘E under the direction of Kumu Hula Iwalani Kalima. ADVERTISING The Volcano Art Center’s
The Volcano Art Center’s 2015 Hula Kahiko series continues at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (June 20) at with a performance by Hula Halau O Kou Lima Nani ‘E under the direction of Kumu Hula Iwalani Kalima.
Hula Halau O Kou Lima Nani ‘E was founded in 1986 to coordinate cultural education programs that benefit Hawaii communities. Students in the halau range from keiki (children) to kupuna (elders) and are taught all aspects of the hula tradition, including the practice of traditional Hawaiian values.
Kalima was born and raised in Keaukaha. Her hula roots stem from her great-grandmother, Kapeka, who was a chanter for Queen Lili‘uokalani, and her grandfather, Joseph Nohea Kalima Sr., who composed the famous mele “Hilo Hula.”
Iwalani began dancing at the age of 8, under the direction of Uncle George Lanakilakeikiahiali‘i Na‘ope.
She graduated (‘uniki) and received her na kumu palapala in 1982. Her role as a hula dancer, as well as a kumu hula, has taken her to Washington, Vermont, Los Angeles, Japan and Tahiti. Through the tutelage of Uncle George and her family’s upbringing, she developed a deep love for her culture and now devotes her time to continue the preservation of hula.
This performance is part of a year-round series sponsored by the Volcano Art Center. For the series, hula halau from across Hawaii and beyond are invited to perform each month in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting at the kahua hula (platform) in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
These performances are presented authentically in an outdoor setting, rain or shine, without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats.
Hosted in conjunction with this hula kahiko performance, join Kumu Hula Ab Valencia and members of Halau Hula Kalehuaki‘eki‘eika‘iu from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on the lanai of the Volcano Art Gallery as they share with you “Na Mea Hula” (all things hula).
Come and learn a hula, use various hula implements and try your hand at lei making. Experience the different aspects that play an integral role in the life of the hula dancer.
This cultural demonstration is hands-on and family friendly.
The events are free, but national park entrance fees apply.
The Volcano Art Center is a nonprofit educational organization created in 1974 to promote, develop and perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawaii’s people and environment through activities in the visual, literary and performing arts.
Visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222 for more information.
