The Volcano Art Center’s 2016 Hula Kahiko series continues at 10:30 a.m. Saturday with a performance by kumu hula Pele Kaio of Unukupukupu, presenting students of Unulau and Papa Hu‘elepo.
The Volcano Art Center’s 2016 Hula Kahiko series continues at 10:30 a.m. Saturday with a performance by kumu hula Pele Kaio of Unukupukupu, presenting students of Unulau and Papa Hu‘elepo.
From Hawaii Community College’s Unukupukupu halau, Kaio combines ancestral knowledge with the rigors of academia to present the students of Unulau and Hu‘elepo. More than just the performative folk culture of Hawaii, these dancers express hula as a process for deep inner reflection and analysis. Through hula, they define and exercise their unique contribution to the world.
This performance is part of a year-round series sponsored by the Volcano Art Center. For the series, hula halau from across Hawaii 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 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.
These free events are supported in part by a grant from the county Department of Research and Development, the Hawaii Tourism Authority and individual funding from members of the Volcano Art Center’s ohana. 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.
For more information, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.