Twenty-two halau from the Hawaiian Islands, Japan, Okinawa and the U.S. mainland this week competed in the 30th annual Hawaii Kupuna Hula Festival. The Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay hosted both the competition, as well as a craft fair.
Twenty-two halau from the Hawaiian Islands, Japan, Okinawa and the U.S. mainland this week competed in the 30th annual Hawaii Kupuna Hula Festival. The Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay hosted both the competition, as well as a craft fair.
The two-day festival, which ended Thursday, promotes and perpetuates Hawaii’s culture through song and dance, as well as honoring kupuna ages 55 and older and encouraging them to stay active. Annually, more than 900 people attend the festival to watch halau compete for top prizes in six categories.
This year’s group division winners:
— Kane Division: Na Kupuna O Koolau, first; Na Kupuna O Moana, second; Ke Ola Pono No Na Kupuna, third.
— Wahine Division: Na Kupuna O Koolau, first; Halau Hula Na Pua Ui O Hawaii, second; Hula Halau O Kawananakoa, third.
— Mixed Division: Na Kupuna O Kohala, first; Na Kupuna O Koolau, second; Na Kupuna O Moana, third.
— Overall Group Winner: Na Kupuna O Koolau.
Results for the festival individual performances were unavailable on Friday. When received, they will be published in a future edition of West Hawaii Today.