Young at heart: Kupuna Hula Festival showcases seniors’ talents

The scent of flowers filled the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay Convention Center as dancers from Japan, California and Hawaii competed in the 33rd Annual Kupuna Hula Festival.

Wednesday evening featured 22 competitors in the individual Tutu Kane and Tutu Wahine competition followed by the International Hoolaulea, a noncompetitive chance for halaus to have some fun. Thursday night got underway after a visit by the Hawaii Island Festival Royal Court followed by 35 groups dancing in the kane, wahine and mixed divisions. Awards were given to the top three in each division.

The two-day festival promotes and perpetuates Hawaii’s culture through song and dance, as well as honors kupuna ages 55 and older and encourages them to stay active. Put on by Hawaii County’s Elderly Activities Division-Special Programs, this is the longest running kupuna hula festival in the world.

Winners of the 33rd Annual Kupuna Hula Festival

Tutu Kane:

1st: Kaleo Sato of Hula Halau O Pua Loke

2nd: Mickey Norvell of Ka Pa Hula O Maui

3rd: Nathan Suganuma of Kalikokalehua Hula Studio

Tutu Wahine:

1st: Mahi Shimaoka Kosora of Hula Halau O Kawananakoa

2nd: Kuuleialoha Carter-Friels of Hula Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawaii

3rd: Darlette Miguel of Kalikokalehua Hula Studio

Groups

Kane Division:

1st: Na Kupuna O Moana

2nd: Na Kupuna O Kau

3rd: Kalikokalehua Hula Studio

Wahine division:

1st: Halau Hula Na Pua Ui O Hawaii

2nd: Ke Aloha O Kamaile

3rd: Hula Halau O Kawananakoa

Mixed division:

1st: Na Kupuna O Moana

2nd: Kalikokalehua Hula Studio

3rd: Na Kupuna O Kau

Overall group winner based on total points:

Kalikokalehua Hula Studio