In celebration of the 53rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival, Imiloa Astronomy Center will host three days of cultural enrichment programming Wednesdaythrough April 1.
In celebration of the 53rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival, Imiloa Astronomy Center will host three days of cultural enrichment programming Wednesdaythrough April 1.
This series is organized to complement and honor one of Merrie Monarch’s major purposes: the perpetuation, preservation and promotion of the art of hula and Hawaiian culture through education.
On Wednesday, Imiloa will showcase Hanau ka Ua me ka Makani, a recent publication on Hawaiian rain names and lore by Kamehameha Schools educators, Collette Akana and Kiele Gonzalez, from 10-11:30 a.m. A live musical performance by Hilo’s own Hoku Hanohano Award winner Mark Yamanaka will follow that afternoon from 1-2:30 p.m.
The second day of events, Thursday, will feature He Inoa no Hiiakaikapoliopele, A Papaku Makawalu presentation from 10-11:30 a.m. on Hiiakaikapolipele. The presentation is by Pomai Brandt and Kuulei Higashi Kanahele, who is a PhD student in Hawaiian and indigenous language and culture revitalization at Keelikolani College of Hawaiian Language at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Afternoon Hula performances by Unukupukupu will include Unuolehua I and Unuolehua II, under the direction of Dr. Taupouri Tangaro from 1-2:30 p.m.
The third and final day, April 1, will feature the hula drama Hanau Ke Alii: Born is a Chief, performed by Halau Na Kipuupuu under the direction of Kumu Hula Michah Kamohoalii from 10-11:30 a.m. From 1-2:30 p.m. will be hula performances by Hula Halau O Kou Lima Nani E, under the direction of Kumu Hula Iwalani Kalima.
All of these rograms will take place in Imiloa’s Moanahoku Hall. Tickets to each event include access to Imiloa’s interactive Exhibit Hall. Presale tickets are available for purchase at Imiloa Astronomy Center’s front desk, or by calling 932-8901. Presale ticket prices are $10, and $8 for members. A limited supply of tickets will be available on the day of event for $15.
Info: www.imiloahawaii.org, 932-8901.