Swinging, swaying for Kupuna Hula

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KEAUHOU — Eighteen halaus from Hawaii and Japan descended upon the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay for the 35th annual Kupuna Hula Festival Wednesday and Thursday evening.

KEAUHOU — Eighteen halaus from Hawaii and Japan descended upon the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay for the 35th annual Kupuna Hula Festival Wednesday and Thursday evening.

Presented by the County Parks and Recreations Elderly Activities Division as a part of Hawaii Island Festival, this year’s theme was the famous sands of Kahelelani (Niihau) to the fragrant scent of Kamawaelualani (Kauai).

Individual dancers competed Wednesday evening in the Tutu Kane and Tutu Wahine category followed by the International Hoolaulea, a non-competition free-style event.

Thursday brought the Wahine, Kane and Mixed divisions where dancers ranging in age from 55 to 80-plus performed, choosing a song for the Islands of Niihau or Kauai, telling of name places or describing things unique to those islands.

35th Annual Kupuna Hula Festival Winners

Tutu Kane

1st Place: Allen Diorec, Na Kupuna O Moana

2nd Place: Michael Foley, Na Kupuna O Kohala

3rd Place: Makana Makoto Satou, Hula Halau O Pua Loke

Tutu Wahine

1st Place: Haunani Kamakana, Na Kupuna O Moana

2nd Place: Denise Bigelow, Halau Kalaakeakauikawekiu

3rd Place: Natsuko Arai, Ka Pa Hula O Keolananilehua

Kane Division

1st Place: Na Kupuna O Kohala

2nd Place: Na Kupuna O Moana

3rd Place: Hula Halau O Pua Loke

Wahine Division

1st Place: Hula Na Pua Ui O Hawaii

2nd Place: Halau Kala‘akeakauikawekiu

3rd Place: Hula Halau O Kawananakoa

Mixed Division

1st Place: Na Kupuna O Moana

2nd Place: Na Kupuna O Kohala

3rd Place: Hula Halau O Pua Loke

Overall Group Total Points: Na Kupuna O Moana