The 3-day 51st annual Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition and Festival is underway in Honolulu, featuring keiki ages 6 to 12 years old from a total of 15 hālau from throughout the state competing in hula kahiko, or ancient hula, and hula ʻauana, or modern hula.
Hālau Kala’akeakauikawēkiu, under the direction of Kumu Hula Kenneth Dean Alohapumehanaokalā Victor, from Kona on the Big Island and Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala, directed by Kumu Hula Breeze Pavao, from Kaua‘i are among the participating groups.
A public Keiki Hula Market also is part of the festival, showcasing 55-plus local vendors curated by Nā Mea Hawaiʻi and more than 30 30 ʻōpio (youth) entrepreneurs participating through Keiki Rise.
The keiki hula competition and festival kicks off July 23 and continues through July 25 at Neal S. Blaisdell Center, located at 777 Ward Ave. It is presented by Kyo-ya Hotels and Resorts as well as Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort, and caps off a full week of Native Hawaiian programming following this year’s Native Hawaiian Convention.
New event steward Hawaiian Council continues the tradition that nurtured generations of young hula practitioners now for more than half a century.
Schedule
July 23
- 2 to 8 p.m.: Keiki Hula Marketplace hours
- 6 to 9:30 p.m.: Miss and Master Keiki Hula competition (awards ceremony to follow)
July 24
- 2 to 8 p.m.: Keiki Hula Marketplace hours
- 6 to 9:30 p.m.: Group Hula Kahiko competition
July 25
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Keiki Hula Marketplace hours
- Noon to 4 p.m.: Group Hula ʻAuana competition (group awards ceremony to follow)
Tickets
- Adults (ages 13 years old and older): $30
- Keiki (ages 5 to 12 years old): $25
- Children younger than 5 years old: Free
Three-day general admission passes also remain available. Click here to purchase tickets.
Visit the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition and Festival website for additional information.
