The Volcano Art Center’s 2015 Hula Kahiko series continues on Saturday with a performance by Kumu Haamauliola Aiona and Kumu Kawelo Kong Kee with Ke Kula O Nawahiokalaniopuu.
Ke Kula Mauli Ola Hawaii O Nawahiokalaniopuu translates as the “Living Hawaiian Life-Force School.” The main campus of this Hawaiian language immersion school is located in Keaau. The performance gets underway at 10:30 a.m.
Mahuilani, the cultural arts program of Nawahi was established in 2008. The main purpose of the arts and hula program is to preserve and perpetuate traditional knowledge and skills through performances, products, and presentations that bring honor and pride to kupuna and the Hawaiian community exclusively through the Hawaiian language.
This performance is part of a year-round series sponsored by the Volcano Art Center. For the series, hula halau from across Hawaii and beyond are invited to perform each month in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting at the kahua hula (platform) in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It is presented authentically in an outdoor setting, rain or shine without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats.
In conjunction with the performance, Native Hawaiian cultural specialist Loke Kamanu and her ohana will set up shop on the lanai of the Volcano Art Gallery from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Presenting a lovely display of “Na Mea Hula” (all things hula), Kamanu will share a variety of instruments, implements and lei styles that play an integral role in the life of the hula practitioner. This demonstration is hands-on and family friendly.
The free events are supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development and the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Park entrance fees may apply.
The Volcano Art Center is a nonprofit educational organization created in 1974 to promote, develop, and perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawaii’s people and environment through activities in the visual, literary, and performing arts. Visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222 for more information.