May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii. Each year, award-winning Halau Kalaakeakauikawekiu under the direction of Kenneth “Aloha” Victor celebrates May Day. Last year, the halau had two May Day queens, this year it has three.
Victor’s daughter Shyla Victor is May Day queen at Konawaena High, his student Tyra-lyn Kaimuloa-Bates is May Day queen at Kahakai Elementary and his niece and student Morgan Lominario is May Day queen at Kealakehe High School.
Victor suggests that everyone celebrate May Day on May 1 by making a lei, wearing a lei and giving a lei. Konawaena’s May Day is at 10 a.m., Kahakai Elementary’s May Day is at 4 p.m and Kealakehe High School’s May Day/Culture Night is at 6 p.m. Musicians performing for these May Day queens include Sean Naauao, Kainani Kahaunaele, Ikaika Blackburn and a surprise guest.
Halau Kalaakeakauikawekiu will also host its annual open registration for new students interested in learning Hawaii’s culture, history and language through hula from 9 a.m. to noon May 16 and 23 at its studio location at 74-5603 Alapa St. ,Bay 5. For more information, call 989-4616.