The Volcano Art Center’s 2015 “Hula Kahiko” series continues on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. with a performance by Hula Halau O Kou Lima Nani E under the direction of Kumu Hula Iwalani Kalima.
Hula Halau O Kou Lima Nani E was founded in 1986 to coordinate cultural education programs that benefit Hawaii communities. Students in the halau range from keiki (children) to kupuna (elders) and are taught all aspects of the hula tradition including the practice of traditional Hawaiian values.
Kalima was born and raised in Hilo’s Keaukaha Homestead. Her hula roots stem to her great-grandmother Kapeka, who was a chanter for Queen Liliuokalani, and her grandfather Joseph Nohea Kalima Sr., who composed the famous mele “Hilo Hula.” Kalima began dancing at the age of 8, under the direction of Uncle George Lanakilakeikiahialii Naope.
She graduated and received her na kumu palapala in 1982. Her role as a hula dancer, as well as a kumu hula, has taken her to Washington, Vermont, Los Angeles, Japan, and Tahiti. Through the tutelage of Naope and her upbringing, she developed a deep love for her culture and now devotes her time to continue the preservation of hula.
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 the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
These performances are 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, Kumu Hula Ab Valencia and members of Halau Hula Kalehuakiekieikaiu will share with attendees “Na Mea Hula,” which means all things hula from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the lanai of the Volcano Art Gallery. The public is invited to attend and learn a hula, use various hula implements and try making lei. This cultural demonstration is hands-on and family friendly.
These free events are supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development and the Hawaii Tourism Authority. National Park entrance fees may apply.
The Volcano Art Center is a non-profit 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 www.volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222 for more information.