After decades of disapproval from Christian missionaries in the 19th century, King Kalakaua revived hula dancing, calling it “The language of the heart, and therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people.” Wednesday and Thursday, seasoned hula dancers take center stage for the 33rd annual Kupuna Hula Festival.
One of the most anticipated and popular events of the year, the festival returns to the Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay. The event highlights some of Hawaii Island’s most talented and experienced dancers over the age of 55 years, as well as senior dancers from all over the world.
“This is our 33rd annual Kupuna Festival, and it is an opportunity for seniors 55 and older who are part of different halau to come up and compete,” said Kelly Hudik, Elderly Recreation Services program director. “We have both solo and group competitions, as well as a fun portion where it’s not judged and dancers can just come and play or test the waters. We also have a craft fair that goes on during the day.”
Organized by Hawaii County’s Elderly Activities Division-Special Programs, the festival is the longest running kupuna hula festival in the world. It was started in 1982 by the late hula master George Naope and former Department of Parks and Recreation director George Yoshida. The goal was to bring together the multiple senior groups with the intent to perpetuate the art of hula and offer an opportunity to perform and compete.
Today, the festival has evolved into a celebration of our kupuna, and a showcase of the experience and talent that seniors bring to the art of hula. The festival sells out annually to an audience of nearly 1,000.
“We have halau that come from all over the world,” said Hudik. “There’s halau coming all the way from Okinawa, Japan, to participate. There’s also a group coming from California this year. Across the island we have halau from Kauai, Molokai, Maui, Oahu, and of course the Big Island. It’s a good mix of everything — it’s not just Kona halau or Big Island halau that are coming to participate. That makes it exciting because you get to see groups that come year after year from far away, knowing that they’re all bringing their A-game to come and participate.”
For residents, the festival is an opportunity to see family and friends perform. For those traveling from abroad, it’s a chance for them to experience Hawaii and Hawaiian culture.
Hudik said the festival’s mission is to promote and perpetuate Hawaiian culture through song and dance, while simultaneously honoring kupuna and encouraging them to stay active and engaged.
“We get dancers up on stage that are 90 years old. Those are the dancers that the crowd just goes crazy for,” said Hudik. “You’re still seeing these kupuna dancing across the stage, and thinking, ‘If only I could move that much when I’m their age!’ I’m always astounded at what the dancers come up with, and how much they can do. It’s always a treat to come and see. A lot of people underestimate seniors and this age group, so it’s great for them to come out and see the quality of dance that’s out there, and that our seniors are capable of performing.”
The solo competition is on Wednesday evening, followed by the group competition on Thursday evening. Tickets are $10 per person.
“We’re sold out on Thursday, that’s our group competition night, but we still have tickets available on Wednesday,” said Hudik. “Wednesday is usually the night that I tell people to come and enjoy, because that’s the soloist competition and also the fun night, so you get a little of both. You get a little competition and a little bit of silly where people can let their hair down and play a bit. It’s the best show in town for $10 — you can’t beat that price.”
The festival will also hold a craft fair in conjunction with the competition Wednesday and Thursday. The craft fair is free and takes place in the foyer of the Sheraton ballroom and the adjacent conference rooms from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Vendors will sell fresh lei, jewelry, Hawaiian wood carvings, Hawaiian clothing and bags, baked goods and jewelry.