Elderly Hula Celebration resumes this coming week
The 39th annual Hawaii Kupuna Hula Festival is taking place this week at the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa Convention Center in Kailua-Kona. This unique event, founded in 1982 by George Yoshida and master kumu hula George Naope, is the only competition that exclusively features kupuna (senior citizens) and provides a platform for them to showcase their hula talents and socialize.
Over the course of two nights, approximately 280 dancers over the age of 55 will take to the stage, performing a variety of traditional hula dances. On Wednesday night, the programme will feature tutu wahine solo, tutu kane solo, and hoolaulea performances. Thursday night will showcase wahine group, kane group, and hui pu'ia dances. Awards will be presented at the end of each night.
In addition to the hula performances, the festival will also include a free craft fair running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Around 25 vendors will be offering locally made products, including returning favourites such as Candynaeart, Nelles Creations, and Bernadette Kaimiola, as well as 10 new vendors joining the fair this year. You can expect to find a wide range of items on offer, from jewelry, bags, quilts, and casual wear to local snacks, forever floral hair pieces, hula implements, lauhala (woven) items, and more.
Tickets for the hula performances are $20 and are available at the venue until sold out. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets at the West Hawaii Civic Center or the Kamana Senior Center in Hilo. Doors for the dancing open at 4 p.m. for a programme that begins at 5 p.m. both nights.
For any questions about the Hawaii Kupuna Hula Festival and Craft Fair, call Elderly Recreation Services at (808) 323-4340. The address of the convention center is 78-128 Ehukai Street in Kailua-Kona. We hope to see you there!
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