Awards…

In its early years the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Moanikeala Hula Festival was a competition, but since 2003 the format has changed to what Hawaiians call a ho'ike — an exhibition — of hula prowess. All participating halau hula or hula schools are recognized for the gift of dance they present in honor of Hawaiian culture in general and Aunty Sally Moanikeala Wood Naluai's contributions to the art.

Mahalo (thanks) to all who have participated over the years.

Previous winners…

In years past, when the Moanikeala Hula Festival was a competition, winners included:

2002:
1st place: Halau Hula O Hokulani, under kumu hula Hokulani and Larry DeRego.
2nd place: Halau Hula Olana, led by Olana and Howard Ai.
3rd place: Ka Pa Nani O Lilinoe, led by kumu hula Lilinoe Lindsey.
4th Place: The Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio, which is named for its kumu hula, took fourth place.

2001:
1st place: Halau Hula Olana, under the leadership of kumu hula Olana and Howard Ai.
2nd place: Keolalaulani Halau Olapa O Laka, under the direction of kumu hula Aloha Dalire.
3rdplace: Hula Halau O Hokulani, under the direction of kumu hula Hokulani and Larry DeRego.

2000:
(no festival was held this year)

1999:
1st place: Halau Hula Olana, under kumu hula Olana and Howard Ai.
2nd place: Hula Halau O Hokulani, led by kumu hula Hokulani and Larry DeRego.
3rd place: Hui Park Hula Studio, with kumu hula Kepoomaikalani Park-Chun.

1998:
1st place: Hula Halau 'O Hokulani, under kumu hula Hokulani and Larry DeRego.
2nd place: Hula Halau Olana, led by kumu hula Olana and Howard Ai.
3rd place: Kano'eau Dance Academy and kumu hula Ke'ala Kukona.