For Immediate Release HALAU HULA OLANA WINS 11th ANNUAL MOANIKEALA KEIKI ‘AUANA HULA COMPETITION AT POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER La‘ie, HI: Halau Hula Olana, under the leadership of Kumu Hula Olana and Howard Ai, today won the Polynesian Cultural Center’s 11th Annual Moanikeala Keiki ‘Auana Hula Competition. The halau took the top prize with a lively performance of a medley of songs, including the Maile Swing, Green Rose hula, Gorgeous Hula, Nohopaipai, and A‘ioa. “We are so honored to be a part of this wonderful competition at the PCC,” said Kumu Hula Olana Ai. “The children love it because we get to be creative and play. And, it’s not just the kids on stage… they carry with them the aloha of the families and support groups that make this possible. That’s what makes this so special each year, it’s a chance for everyone to enjoy.” Placing second was Keolalaulani Halau ‘Olapa O Laka under the direction of Kumu Hula Aloha Dalire. Third place was awarded to Hula Halau ‘O Hokulani under the direction of Kumu Hula Hokulani and Larry DeRego. In all, five hula halau from O‘ahu showcased their talents of the modern Hawaiian dance form before a crowd of approximately 1,500 at the PCC’s Pacific Theater. The keiki hula competition is an ongoing tribute to two prominent La‘ie kumu hula, Sally Wood Nalua‘i and Sunday Mariteragi, both of whom have contributed greatly to teaching hula in La‘ie. Wood was the PCC’s first hula instructor when it opened in 1963 and continued until 1980 when she retired to serve as a consultant until she passed away last year. Her niece, Mariteragi, is credited with inspiring the start of the competition. Once a PCC dancer herself, Mariteragi—at her aunt’s urging—began teaching keiki hula in 1981. Two years later, she was invited to hold lessons at the PCC. It proved to be a delight for visitors and led to the start of the competition. Mariteragi’s keiki hula halau, Napuananionapalionako‘olau, also performed an exhibition today. The keiki hula competition is a featured event of the PCC’s Seventh Annual Na Ka Mahina Malamalama Festival, which celebrates the culture and traditions of Hawai‘i. The daylong festival also included an array of hands-on entertainment and cultural activities at the PCC’s Hawai‘i Village including lei making, poi pounding, hula and more. Founded in 1963, PCC has entertained more than 28 million visitors by preserving and portraying the spirit, culture and people of Polynesia to the rest of the world. More importantly is the mission of the PCC, which supports the educational mission of Brigham Young University-Hawai‘i and provides an extension of the classroom in a workplace setting. Since its establishment, the PCC has employed more than 11,000 BYU-Hawai‘i students and over $125 million of its revenue has been directed to the University. ### For information on press releases or other public information, please contact: Amy Hennessey
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