For Immediate Release What: Polynesian Cultural Center Plays Host to 12th Annual Moanikeala Keiki Hula Competition and Na Ka Mahina Mälamalama Hawaiian Festival When: Saturday, August 31 10:00 a.m. –12:00 a.m. Moanikeala Keiki Hula Competition 12:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Hawaiian Festival Village Activities Who: Hula hälau competitors this year include:
Cost: Admission is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for children 5 – 11 years old, and kids 4 and under are free. Kamaÿäina Annual Pass holders get in free. Special upgrades available for evening show and buffet dinner. Lä‘ie, HI: Once again keiki will fill the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Pacific Theater in a hula competition that focuses on strictly hula ‘auana or modern style. The competition format allows each hälau 10 minutes to perform a dance of their choosing. The competition began 12 years ago to honor two La‘ie kumu hula who have done much to perpetuate the teaching of hula at the PCC. Sally Wood Nalua‘i was the PCC’s first hula instructor when it opened in 1963 and continued until 1980, after which she was a consultant until she passed away in 2000. Her niece, Sunday Mariteragi, initiated the keiki hula competition after years of teaching hula in La‘ie. Once a PCC dancer herself, Sunday—at her aunt’s urging—began teaching hula to Lä‘ie children in 1981. Two years later, she was invited to hold her lessons at the PCC. It was a delight for visitors and inspired the start of the keiki hula competition so many years ago. The Na Ka Mahina Mälamalama Festival is held in conjunction with the keiki hula event each year to educate the hälau and other visitors to the PCC about the Hawaiian culture. Activities include interactive demonstrations of hula, poi pounding, lei making and more in the Hawaiian Village throughout the day.### For information on press releases or other public information, please contact: Amy Hennessey
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