KEIKI HULA AND ISLAND MUSIC TOP PCC'S FOURTH ANNUAL NA KA MAHINA MALAMALAMA FESTIVAL, AUGUST 29 An Evening Concert of Traditional and Contemporary Hawaiian Music Features Local Groups Anuhea and Vaihi, and Soloist Keao Costa Laie, HI – August 18, 1997– It is a day that begins with the artful grace of Hawaii's children and ends with the melodic sounds of the islands' next generation of musical stars. On Saturday, August 29, the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) will host the Fourth Annual Na Ka Mahina Malamalama Festival. The daylong festival is a celebration of Hawaii's beauty and charm as captured through the joy of keiki hula dancing, authentic cultural activities, and original music by island artists. "The festival proudly displays our host culture, but it also perpetuates the qualities that make Hawaii such a special place in the world," said Special Events Manager Ellen Gay Dela Rosa. "It's a great entertainment and educational value for everyone. All families — especially kamaaina (local residents) families — will greatly enjoy how the young generations of Hawaii's native people are carrying on and thriving with the cultural traditions of our islands." The Eighth Annual Moanikeala Keiki (chidren) 'Auana Hula Competition kicks off the festival in the Pacific Theater from 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon, with eight hula halau from Oahu and one from Kauai taking part. The hula halau are as follows:
The keiki hula competition is an ongoing tribute to two prominent Laie kumu hula, Sally Moanikeala Wood Nalua'i and Sunday Mariteragi, who have contributed greatly to teaching hula. Wood Nalua'i was the PCC's first hula instructor when it opened in 1963 and continued until 1980. 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 eventually led to the start of the competition. Following the keiki hula, the festival's attention will shift to the PCC's Hawaii village where guests can participate in a number of hands-on cultural and entertainment activities throughout the day from 12:30 – 6:30 p.m. The festival concludes with an evening concert at the Ali‘i Luau, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Musical groups Anuhea and Vaihi, and falsetto soloist Keao Costa are performing. "These are three of the most exciting and talented up-and-coming musical artists in Hawaii today," said Dela Rosa. "Their individual styles of performing traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music complement each other beautifully and are a perfect way to top off the festival." The Na Ka Mahina Malamalama Festival is affordably priced with Hawaii residents in mind. The kamaaina rate is $7.00 per person and includes access to the keiki hula competition, the seven island cultural villages of Fiji, Hawaii, Maori New Zealand, the Marquesas, Samoa, Tahiti, and Tonga, and the spectacular Canoe Pageant which begins at 2:30 p.m. The Ali'i Luau Concert costs $3.00 per person. Festival guests who instead want to see the Horizons night show can do so for $8.95. To make reservations or for more information, the public can call 293-3333. Founded in 1963, the PCC has entertained over 25 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 - Hawaii, and provides an extension of the classroom in a workplace setting. Since its establishment, the PCC has employed more than 30,000 BYU-Hawaii students and over $150 million of its revenues have been directed to the University.### For information on press releases or other public information, please contact: Amy Hennessey
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