For Immediate Release WHAT: Keiki (children) Hula Halau Showcase Their Talents at the Polynesian Cultural Center's Eighth Annual Moanikeala Keiki 'Auana Hula Competition WHEN: SATURDAY, August 29, 9:30 a.m. - 12 noon WHERE: Pacific Theater, Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie Laie, HI: This Saturday, the keiki of nine hula halau, eight from Oahu and one from Kauai, will display their wonderfully graceful dancing skills and vie for the title at the Polynesian Cultural Center's Eighth Annual Moanikeala Keiki ‘Auana Hula Competition. The keiki hula competition is a featured event of the Fourth Annual Na Ka Mahina Malamalama Festival, which celebrates the culture of Hawaii. In addition, the Hawaii Village will host an array of hands-on cultural and entertainment activities throughou the day. The keiki hula competition is an ongoing tribute to two prominent Laie kumu hula, Sally Wood Nalua‘i and Sunday Mariteragi, both of whom have contributed greatly to teaching hula. Wood 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, Mariterag i— 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 keiki hula competition. The daylong 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 will perform a variety of traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music. #### For information on press releases or other public information, please contact: Amy Hennessey
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