Hula Performances in BI in March?
 

As a hula dancer, I am interested in attending a ho'ike (hula show) or two while on the BI in March. i am not interested in the showbiz luaus at the hotels, but rather the Iocal halaus (hula schools). A local luau would be extra fun. I have looked at a couple of sources (KonaWeb, for one) and haven't found anything around Kona, where we will be staying. Does anyone on this forum know of a show I can attend? Or where I can get more info?

or will it be so close to Merrie Monarch that they won't be doing any ho'ike?

From www.gohawaii.com

Dates

March 12, 2011 10:30am
Description

See traditional hula and chant performed outdoors on the hula platform overlooking Kilauea Crater, featuring Halau Haa Kea o Kinohi. 10:30 a.m. Hawaiian cultural demonstrations at Volcano Art Center Gallery from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

You can also google: halau Big Island

You might be able to find some halaus performing or practicing where you can watch or even join in if they are practicing.

Thanks, dusty

I looked at yournprofile page, and see I should have said, Mahalo!

What a sweet granddaughter you have.

"What a sweet granddaughter you have."

Thank you!

We are blessed to have her. She had a successful liver transplant 10 years ago. My daughter gave her 1/3 of her liver.

Both are terrific.

If you do go to the Hilo area, you might be interested in this:

http://www.davidskvr.net/Life_in_the...l_Event__.html

This group is very unusual, the hula style is quite different, and the group was about to leave for Japan to give a performance. While you're in the website, feel free to look also at the clips from the Kona Village Resort lu'au.
David

Sorry, that link didn't work. Try thi:

http://www.davidskvr.net/Life_in_the...ial_Event.html

David

I'm surprised hoalehulaboymak hasn't chimed in yet.

mumpsimus, yes that is the style of hula you don't see much at commercial luaus, and I am interested that KV put it on. It's called kahiko hula, or ancient hula and has an enormous following. That form of hula carries the Hawaiian language, culture and history and is much revered now.

I was at a hula conference in Honolulu in 2009 and there were groups from Poland, Holland, Japan, Germany, and all over the US. Look at the web pages for Merrie Monarch Festival to see lots more.

I might be interested in getting to one of the shows at KV. But when these groups do a ho'ike (recital) locally, it's much more down home and friendly. If possible I'd like to find one.

I googled kuma hulu big island and came up with this. You might contact a few or google hulu halau big island/hawaii

http://www.hawaiianmusichistory.com/...aii-island.htm

Although not all are true kula, a true kula would certainly offer you guidance on local events and invite you to visit. I think.

<I might be interested in getting to one of the shows at KV.>

Charnees, the event at Kona Village Resort was a one-time thing. The troupe came over for the village's Remember When reunion last year. I was very interested to see them, but I was even more interested in the informal session the following morning when they went through their warmup exercises and other dances. While ALL hula is strenuous, kahiko hula actually LOOKS like it!

mumpsimus, thanks for that info. So I will not try for the luau at KV because I am not looking for the commercial kind, but the kahiko and auana (hula with music).

Kealalani, I will probably try to contact a kumu when we get there. Thanks.

talk about a double typo kuma/kula

We were blessed to watch a good bit of rehearsals for Merry Monarch last year. We also saw a wonderful group at Place of Refuge (excuse the lack of hawaiian name). I don't know if they were on island for MM but it was very moving as they danced to the gods with their backs to us.

Kealalani, that is so nice! I would have loved to see that. I have seen videos of their ceremonies at the volcano which is also moving. (Especially when they throw their leis and other adornments into the volcano. And bottles of gin, which Pele supposedly loves.). I gather they dance there every week, but I would have to leave Kona at 7 am to get there for the ceremony.

You are forgiven for the kumu typo. :)

Hi Charnees, I was on the Big Island the middle of January, and looked everywhere for hula for you. I saw hula at my usual places. They are listed in this old thread, http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-kona-area.cfm but those are places you already know.

We always go to the Bamboo for hula and music: John and Hope Keawe, and Matthew and Rosalind Kupuka'a. Both also perform at the Waikoloa King's and Queen's Shops.

We were lucky this past trip to be there during the full moon, and the "Talk Story" night at the Mauna Lani. This time, lots of older aunties got up and did very humorously artful hula. It was a treat.

Also, we were there for the Hulihe'e Palace concert and hula, which is once a month on Sunday. It was a little lack-luster, but the atmosphere is so charming.

If you haven't tried Sushi Rock restaurant in Hawi, it is incredible: very fresh and innovative. Next door is a new restaurant called Zest. It's hard to describe (extremely bare and informal) but the food is amazingly delicious and wholesome, but also expensive given the atmosphere. It's a little odd. Then, Pico's Bistro (in Kapa'au) is great, as is the newish Mexican restaurant in Hawi, Mi Ranchita, which has new owners and much better authentic Mexican food.

Hope you find some great hula!

Thanks, Kealani! We do plan on going to Bamboo for dinner to see John Keawe. I will look into the talk story program at Mauna Lani. That sounds lovely. I know what you mean about the Hulihe'i Palace concerts!

and thanks for the restaurant reviews. Our problem is how to NOT go to Bamboo when we are up in Hawi!