HO’IKE – HALAU KA LEI MOKIHANA O LEINA`ALA

AWARD WINNING HALAU KA LEI MOKIHANA O LEINA`ALA
HOSTS HO’IKE 2012

Some of Kaua’i’s Best Hula Dancers to perform in Annual Show

September 25, 2012 (Kaua’i, Hawaii) – The Art of Hula will be celebrated with over 200 dedicated, local dancers on Saturday, October 27^th at the Kaua`i War Memorial Convention Hall during their Ho`ike.  Kumu Hula Leina`ala Pavao Jardin, of Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina`ala (Kalaheo), is proud to share her Kaikamahine, Keiki Kane, Opio, Kane, Wahine and Kukpuna’s dance with the island of Kaua`i. Each group will perform both Hula Kahiko and Hula `Auana.  This Ho`ike will mark 16 years of Hula instruction by Kumu Hula Leina`ala Pavao Jardin.

Maka Herrod will emcee the festivities and talented musical artist from Kaua`i, Oahu and Hawai`i  island will perform.  Na Hoku Award Winners Kainani Kahaunaele, Waipuna and  Chucky Boy Chock will bring their beautiful music to Kaua`i for this Ho`ike celebration.

Picturesque and authentic, these Halau dancers are some of the most talented story-tellers on the island.  Their performances have garnered much attention, as the Kaikamahine and Keiki Kane have been consistent winners (2009-2012) for Kaua`i at the Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula Competition on O`ahu.  In 2012 the Wahine were invited to participate in the 49^th Merrie Monarch Hula Festival where they placed 4^th in the `Auana division.

 “I am very proud of all of my dancers and I teach them to share our Hawaiian culture through the stories their dances tell, as well as give 100% during each performance,” said
Kumu Leina`ala Pavao Jardin.  This year is the 50<sup>th</sup> Anniversary for the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival.  The Wahine have been invited to participate in this prestigious and commemorative event.  “We are humbled and extremely honored to be invited to the 50<sup>th</sup> Anniversary of the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival.  It is a very special and exciting time for all of our dancers, and we are proud to represent Kaua`i where ever we are asked to dance,” Kumu Hula Leina`ala went on to say.

The Ho`ike doors will open on Saturday, October 27<sup>th</sup> at 4:00 pm in Lihue at the Kaua`i War Memorial Convention Hall, and the show will begin at 6:00 pm.  Food and beverages will be available for purchase prior to the show and during the intermission.  Local Hawaiian inspired crafters will also have hand-made products available for purchase.  With the Silent Auction being such as success last year,  we decided to offer this again.  The Silent Auction will be featuring items from local businesses that support the Wahine’s trip to Merrie Monarch in April 2013.  Tickets are $20 per person and available at Kujo’s Mini Mart (Kalāheo), Uncle’s Shave Ice (Pō`ipū), The Wine Shop (Kōloa), Mokihana Travel (Līhu`e) and Vicky’s Fabrics (Kapa`a).  Please purchase tickets in advance, as this show has been a sell-out in the past.