Next Christmas-themed Holiday Hula on Kaua`i — Dec. 16

On Sunday, December 9, it’s Kumu Hula Kapu Kinimaka Alquiza’s 30th Annual “Holiday Hula Celebration.” Photo by Anne E. O’Malley

Holiday Hula

by Anne E. O’Malley

Dec. 16 Leilani Rivera Low Steps Up

Seeing hula performed any time of year is inspiring. During the holidays, there’s an added festive dash, with holiday colors and motifs visible everywhere, Hawaiian and Christmas songs and hula and special guest performers who wow audiences. Always arrive early to get a good seat.

On Sunday, December 9, it’s Kumu Hula Kapu Kinimaka Alquiza’s 30th Annual “Holiday Hula Celebration.” Last year, keiki kane from her halau whupped ’em kealoha! Photo by Anne E. O’Malley

The first of three specials this season is the 30th Annual Holiday Hula Celebration, offering hula by Na Hula o Kaohikukapulani, sponsored by the Kamanawa Foundation and under the direction of Kumu Kapu Kinimaka Alquiza. Over 100 dancers ranging in age from three years to adult will perform Hawaiian songs and holiday tunes. Cultural specialist Kale Kaui will be the emcee.  It will take place on Sunday Dec. 9 in the Grand Hyatt Kaua`i Ballroom. Doors open at 5 p.m.; program begins at 6 pm. Tickets are $14/advance; $20/door and proceeds support the dancers to enter an upcoming competition. For more information, call 808-335-6466.

On Friday, Dec. 14, Aunty Beverly Apana Muraoka celebrates the 25th anniversary of her halau — and her retirement. Photo by Anne E. O’Malley

Celebrating not only the holidays, but the 25^th anniversary of Aunty Beverly Apana Muraoka’s halau hula, Healani’s Hula Halau and also, Aunty Bev’s retirement, there will be a performance of hula on Friday, Dec. 14 at the Kaua`i Veterans War Memorial Convention Hall from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aunty Bev is an institution. Expect the hall, the musical guests from far and wide and the performances to run over. Arrive early for a seat. For information, call 808-822-1451.

Halau Hula o Leilani will present “A Kaua`i Christmas” on Sunday, Dec. 16. Photo courtesy of Darryl Low

A Kaua`i Christmas will be performed by Halau Hula `O Leilani under the direction of Kumu Hula Leilani Rivera Low on  Sunday, Dec. 16 at the Kaua`i Veterans War Memorial Convention Hall. Performance starts at 7 p.m.; doors open earlier. Tickets are $15. For information, Email darryl.leilani@hawaiiantel.net or call 808-651-0682.

Celebrating not only the holidays, but the 25^th anniversary of Aunty Beverly Apana Muraoka’s halau hula, Healani’s Hula Halau and also, Aunty Bev’s retirement, there will be a performance of hula on Friday, December 14 at the Kaua`i Veterans War Memorial Convention Hall from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aunty Bev is an institution. Expect the hall, the musical guests from far and wide and the performances to run over. Arrive early for a seat. For information, call 808-822-1451.