If hula is the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people, then get ready for some cardio, because the 42nd Annual Prince Lot Hula Festival is almost here!

Featuring two days of hula, a Hawaiian-themed craft fair, cultural demonstrations and more, the largest non-competitive hula event in Hawai‘i returns for the third year.

PRINCE LOT HULA FESTIVAL — ‘Iolani Palace Saturday & Sunday, July 20 – 21 at 9 am

Everyone is welcome to this free, family-friendly event, and is encouraged to bring a chair or mat and enjoy the show from the lawn.

This celebration honors Prince Lot Kapuāiwa, who helped revive Hawaiian culture. During his reign as Kamehameha V (1863 to 1872), he repealed laws that banned traditional practices such as hula. He also created the Royal Order of Kamehameha to honor his grandfather, Kamehameha the Great.

Aloha e komo mai. Come and join the festivities with the whole family. Make it an aloha day! Photos courtesy of Moanalua Gardens Foundation of the 2018 event.

Aloha e komo mai. Come and join the festivities with the whole family. Make it an aloha day! Photos courtesy of Moanalua Gardens Foundation of the 2018 event.

Founded in 1978 by the Moanalua Garden Foundation (MGF), the festival invites hālau from every major island and attracts thousands of residents and visitors each year. This year’s theme is I Mua E Nā Pōki’i, Move Forward, O Youth and represents the passing of hula traditions to the next generation, the keepers of the culture.

Saturday’s opening ceremonies will include the Royal Order of Kamehameha, presentation of MGF’s Malia Kau Award to renown Kumu Hula Iris Naleialoha Napaepae-Kunewa of Hawai‘i Island, followed by an impressive lineup of premier hālau hula who will perform both kāhiko (ancient) and ‘auana (contemporary) hula.

As part of the opening program on Sunday, MGF will honor chanter Kamuela Chun from Hilo with its Namakahelu Oli Award. Local food and refreshments will be available for purchase and limited edition T-shirts and souvenir kōkua buttons will be for sale. So come down and enjoy the fun, food and festivities in the magnificent setting of ‘Iolani Palace.

For a complete schedule and hālau line-up, visit Moanalua Gardens Foundation online.


MOANALUA GARDENS FOUNDATION
808-839-5334 | www.moanaluagardensfoundation.org
A nonprofit organization founded in 1970, Moanalua Gardens Foundation is committed to preserving and perpetuating the native culture and environment of Hawai‘i through education and stewardship of Kamananui (Moanalua) Valley and celebration of the Prince Lot Hula Festival at ‘Iolani Palace. MGF depends upon grants and donations to cover festival costs. To make a donation or become a member, visit the foundation online.