Hula O N Keiki

The key theme for the 2019 competition was to bring the focus back to the mele (songs) and to showcase the beauty and passion of lelo Hawaii (Hawaiian language), said ‘lika Guerrero, director of Imipookela. Kumu (teachers) and haumna (students) have been encouraged to write new mele this year, meaning some of these songs have been performed for the first time, bringing a depth and understanding to this longstanding tradition.

Returning for 2019, luxury Hawaii-based fashion label Manaola hosted a pop-up shop in the hotel’s ‘Ohana room, showcasing Hawaiian fashion and design inspired by the elements of nature. The designer Manaola Yap himself was the winner of Hula o n Keiki in 1994.

Though Hula o n Keiki has grown exponentially over the years, from a single day affair in 1990 to an entire weekend of Hawaiian arts and music, the objective has remained the same: to educate children in the ways of their Hawaiian ancestors so that the culture can be carried forward.

"It’s great to see Ka’anapali Beach Hotel leveraging what they’ve always been good at: being Hawa’i’s most Hawaiian hotel." This Maui Time Weekly article that explores the importance of our cultural programs that we encourage both staff and guests alike to attend. Read the full article here:

2019 Miss Hula O N Keiki Overall Winner: Haily Kamakahukilani Nwahine Nascimento Hlau: Hlau N Mamo o Puuanahulu... Kumu: William Kahakuleilehua Sonny Ching & Lopaka Igarta DeVera