Important note! To describe this cultural event
in as proper written Hawaiian as possible, these Hula O
Na Keiki web pages utilize substitute okinas (backwards
single quote - " ` ") to stress certain syllables. For various
reasons, okinas and kahakos are not used elsewhere
on kbhmaui.com.
Click here for more information on Hawaiian language
and its use on the internet and on kbhmaui.com.
If you would like to enter your halau in this year's competition, click here.
Hula
O Na Keiki is a solo hula competition for children ages 5-17 held
at the Ka`anapali Beach Hotel. Participants are required to learn,
interpret, and perform a Maui chant. The competition
is one facet of a three-day event designed to allow participants the
opportunity to learn about, and nurture Hawaiian cultural values.
This gives each student a sense of appreciation for the past and
a deeper sense of identity with their Hawaiian ancestors. It is
our intent to provide the youth with an avenue through which they
may express their new understanding and awareness of the Hawaiian
culture through the art of hula.
In 1990, the first Hula O Na Keiki was held on the beautiful grounds of the Ka`anapali Beach Hotel. It was a one-day event held with the evening sunset as the backdrop and a canopy of monkeypod trees as an overhead protector. Each soloist was to perform a hula kahiko and a hapa-haole `auana song. Over the years, this event has grown from a single evening of competition to a weekend cultural festival of Hawaiian arts and music highlighted by the most accomplished young hula dancers currently performing.
These
days, Hula O Na Keiki is a three day event. Participants agree that
the awards get better each year. They also receive a photo shoot
with acclaimed Maui photographer/artist, Randy Braun. Other awards
include custom-made trophies that are treasured pieces. Every student
that enters receives an award. However, the real reward for everyone
involved in the competition, is the knowledge that comes from
preparation, increased confidence, and the pride in accomplishment.
Hula O Na Keiki 2007
The 17th celebration of Hula O Na Keiki was held on November 9 - 11, 2007
at Ka`anapali Beach Hotel. Click
here to see the results!
The 18th Celebration of Hula O Na Keiki is scheduled for November 7 - 9, 2008 at Ka`anapali Beach Hotel. Hula students from Hawai`i and around the world will compete in interview, dance, chant, and costume categories. To complement the keiki hula, weekend festivities include arts and crafts from all islands, great local food, cultural and hula workshops, and Hawaiian entertainment.
Participant Application Information
If you would like to enter your halau in this year's competition, click here.
Hula O Na Keiki Vacation Package 2008
Stay just steps from the festivities of Maui’s premier hula competition at Kaanapali Beach Hotel by booking the perfect weekend vacation package. Click here for details about the Hula O Na Keiki vacation package.
Photo Gallery
(Click on thumbnail to view larger
image)
2007 Schedule of Events
(2008 Schedule Coming Soon)
Friday - November 9
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hawaiian Festival of Arts & Crafts Over 25 Local Artisans – Tiki Courtyard
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Lei Making demonstration by Louise Aloy & Jackie Ah Hee ($5 fee) – Lobby
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Fimo Flower Making workshop by Roxanne Cardona ($5 fee) – Lobby
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Lauhala weaving (bracelet) by Donna Cockett ($10 fee) - Lobby
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Pahu Drum demo/workshop by Victor Lopez (free) – Tiki Courtyard
Fimo Flower Making Demo/Workshop by Roxanne Cardona ($5 fee) - Lobby
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Continuous Entertainment – Tiki Courtyard Stage
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Nose Flute Making Demo by Anthony Natividad ($20 fee)- Lobby
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Beautiful Lei Demonstrations by Louise Aloy & Jackie Ah Hee ($5 fee) — Lobby
2:00 p.m.
Kanahele Room Doors Open for Competition
2:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Hula O Na Keiki Food Court Serving plate lunch favorites
3:00 p.m.
Competition Begins Indoors in Kanahele Room
5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Intermission (30 minutes)
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Hawaiian Music and Dancing Outdoors in the Courtyard
8:30 p.m. (Approximate)
Competition Ends
9:00 p.m. (Approximate)
Awards Ceremony & Hula Kanikapila
Sunday - November 11
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Hawaiian Festival of Arts & Crafts—Tiki Courtyard
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Judges Hula Workshop with Cy Bridges and Vicky Holt-Takamine ($10 fee). Open to all interested haumana. Sign up required at the Ohana Fun Center by 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 10.
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Sunday Champagne Brunch
$2 off with ticket stub from hula competition. Reservations required for parties of 6 or more.
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Hawaiian Entertainment – Tiki Courtyard
Special 2008 Hula O Na Keiki Vacation Package
For those wanting to experience the culture and artistry of Maui's
premier hula competition while staying just steps from the festivities,
we have the perfect vacation package for you. The package includes
two nights in a Garden View room (Friday, November 7 and Saturday, November
8, 2007) and the following values for two:
$30 in Ka`anapali Dollars for use throughout the hotel,
reserved seating tickets for both Friday and Saturday night
performances,
1 souvenir program, and
2 Hula O Na Keiki t-shirts.
All this for only $193 per person!* Additional person charge for 2 nights is $120 with package inclusions.
*Subject to applicable taxes and based on double occupancy. Limited availability. Extra nights are $199 per night, room only - no inclusions.
Please make sure your check-in and check-out dates allow for
the minimum number of nights in the package and include the nights of November
9 and 10, 2007.
Click
here to read about special terms for package bookings.
You may make reservations for a maximum of 4 guests per room.
For requests of 10 rooms or more, please refer to Group
Accommodations.
To report errors while attempting to make an online reservation,
click here.
Hula
O Na Keiki is a solo hula competition for children ages 5-17 held
at the Ka`anapali Beach Hotel. Participants are required to learn,
interpret, and perform a Maui chant. The competition
is one facet of a three-day event designed to allow participants the
opportunity to learn about, and nurture Hawaiian cultural values.
This gives each student a sense of appreciation for the past and
a deeper sense of identity with their Hawaiian ancestors. It is
our intent to provide the youth with an avenue through which they
may express their new understanding and awareness of the Hawaiian
culture through the art of hula. 
These
days, Hula O Na Keiki is a three day event. Participants agree that
the awards get better each year. They also receive a photo shoot
with acclaimed Maui photographer/artist, Randy Braun. Other awards
include custom-made trophies that are treasured pieces. Every student
that enters receives an award. However, the real reward for everyone
involved in the competition, is the knowledge that comes from
preparation, increased confidence, and the pride in accomplishment.
