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Behold the brilliant movement of the Kanoeau Dance Academy led by Kumu Hula, Keala Kukona, as they perform traditional chant and captivating hula in Kaanapali Beach Hotel’s new dinner show, Kupanaha: Maui Magic for All Ages. Watch as gifted keiki (children) and adults express the magic of extraordinary Hawaiian demigods through song and dance, all woven through with exciting illusions by Maui’s Magical Family, Jody & Kathleen Baran and daughters Katrina and Crystal. Don’t miss this unique combination of skill, flair and enchantment! Kupanaha: Maui Magic for All Ages opened Tuesday, July 8.
Keala Kukona founded Kanoeau Dance Academy with the mission to teach keiki how to dance and to imbue basic virtues in them at an early age. Formed in 1990 in Lahaina, Kanoeau Dance Academy is named after Harold Kanoeau Delatori, whom Keala worked with as a kuhina (Hawaiian cultural ambassador) at Kaanapali Beach Hotel during the 1980’s. Kanoeau means “gifted one,” and Keala discovered this meaning to be true in Harold’s character. Keala reflects, “Harold was brilliant, with common sense. He was compassionate, showed love, and everybody loved him.”
Kanoeau Dance Academy trains keiki in the art of hula, while venturing into other cultural dances. While they have fun, Keala intends her school to be a place of discipline, where kids learn direction in dance and for life while their parents are busy at work. Keala imparts her wisdom and values in the hope that these keiki grow up to live fruitful lives.
All members of Kanoeau Dance Academy featured in Kupanaha: Maui Magic for All Ages have won in competition. Ranging in age from 11 – 22, three dancers are former Miss Hula O Na Keiki; two are former Mr. Hula O Na Keiki; two are Miss Aloha Mokihana; two are Mr. Aloha Mokihana; and one individual won the state falsetto (singing) competition.
Keala is proud to bring her dancer’s talents to the show and states, “My concern is to share the accuracy of our legends and stories with our visitors. Sometimes people receive it in bits and pieces without enough information to understand how the story goes. With Kupanaha: Maui Magic for All Ages, people receive an accurate story. We provide the chant and hula, and the magic enhances the story. We add to the magic, and the magic part adds to us.”
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