12-07-21 Laukanaka Ka Hula Prince Lot Hula Festival XXXV Moanalua Gardens

After breakfast with the sunrise gang, I headed to Moanalua Gardens to join the OPMUG group for the 2012 Laukanaka Ka Hula Prince Lot Hula Festival XXXV.  I had never been to this before so was unprepared in terms of what to expect.  It's wonderful and if you ever have a chance to see this...go, you won't be sorry.  But bring a fast, long lens.

  oanalua Gardens Foundation (MGF) has announced that Laukanaka Ka Hula … "A Multitude of Hula Groups Gather" will be the theme of the 35th Annual Prince Lot Hula Festival taking place at spectacular Moanalua Gardens on Saturday, July 21, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The largest non-competitive hula event in Hawai‘i, the festival is held each year to honor Prince Lot Kapua‘iwa who reprised the once banned hula in the district of Moanalua.

A historical and cultural treasure, Moanalua Gardens is one of the most beautiful places in Honolulu on the island of O‘ahu. Once a botanical garden, it is home to rare trees, foliage and historic structures.
























"Our theme, Laukanaka Ka Hula … "A Multitude of Hula Groups Gather" is based on a traditional ‘oli that talks about groups of hula people coming together to celebrate hula. It speaks to people from all over who appreciate and love all aspects of hula.," said Alika Jamile, MGF Executive Director and President.

"Opening ceremonies will include a special ho‘ike (show) in honor of noted kūpuna who have made important contributions to our Hawaiian culture and the hula," Jamile stated. Honorees include Patience Namaka Bacon, Edith Kawelohea McKinzie and James Ka'u pena Wong, Jr.




"Some of Hawai‘i's most celebrated hula hālau will dance at this year's festival," said Alika Jamile, MGF Executive Director and President. "More cultural activities have been added to this year's festival to enhance the experience for visitors and local residents alike," Jamile said.
The event will feature both hula kāhiko (ancient) hula and chant, and ‘auana (modern) hula performances. Dancers will perform on one of the few remaining pa hula (hula mounds) in Hawai‘i.





Local food and refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the day. Limited edition tee shirts and a souvenir button will be on sale. Proceeds from these merchandise sales will help cover the costs of the festival.

There is no charge to attend the festival, however, a button donation to MGF is requested to raise funds to support the event.




The public, and visitors, are welcome and encouraged to bring their beach chairs and mats and enjoy the fun, food and festivities under the shady monkeypod trees of Moanalua Gardens. No commercial photography is allowed.





Festival sponsors and supporters include the Hawaii Tourism Authority, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the City and County of Honolulu, the National Endowment for the Arts, Aloha Pacific Credit Union, Hawaiian Airlines, Kamehameha Schools, ING Direct, Servco Foundation, the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau, the O‘ahu Visitors Bureau, the Honolulu Star Advertiser, MidWeek, and other businesses.

A non-profit organization founded in 1970, Moanalua Gardens Foundation (MGF) is committed to preserving and perpetuating the native culture, environment, and people of Hawai‘i through education, celebration and stewardship of Kamananui Valley and Moanalua Gardens.

Named in memory of King Kamehameha V, Prince Lot, the festival was founded in 1978 by MGF and now attracts up to 10,000 residents and visitors each year. Moanalua was a favorite recreation spot for Prince Lot, who is credited with reviving the hula in the district of Moanalua. His summer cottage can be found on the gardens' grounds.





For more information about MGF, please e-mail mgf-hawaii@hawaii.rr.com, visit MGF's website at www.moanaluagardensfoundation.org or call 808.839.5334.

Panorama of the Festival grounds, taken from under the edge of the "Hitachi" tree.

These are all materials used in the art of Tapa making and dying.

Robert Cazimero, master teacher of Halau Na Kamalei

"Opening ceremonies will include a special ho‘ike (show) in honor of noted kūpuna who have made important contributions to our Hawaiian culture and the hula," Jamile stated.  Honorees include James Ka'u pena Wong, Jr.,  Edith Kawelohea McKinzie and Patience Namaka Bacon.