Lifestyle Vogue

Children’s Hula Competition Hula O Nā Keiki Celebrates Hawaiian Culture

NC Desk October 29, 2022

The lovely, just-renovated Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel on Maui’s westside will once again host this year’s Children’s Hula Competition — Hula O Nā Keiki — which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022. Though the event has grown over the years from a single-day competition to an entire weekend of Hawaiian arts and music, the mission has remained the same: to educate children (keiki) in the ways of their ancestors in order to preserve Hawaiian culture and carry it forward.

One of the participants in Hula O Nā Keiki, the annual children’s hula competition.

For all of visitors’ exposure to hula, usually via a lūʻau or cultural presentation, most mainlanders and other non-Hawaiian travelers to the islands still don’t really understand the complexity of hula, its historical and ritual significance, or its competitive aspect. The Children’s Hula Competition, held from November 10-12, will offer a wonderful opportunity for an immersive and enriching educational experience.

The hula competition is just one part of a three-day event designed to allow participants and attendees the opportunity to learn about and nurture Hawaiian cultural values. Participant students gain a sense of appreciation for the past and a deeper sense of connection with Hawaiian ancestors, demonstrating their understanding and awareness through the art of hula and oli (Hawaiian chants).

For attendees, the event will feature music, food, art, and fashion by local artisans and purveyors. Participants, their hālau (hula school), families, and the community are invited to join in the celebration.