City and County of Honolulu News Releases

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71ST ANNUAL NÂ HULA FESTIVAL   (Fri., July 15, 2011) – The City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation presents the 71st annual Nâ Hula Festival on Sunday, August 7, 2011, at the Queen Kapi'olani Park Bandstand from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.                The Nâ Hula Festival has celebrated the artistry and grace of the hula, Hawai'i's premiere dance form, since 1941.  The festival is Hawai'i's longest running annual non-competitive hula event and was created to provide a venue for the kumu hula (hula instructors) of the Department of Parks and Recreation to hô‛ike (showcase) their haumâna (students).  Currently, some of the kumu who participate in the hula festival teach in the parks, and others are from the community.               This free event will feature Puanani Alama and Leilani Alama Hula Studios. Initially, Aunties Puanani and Leilani participated in the event as students, but both have since progressed to kumu hula in the festival.               The 2011 Lei Queen, Sandrina Lei Ilima Cabato De La Cruz and her princesses will also make an appearance at the festival.   This year's festival will feature the following hâlau: 10:00 - 10:50 a.m. Hâlau Hula 'O Nâwahine 11:00 - 11:50 a.m. Puanani Alama Hula Studio Noon - 12:50 p.m. Leilani Alama Hula Studio 12:50 - 1:00 p.m. 2011 Lei Queen & Court 1:00 - 1:50 p.m. Hâlau Hula 'O Pua 'A'ala Hone 2:00 - 2:50 p.m. Ka Hale I 'O Kahala 3:00 - 3:50 p.m. Hâlau Hula 'O Hôkûlani                                            (times and performers subject to change)               Please bring your hâli'i (covering, spread), mea 'ai (food) and enjoy a beautiful, relaxing day of hula at the park.                For more information, contact Kaiulani Kauahi, Culture and Arts Coordinator, at (808) 768-3041 or email rkauahi@honolulu.gov.   -30-