Virginia halau to march for Hawai'i at inaugural

Advertiser Staff

A hula halau based in Alexandria, Va., will represent Hawai'i Thursday in the 55th presidential inaugural parade.

About 40 members of Halau Ho'omau I Ka Wai Ola O Hawai'i, under the direction of kumu hula Manu Ikaika, will march and ride on a float along a 1.7-mile route from Capitol Hill to the presidential reviewing stand by the White House. They will wear the Hawaiian royal colors of red and yellow and Island flowers, performing with 'uli'uli gourds and live music.

The halau has performed at numerous events in the area, including the premiere of Hawaiian exhibits at the Natural History Museum and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in support of troops returning from Iraq.

About 11,000 parade participants are expected to showcase the cultures that make up the 50 states. More information on the parade is available at www.inaugural05.com.