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The Honolulu Advertiser
The gathering time | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper
Posted on: Saturday, July 16, 2005

The gathering time

By Wanda A. Adams
Assistant Features Editor

Halau Hula Olana Ia girls performed at a previous Prince Lot Hula Festival.
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THE HALAU

Participating halau, in order of performance, are:
  • Halau Hula O Maiki, Coline Aiu
  • Ka Hale I O Kahala, Leimomi Maldonado
  • Ka Pa Hula O Ke Kula Kaiapuni O Maui, Kamaka'eu Williams
  • Na Pualei O Likolehua, Leina'ala Kalama Heine
  • Keali'ika'apunihonua Ka'ena A'o Hula, Leimomi Ho
  • Halau Hula O Hokulani, Hokulani DeRego
  • Halau Mohala 'Ilima, Mapuana de Silva
  • Kuhai Halau O Kawaikapuokalani Pa 'Olapa Kahiko, Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett
  • Kahiko winner, Hawai'i Secondary Schools Competition
  • Halau Hula O Napunaheleonapua, Rich Padrina
  • Pua Ali'i 'lima, Vicky Holt Takamine
  • Ka Pa Lehua, Lehua Hulihee and Doreen Doo
  • Halau I Ka Wekiu, Karl Veto Baker and Michael Casupang
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    A dancer with Halau Iolani Kahiko on stage at Moanalua Gardens, where halau come together to celebrate a day of dance.
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    "Laukanaka Ka Hula" — a multitude of people gathered for hula. This is the theme of today's free 28th annual Prince Lot Hula Festival at Moanalua Gardens.

    The event is expected to attract more than 8,000 people, including members of 13 participating halau. In addition, craftmakers will be on hand to demonstrate lauhala-weaving, hula instrument-making, feather lei-making and various forms of artwork.

    For Vicky Holt Takamine's Pua Ali'i 'Ilima, the event is a birthday celebration. The hula school was formed 29 years ago and participated in the very first Prince Lot Hula Festival on its own first anniversary. "We've been here since the inception, and every year we come back again," Takamine said.

    Prince Lot, where no prizes are given, is a time to enjoy the experience of being on stage and sharing the culture, Takamine said. "We try to perfect our movements and perfect our hula as much as we can," she said, but there's no need to be as "nitpicky" as when readying for a competitive setting. The prize is in being there.

    If this will be your first visit to the festival, things to know:

  • Opening ceremony is at 9 a.m.; closing is at 4 p.m.

  • Admission is free, but sales of a $3 souvenir button help defray costs.

  • T-shirts designed by Native Hawaiian artist Page Chang will be on sale.

  • No photography is allowed except for registered members of the press.

  • No alcoholic beverages.

  • Food booths will offer plate lunches, sandwiches, shave ice and soft drinks, but you're free to bring a picnic.

  • Low beach chairs, mats and blankets are welcome.

  • Parking is at Tripler Medical Center; a free shuttle is provided. Or park at Moanalua Elementary or Middle schools.

  • A special section is set aside for wheelchair users.

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