QLKH Program 2024 Competition

2024 QUEEN LILIʻUOKALANI KEIKI HULA COMPETITION

Kaikamāhine dancer from Hālau I Ka Wēkiu under the direction of Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker and Michael Lanakila Casupang 2019

49 YEARS OF CELEBRATING KEIKI AND THE ART OF HULA

Hoʻomau Ka Hula Nā Keiki

Aloha

mai kākou! And welcome to the 2024 Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition! As Kalihi-Pālama Culture & Arts Society enters its 49th year, our annual competition finally returns to the Neal S. Blaidell Are- na after a nearly 5-year absence. This year we host 18 Kumu Hula who represent the best of what hula means to our community and who hail from the islands Maui, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi Island. The program you are holding is your roadmap to our three-day com- petition. In the following pages, you will find a roster of this year’s

participants and their appearance within each day’s competition. You will find photographs of your favorite Kumu Hula, your cherished Kaikamāhine and Keikikāne dancers, and the mele to which each will dance. Please stay to the end of competition portion of the event, as trophies will be awarded at the close of each day. As is our practice, this year’s Kahiko Chant was chosen by Kalihi-Pālama Culture & Arts Society. All of the hālau will perform their interpretation of the Kahiko Chant composed by Malia Craver. All of the Kaikamāhine dancers will perform Nou E Ka Lani and all of the Keikikāne dancers will perform Ka Lani Kapu . You will all be thrilled by the variations one mele can inspire our treasured Kumu Hula. As background for those of you who do not know the legendary Malia Craver, we have included a story entitled Mānaleo . Our Editor-in-Chief, Wanda Adams, shares the countless achievements of this year’s poet. The words to each chant are printed here with accompanying translations. You may know Wanda from her coverage of the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. She hails from Lahainaluna and served for decades as an editor for the Honolulu Advertiser’s Travel, Style, and Food Sections. She is also the author of five cookbooks, including the much acclaimed two book series, “Island Plate I and Island Plate II.” And, of course, a favorite, “A Portuguese Hawai’i Kitchen.” With that background, no one would be a better writer for our ʻAi Hula story. She discusses the food that nourishes the hālau spirit. We includ- ed a story about the Hawaiʻi State Archives and its intrepid leader, Dr. Adam Jansen. Under his guidance, the Hawai’i State Archives has created a first-of-its kind Mobile Archive Museum. The Pikake Room will hold on display some of Queen Liliʻuokalaniʻs most cherished possessions as well as some fun items (Hint: a moon rock from Apollo 11 SpaceMission). In honor of the Queen’s 186th birthday anniversary, this year’s competition will be broadcast on the Hawaii News Now network of channels on September 2, 3, and 4, 2024. Tune in for all of the fun!

Mahalo nui and enjoy the competition!

2024 QUEEN LILIʻUOKALANI KEIKI HULA COMPETITION

KEIKI HULA PERFORMANCE ORDERS 2024 UEEN ILI‘UOKALANI Q L

Miss and Master Keiki Hula Soloist Competition

IULAI 25th THURSDAY 6-10pm Awards Presentation to Follow

Hula Kahiko

Hālau Group Competition

IULAI 26th FRIDAY 6-10pm Awards Presentation to Follow

Hula ‘Auana

Hālau Group Competition

IULAI 27th SATURDAY 1-5pm Awards Presentation to Follow

This year’s program cover is using the Island of Maui’s color of pink and their official pua, Lokelani Rose. Keikikāne dancer is from Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala and the Kaika- mahine dancer is from Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai o Haʻehaʻe Photos and desgin by James Kimo Garrett

Keiki Hula Keikikāne dancer from Hula Hui o Kapunahala Under the direction of Nā Kumu Hula Carolee Nishi and Robyn Kuraoka 2019

49 YEARS OF CELEBRATING KEIKI AND THE ART OF HULA

PROGRAM

FEATURED

CONTENTS Executive Director’s Message Kalihi-Pālama Culture & Arts Society, Inc.’s Guy Sibilla’s message for this yearʻs competition. Keiki Hula Festival About Queen Liliʻuokalani and the Keiki Hula Festival. Contributors A look at those involved in this yearʻs competition. Awards / Emcees Keiki Hula Awards and trophies presented to the competition winners and our Emcees that are hosting the competition. Panel of Judges Photos and bios of this yearʻs Keiki Hula Competition judges . The 2024 Keiki Hula Festival The first Keiki Hula Festival featuring food, En- tertainment, Pop-Up Mākeke and the Hawai’i State Archives in the Exhibition Hall. Mahalos and Acknowledgements Recognizing all our supporters, staff and volunteers who are making this year’s event a success. 2023 Competition Results A isting of the Results from 2023 Competition winners that took place in Lāʻie, Hawaiʻi. Keiki Hula Miss & Master Winners A complete listing of all of the past Miss and Master Keiki Hula winners. Keiki Hula Competition Pages Roster, Show Orders, Photos and entries of all of this year’s participating Hālau Hula.

MOʻOLELO

The Hawaiʻi State Archives 16

The curator of the “public memory” shares some of Queen Liliʻuokalani’s treasures.

‘Ai Hula 22 As hula feeds the soul, shared food nourishes the hālau spirit.

A native speaker’s voice lives on MĀNALEO 26

Malia Craver championed ‘Ōleo Hawai’i as a speaker, lyricist, and community activist.

The 2024 Queen Liliʻuokalani Souvenir Charm Design 27

The story behind the 2024 Keiki Hula sovenir charm.

2024 QUEEN LILIʻUOKALANI KEIKI HULA COMPETITION

Executive Director’s WELCOME MESSAGE Kalihi-Pālama Culture & Arts Society, Inc.

n this 49th year of the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition, Kalihi-Pālama Culture & Arts Society is all about new beginnings. With our return to the Neal S. Blaisdell Center after

keiki hula dancers to keep danc- ing; our sponsors who share their support in money and in-kind contributions to keep our lights on and our doors open; and to all of you dreamers out there who see the world as a better place with everyone paddling the waʻa together! This next generation of keiki hula dancers that you see on stage ensures that the cul- ture, language, and music of the

a five-year absence, we threw out all of our earlier plans and returned with a fresh look at our event. We hope you are enjoying our “Keiki Hula Summer Festival,” which now includes Pop-Up Mākeke sponsored by our partner, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), a Helumoa Hōʻike Stage sponsored by the Royal Hawaiian Center, and the Hawaiʻi State Archives Museum sponsored by our partner, the Hawaiʻi State Archives. While we revel in the grace, beauty, and traditions of hula within the arena, we also embrace our wider community with these fun and educational activities ongoing within the Exhibition Hall. More importantly, we at Kalihi-Pālama Culture & Arts Society are indebted to our tireless and generous Kumu Hula who confront daily, the task of teaching our children not only culture but community; the parents, uncles & aunties, brothers & sisters, cousins & calabash relatives, and friends who support and encourage our

Hawaiian people thrive. This was the intent of our founders, and we at Kalihi-Pālama Culture & Arts Society are forever thankful to you all for partnering with us in this legacy adventure. On behalf of the President of the Kalihi-Pāla- ma Culture & Arts Society, Inc. and all of the members of the Board of Directors, we extend our warmest ALOHA! and MAHALO! to all of this year’s participating Kumu Hula, Keiki Hula dancers, and the family and friends who cheer them on. With each passing year, we are hon- ored to play our part in maintaining the contin- ued vitality of our keiki hula community.

Guy Murashige Sibilla Executive Director Kalihi-Pālama Culture & Arts Society, Inc.

49 YEARS OF CELEBRATING KEIKI AND THE ART OF HULA

2024 Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Festival

Aloha! Our roots begin with Princess Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Wa- lania Kamakaʻeha, born September 2, 1838. She was given the name Liliʻuokalani by her brother, King David Kalākaua and later became both Hawaiʻi’s first Queen and last reigning monarch. Her legacy lives on through the Queen Liliʻuokalani Trust and the Queen Liliʻuokala- ni Children’s Center, which continue to provide for all of the children of Hawaiʻi. Hence, our namesake. The Kalihi-Pālama Culture & Arts Society was envi- sioned by legendary Kumu Hula Uncle George Naʻope and Kahu Wendell Silva with the mission of educating and preserving culture and arts. One aspect of that was to teach the next generation hula. As time passed, Hawaiian music and language also joined the same inspiring mission. Thus, people who attend our competition in person, those who view our event on television, and those around the world who watch via the internet, enjoy authentic Hawaiian cul- ture through dance, language, and music. Each year, we strive to improve our event and make it more enjoyable for our community and participants. To that extent, we extend our Mahalo nui! to all of our sponsors for their generous support and the hundreds of volunteers who work tirelessly to make it all possible. Mahalo nui loa! and enjoy the Festival!

PHOTO of Queen Liliuʻokalani Hawaiʻi State Archives

2024 QUEEN LILIʻUOKALANI KEIKI HULA COMPETITION

49 YEARS OF CELEBRATING KEIKI AND THE ART OF HULA

KEIKI HULA

Contributors

Guy Murashige Sibilla present- ly serves as the Executive Director of Kalihi-Pālama

Wanda Adams i s a Maui-born writer who studied under Auntie Emma Farden. As a career editor with the Honolulu Advertiser, she covered Hawaiian cultural affairs, published six best selling island cookbooks and now lives in Waiʻalae Iki with her husband of 20 years and two unruly cats.

Culture & Arts Society. He is an award-winning journalist, published his first collection of travel- ogues entitled “Boarding Passes to Faraway Places” and is a Television Emmy Award recipient. When he is not writing, he can be found in the kitchen cooking Italian food.

James “Kimo” Garrett has been the Digital Media Director for Kalihi-Pāla-

Wendy Suite is an award-winning writer and producer who en- joys reading, writing, gardening, traveling, and learning some- thing new every day.

ma Culture & Arts So- ciety for over a decade. He designs the Souvenir Program, event print media, on-line content for KPCAS.ORG, and is the official event photographer.

Amber Makalani Galo Eakins has recently joined the Kalihi-Pālama team and brings with her a multi- tude of skills as a Produc- tion Assistant, Production Designer, Co-Producer across multiple films and as Set Production Assistant on

Sarah Champayn Look cele- brates her fourth year with Kalihi-Pālama Culture and Arts Society, Inc. and serves as Assistant to the Executive Director. As an alumnus of Kamehameha schools at Kapālama (‘15), Sarah holds a Bachelor’s degree

“NCIS: Hawaiʻi.” She is excited to turn her attention back to her Hawaiian culture & reconnect with her home.

in Music from the University of Hawai’i Mānoa.

PUBLISHER  The Kalihi-Palama Culture & Arts Society, Inc. 357 North King Street Honolulu Hawai‘i 97817 keikihula.org Phone: (808) 521-6905 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF  Wanda A. Adams CONRIBUTING WRITERS  Wanda A. Adams, Guy Murashige Sibilla, Wendy Suite

ADMINISTRATION & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Guy Murashige Sibilla KALIHI-PĀLAMA CULTURE &ARTS SOCIETY, INC. PRESIDENT, Garrett Kam

PROGRAM DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY James Kimo Garrett SPECIAL PROJECTS PHOTOGRAPHY Romeo Collado (Romeo Collado Photography)

2024 QUEEN LILIʻUOKALANI KEIKI HULA COMPETITION

CONNECTING HAWAI‘I THROUGH RICH TRADITIONS Ever since King David Kalākaua granted our charter in 1883, Hawaiian Telcom has continued to recognize our kuleana to help preserve and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture. Sharing the same love and affinity for hula as King David Kalākaua, we're proud and honored to continue our support for this year's Queen Lili‘uokalani Keiki Hula competition and wish all participants the best of luck!

49 YEARS OF CELEBRATING KEIKI AND THE ART OF HULA www.hawaiiantel.com

Awards & Trophies KEIKI HULA

KEIKI HULA Competition Emcees

Lacy Deniz

Lacy Deniz is an award-winning journalist from the island of Hawai‘i. From red carpets to red dirt roads, this local girl has had the privilege of covering a wide variety of stories while working at Hawai‘i News Now, the affiliate station of CBS and NBC. She’s earned some of journalism’s highest

honors including an Emmy® and Regional Edward R. Murrow Award. She’s also garnered recognition from The President’s Volunteer Service Award for her work in the community. The Kamehameha Schools-Kapālama graduate earned an associate degree from Hawaiʻi Community College and was later chosen as their Alumna of the Year. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in both journalism and communications from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She is a proud haumāna of Kumu Hula Etua Lopes and Hālau Hula Nā Pua U‘i ‘O Hawai‘i.

2024 Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition Awards 

MISS KEIKI HULA MASTER KEIKI HULA 1st - 5th Places

Kaipo Leopoldino

KAIKAMĀHINE - HULA KAHIKO KAIKAMĀHINE - HULA ʻAUANA 1st - 5th Places KEIKIKĀNE - HULA KAHIKO KEIKIKĀNE - HULA ʻAUANA 1st - 5th Places HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE AWARD Mary Kawena Pukui Hawaiian Language Perpetual Trophy KAIKAMĀHINE OVERALL WINNER Pat Namaka Bacon Overall Perpetual Trophy KEIKIKĀNE OVERALL WINNER Wendell Kalanikapuaenui Silva Overall Perpetual Trophy

Member, Board of Directors of KPCAS

Kaipo Leopoldino, in his words, is “an ordinary guy trying to do extraordinary things.”

He is an educator, emcee, Po’e Hula, public speaker, social media influencer, comedian, and actor. As the owner of Kon- akaipo Creative Productions, he creates content that focuses on education and entertainment. A proud graduate of the Kamehameha Schools – Kapālama Campus, he then went on to attend Chaminade University of Honolulu. He currently teaches ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi at Saint Louis School. Additionally, he is a haumāna of Kumu Hula Robert Uluwehi Cazimero and Hālau Nā Kamalei ʻO Līlīlehua.

2024 QUEEN LILIʻUOKALANI KEIKI HULA COMPETITION

Kumu Hula Edward W. Collier Hālau O Na Pua Kukui

The President and Board of Directors of Kalihi-Pālama Culture and Arts Society are pleased to announce this year’s panel of distinguished judges. We are ever grate- ful to our judges all of whom are cultural treasures for volunteering their valuable time and expertise in support of our Keiki Hula competition that is now entering its 49th year. Keiki Hula Judges 2024 UEEN ILI‘UOKALANI Q L

Kumu Hula Ed Collier established Hālau O Nā Pua Kukui in 1975 to teach students about Hawaiian language, culture, song and dance. Since then, his hālau has grown to include children ages 4 to 13 and adults (both men and women) who have competed in several Merrie Monarch Festivals and hula compe- titions on Oʻahu.

In addition to being Kumu Hula to his hālau, Kumu Hula Ed Collier served as Kumu Hula at ʻIolani School for 22 years. He has enjoyed a life-long passion for the hula and considers the hula to be an endless process of learning. Consequently, he has served as a judge at the Merrie Monarch Festival as well as numerous other competi- tions here in Hawaiʻi, the mainland USA, and Japan. As a Kumu Hula for over 50 years, it is impossible to know the number of lives he has touched or how extensively he has influ- enced an entire generation of students to share his love of Hawaiian language, culture, song and dance. In recognition of his selfless de- votion to as a Kumu Hula, Kumu Hula Ed Collier was the Moanalua Garden Foundation’s 2015 Malia Kau Award recipient.

49 YEARS OF CELEBRATING KEIKI AND THE ART OF HULA

Kumu Hula Uluwehi Guerrero , “Ulu,” as he is known to those closest to him, was born in Wailuku, Maui, and studied hula with Kumu Hula Peter Pekelo Day from Ke‘anae. He named his hālau, Hālau Hula Kauluokalā, which means “Rising of the Sun.” When Kumu Pekelo moved to Hilo in 1982, Ulu and Keali‘i Reichel formed and became Na Kumu of Hālau Hula O Ka Makani Wili Makaha O Kaua‘ula, which eventually became one of Maui’s most beloved hula hālau. As a renowned songwriter, musician and vocalist, Uluwe- hi has been recognized with numerous Nā Hōkū Hanoha- no Awards including awards for Hawaiian Album of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year, Favor- ite Entertainer, and Hawaiian Language Performance. Kumu Hula Uluwehi Guerrero Hālau Hula Kauluokalā

Kumu Hula Margaret J. Niuli‘i Heine

Kumu Hula Keala Ching Ka Pa Hula Nā Wai Iwi Ola

Kumu Hula Leimomi Ho

Kumu Hula Leimomi Ho estab- lished Kealiʻikaʻapunihonua Keʻena Aʻo Hula in March of 1984. Her school of hula perpetuates the traditional hula stylings and legacy of Victoria Kealiʻikaʻapunihonua II Rodrigues. Hula has always been a part of Kumu Leimo- mi’s life. As a young child, taken in the tradition of hanai by Auntie Vickie Rodrigues, Leimomi was raised along with Auntie Vickie’s own children. Kumu Leimomi has been a teacher Hawaiian song and dance at Kapiolani Community College for 23 years. Her award-win- ning hālau has competed throughout Hawaii, the US Mainland and Japan. Kumu Hula Leimomi Ho’s life has been touched by many Kumu such as Helen Waiau (Kaua’i),Sam Naeole, John Piilani Watkins, Kekauilanj Kalama from whom she received her ‘ūniki rites and the legendary Vicky Kea- li’ika’apunihonua Rodrigues. Hālau Kealiʻikaʻapunihonua Keʻena Aʻo Hula

Hālau Hula Nā Pualei o Likolehua

Kumu Hula Niuliʻi Heine is a Native Hawaiian, graduate of Kamehameha Schools and re- ceived her Business Manage- ment Degree at Chaminade University. She lives on Hawaiian Home Lands in Waimanalo and has danced hula for over 30 years for Nā Pua Lei O Likolehua. Nā Pualei O Likolehua was established inv 1976 by Kumu Niuliʻi’s mother, Kumu Hula Leinaʻala Kalama Heine (‘Ala) and is now under her direc- tion as Hālau Hula Nā Pualei o Likolehua. Kumu Niuliʻi has been involved in outrigger canoe paddling with over 30 years of experience as a paddler and coach and is an Assis- tant Vice President at First Hawaiian Bank.

Kumu Hula Keala Ching is a Hawaiian cultural educator, composer, songwriter, and spiritual advisor to many Hawaiian organizations. He danced with the Men of Waimapuna under the direc- tion of the late Darrel Ihiʻihilauakea Lupenui. In 1999 Kumu Keala became a practitioner of Hoʻopo- nopono with Kupuna Malia Craver, a cultural specialist at the Queen Liliʻuokalani Chil- dren’s Center and graduated from Chaminade University with a Masters of Education Leadership Administration. Under the tutelage of Lehua Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, Kumu Keala spent many years learning and building his knowledge. He currently lives in Kailua-Kona, where he is Kumu Hula of Ka Pa Hula Nā Wai Iwi Ola. Kumu Keala is Co-founder and Executive Director of Na Wai Iwi Ola (NWIO) Foundation (2000). Na Wai Iwi Ola is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to perpetuating Hawaiian culture and prac- tices and the study of the Hawaiian language.

2024 QUEEN LILIʻUOKALANI KEIKI HULA COMPETITION

FREE ENTRY JULY 25-27, 2024 10AM-5PM

EXHIBITION HALL NEAL S. BLAISDELL CENTER

PAIKINI PLAZA

Curated by Lacy Deniz, Seven of Hawaiʻi’s well-known clothing designers will be having their own daily mini shows.

Mobile Museum PIKAKE ROOM

Hawaiʻi State Archives and Director Adam Jansen will be placing on display treasures of Hawaiʻi’s royal family as well as other historic memorabilia.

Throughout the daily Keiki Hula Festival and along with the vendors and food, our Hōʻike stage will be providing music, entertainment and hula. HELUMOA HŌʻIKE STAGE

49 YEARS OF CELEBRATING KEIKI AND THE ART OF HULA

PARTIAL VENDOR LIST

Piko Provisions Waiwaolani Workshop 28 HI Aloha Overstock Corporation / Aloha Cuts Ocean Jazz Maui Hawaii Premier Puzzles Bite Size 808 Humble and Hopeful Creation Kūlaniākea Phases Hawaii Rosebuds Joy Within Hawai’i Hawaiian Accessories

This year, Keiki Hula has collaborated with Pop-Up Mākeke, an initiative by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), to create a vibrant and diverse marketplace that perfectly comple- ments the essence of the Keiki Hula event. The partnership aims to provide attendees with a unique and immersive shopping expe- rience that celebrates the diverse offerings of Hawaiʻi’s small busi- nesses. POP-UP MĀKEKE @ KEIKI HULA

Little Hands Hawaii Lokelani Essentials Hiwa Creations Koa Kards Sparkylaandhawaii Debby Sato Designs WICK’D a Na Maka Kahiko Moani’s Creations

NOA Makaha KINIZAMORA MISE LLC DBA Mise Kimono Limahana Ao Ola JJ Ohana Designs by Winnie Saszdcreations Aloha Ke Akua Clothing Co. David Shepard Hawaii Aloha Modern Sandy’s Creations

The collaboration between Keiki Hula and Pop-Up Mākeke aligns with both organizations’ missions to support and pro- mote Hawaiʻi. Keiki Hula sees the marketplace as an oppor- tunity to provide hands-on experiences that highlight the diverse vendors of Hawaiʻi and their products. Pop-Up Mākeke, on the other hand, strives to create platforms for local entre- preneurs and artisans to share their work and connect with the community while developing greater financial stability.

Together, Keiki Hula and Pop- Up Mākeke are striving to curate a marketplace that will create a memorable and en- chanting atmosphere for attend- ees. The marketplace will be an experience in and of itself, with enchanting music, live performances, and the warmth of hospitality. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with local artisans, learn about their craft, and directly support the vendors through the purchasing of products.

NOHO HOME Masina Laei LLC Akaka Falls Farm Kolohe Boyz Lotus & Lime Lahaʻole Hawaiʻi Kuiki Juju By Julyen Onepaʻa Hawaiʻi Leiohu designs llc Hula Tease Yay Hawaii Jewelry Mai Favorite Things

Living Hula MANAOLA

2024 QUEEN LILIʻUOKALANI KEIKI HULA COMPETITION

FEATURED MOʻOLELO

The Hawaiʻi State Archives Story By Wanda A. Adams - Photos By James Kimo Garrett

he Hawaiʻi State Archive occupies an obscure Territorial-era building at the edge of the ‘Iolani Palace grounds, reached by an equally easy- to-miss alley just ‘ewa of the State Library on King Street. You’ve likely driven by it a thousand times without noticing it.

“Ninety percent of the population has no idea that we exist, what we do, or the incredible depth of material we have,” said Jansen. “And no idea that they need it. Ar- chives tend not to be valued until they’re needed.” The archives might contain, for example, some long-forgot- ten piece of public record that a plaintiff needs to prove a lawsuit. It might also provide a peek at the original, hand-annotated sheet music for a mele that a Kumu Hula is researching, or attest to the truth or falsehood of a family story. “An archive is not a museum, and it’s not a library,” Jansen explains. “An archive is a repository for any record made in the course of an activity. It is vital evidence of that activity.” In other words, materials suitable for an archive were produced in “real time,” recording, in whatever way, from quill to computer, those events. It is not a memoir or something written or summarized later, he said.

But within are treasures, among them 26,000 pages of Queen Liliʻuokalani’s letters and journals, the manuscript of her best-selling biography, hand-inked sheet music, dozens of photographs, and even a sprinkling of personal possessions — feather lei and tortoiseshell hair combs — left to the archive by Hawai’i’s last monarch. During the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition, a few of those treasures have traveled a short way from their dim, climate-controlled home to the Blaisdell Ex- hibition Hall, part of an ongoing Mobile Archive project curated by State Archivist Adam Jansen.

49 YEARS OF CELEBRATING KEIKI AND THE ART OF HULA

Libraries, in contrast, preserve printed, recorded, and video’d materials from any time period. Museums focus on artifacts and objects, most of which are not on display at any given time but are curated into rotating exhibits.

“She was adored in England. She could have had an incredibly posh life, traveling to see friends in kingdoms around the world, staying in the finest hotels,” said Jan- sen. “But that was not the choice she made. She sacri- ficed everything for her people. In her will, she liquidated

her entire estate to found the Queen Liliʻuokalani Trust. “to provide opportu- nities for Hawaiian children” . When we talked, Jansen had not yet selected the works that will be dis- played in the Blaisdell’s Pikake Room during the Keiki Hula Competition. But as he walked me through the bewilder- ing complex of rooms that have been secreted over the years behind the Archive’s discreet exterior, it was clear he had much from which to choose. Displaying one of the Queen’s letters to a courtier, written while she was travel- ing, he told a story that he finds reveal- ing of the Queen’s priorities. The Queen had received a plea from

“You can come in and ask to see anything we have. You do not need special credentials. Our duty is to protect these materials and pro- vide access to them to the general public,” said Jansen. The only limita- tions: you cannot take out materi- als, and the Archive is open only on weekdays. “Format is irrelevant,” Jansen said. The collection includes everything from pen-and-ink notebooks to photographs, from audiotape to Harry B. Soria’s vintage record collection from radio’s “Territorial Airwaves,” from documents typed manually on fragile onion-skin paper to magazine pages preserved

State Archivist Adam Jansen

on microfiche film. And there are digital records pro- duced on every possible form of computer device. (An interesting aside: the Archive actually employs people to transcribe cursive handwriting, which many contempo- rary Americans can no longer decipher, even though the writing is in English.) Jansen, who studied architectural science at the Univer- sity of British Columbia and afterward served as deputy archivist for Washington State, came to Hawai’i in 2013 to consult on a sprawling project to digitize thousands of documents in the collection. He meant to spend three years here while finishing his dissertation. But he fell

students at a boys’ school she patronized, complaining that they weren’t getting enough to eat. Fix this, she or- dered in no uncertain terms. Then, in the next paragraph, in an “Oh, by the way” manner, adds an instruction to take care of something for the King of Tonga. “The children came first,” Jansen said, chuckling a bit, “even before a fellow monarch. That was Lili’u.”

in love with Island history and culture, and stayed to take over as State Archivist in 2016 after the retirement of his mentor, Susan Shaner. He also fell respectfully in love with the woman born “Lydia Paki” in 1838 and crowned Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1891, reigning until the American overthrow of the kingdom in 1893. “She stands out as an exemplar of what a true leader is and does,” said Jansen. He pointed out that she was

a wealthy, educated, beautiful, and sophisticated woman, well-trav- eled, and friends with the world’s elite, including Britain’s Queen Victoria.

2024 QUEEN LILIʻUOKALANI KEIKI HULA COMPETITION

2024 UEEN ILI‘UOKALANI Q L KEIKI HULA COMPETITION

MAHALOS and ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Su Shin, Geraldine Ibarra Hawaiian Telcom Faith Freitas, Trade Media Hui

PANEL OF JUDGES Kumu Hula Keala Ching

Kumu Hula Edward W. Collier Kumu Hula Uluwehi Guerrero Kumu Hula Margaret J. Niuli‘i Heine Kumu Hula Leimomi Ho TABULATIONS Jay M. Miyaki, MBA, CPA, CCIFP Trevor K. Kaiama HOSTS Lacy Deniz Kaipo Leopoldino VOLUNTEERS Hālau O Nā Pua Kukui Hawaiian Telcom United Airlines Hawaiʻi State Head Archivist & Staff PHOTOGRAPHERS James “Kimo” Garrett, Official Event Photographer Roy Yamasaki, Official Event Photographer Romeo Collado, Special Features Photographer Keiki Hula Magazine Designer James “Kimo” Garrett AND A SPECIAL MAHALO NUI! Kalani Kaʻanāʻanā, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Kūhiō Lewis, Alexander McCulloch ʻĀnela Akana The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement Monte McComber, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center Dr. Adam Jansen, Hawaiʻi State Archives Katie Pickman, Hawaii News Now The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Kamehameha Schools Manaola

The Souza Family, Kanileʻa ʻUkulele Keoni Fernandez, Mākaha Studios Kēhaulani Watson-Sproat, Honua Consulting Wanda Adams, Keiki Hula Magazine Editor-in-Chief Charmaine Silva, Elizabeth Ishihara Department of Enterprise Services Kristen Alm & Melanie Wakita, Hālau O Nā Pua Kukui Wendy Suite, Broadcast Producer & Scriptwriter Francis “Sonny” Julian, On Location Medical Advisor Keith Aotaki, Terrence Quinsaat FRE, Inc. (DBA Da Crew Production & Engineering Group) Ted Jung, Simple Media Hawaii Brian S. Yee, Department of Accounting & General Services (DAGS) Kumu Hula Gina Lahilahi Jingao, Keiki Hula Stage Decorations Tom Allen, Finance Factors Lynn de Jesus, Finance Factors Donna Kakalia, First Hawaiian Bank (Kahala) Gina Panganiban, First Hawaiian Bank (Credit Card Services) Mahalo Nui Loa

49 YEARS OF CELEBRATING KEIKI AND THE ART OF HULA

The Ukulele that Plants Koa Trees www.kanileaukulele.com @kanileaukulele

2024 QUEEN LILIʻUOKALANI KEIKI HULA COMPETITION

UEEN ILI‘UOKALANI Q L

2023 Competition Winners List

Competition Results from Lāʻie, Hawaiʻi

MISS KEIKI HULA

1st Place  Hāweo Keonaonahikiawakea Kaʻōnohiokalā Lopes of Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai o Haʻehaʻe 1st Place  Kahena Nāaliipoepoeokalani Lindsey of Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala 2nd Place  Viviya Leigh Kamakanoelani Lindsey Apana of Hālau Lilia Makanoe 3rd Place  Jayli Julian of Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua 4th Place  ʻŌlena Catiel of Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi 5th Place  Laulia Hali‘alaulaninuiakea Dalire Keolalaulani of Hālau ‘Olapa O Laka 1st Place  Zai Kauila Shimabukuro of Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi 2nd Place  Kaʻiminoʻeau Kaʻahaʻāina of Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua 3rd Place  Kahi Kalamaokalani Masuo Sugahara of Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala 4th Place  Kairi Aoki of Kalokemelemele Hula Studio 5th Place  Kawelonaakala Enoka Kalehuapunono Wong of Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai o Haʻehaʻe

MASTER KEIKI HULA

Mary Kawena Pukui Hawaiian Language Perpetual Trophy HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE AWARD

1st Place  Keikikāne Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala Leināʻala Pavao Jardin 1st Place  Kaikamāhine Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala Leināʻala Pavao Jardin 1st Place  Keikikāne Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi ʻIliahi and Haunani Paredes 1st Place  Kaikamāhine Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi ʻIliahi and Haunani Paredes 1st Place  Kaikamāhine Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai o Haʻehaʻe Tracie and Keawe Lopes 1st Place  Keikikāne Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua Keano Kaʻupu IV and Lono Padilla 1st Place  Kaikamāhine Hālau Nā Maka o ka Lauaʻe Lauaʻe Yamasaki

49 YEARS OF CELEBRATING KEIKI AND THE ART OF HULA

KAIKAMĀHINE - HULA KAHIKO Hoakalei Kamau‘u Hula Kahiko Perpetual Trophy 1st Place  Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai o Haʻehaʻe Tracie and Keawe Lopes 2nd Place (tie)  Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala Leināʻala Pavao Jardin 2nd Place (tie)  Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi ʻIliahi and Haunani Paredes 3rd Place  Hālau Nā Maka o ka Lauaʻe Lauaʻe Yamasaki 4th Place  Hālau I Ka Wēkiu Hōkū Chong and Wehi Romias 5th Place  Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua Keano Kaʻupu IV and Lono Padilla KAIKAMĀHINE - HULA ʻAUANA Rose Kapulani Joshua Family Hula ‘Auana Perpetual Trophy 1st Place  Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi ʻIliahi and Haunani Paredes 2nd Place  Hālau Lilia Makanoe Shelsea Ai 3rd Place  Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai o Haʻehaʻe Tracie and Keawe Lopes 4th Place  Hālau I Ka Wēkiu Hōkū Chong and Wehi Romias 5th Place  Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua Keano Kaʻupu IV and Lono Padilla

KEIKIKĀNE - HULA KAHIKO Sally Wood Naluai Hula Kahiko Perpetual Trophy

1st Place  Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala Leināʻala Pavao Jardin 2nd Place  Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi ʻIliahi and Haunani Paredes 3rd Place  Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua Keano Kaʻupu IV and Lono Padilla 4th Place  Hālau Hula ʻO Nāpunaheleonāpua Rich Pedrina 5th Place  Kawaiʻulaokalā Hālau Keliʻi Puchalski KEIKIKĀNE - HULA ʻAUANA George Lanakilakeikiahialiʻi Naʻope Hula ‘Auana Perpetual Trophy 1st Place  Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala Leināʻala Pavao Jardin 2nd Place  Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua Keano Kaʻupu IV and Lono Padilla 3rd Place  Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi ʻIliahi and Haunani Paredes 4th Place  Hālau Hula ʻO Nāpunaheleonāpua Rich Pedrina 5th Place  Kawaiʻulaokalā Hālau Keliʻi Puchalski

KAIKAMĀHINE OVERALL WINNER Pat Namaka Bacon Overall Perpetual Trophy Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi Nā Kumu Hula ʻIliahi and Haunani Paredes

KEIKIKĀNE OVERALL WINNER Wendell Kalanikapuaenui Silva Overall Perpetual Trophy

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala Kumu Hula Leināʻala Pavao Jardin

WEWEHI AWARD Kumu Hula Leināʻala Pavao Jardin Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala

2024 QUEEN LILIʻUOKALANI KEIKI HULA COMPETITION

‘Ai Hula As hula feeds the soul, shared food nourishes hālau spirit. By Wanda A. Adams Photos By Romeo Collado FEATURED MOʻOLELO

ula is life. For kumu and their haumāna, hula feeds into every aspect of life: body, mind, heart, and soul. And what is more life-giving than food itself, or more likely to engage people young and old? When we asked Kumu Hula about the relationship between food and hula—seemingly an odd ques- tion on the face of it — they didn’t find it strange at all.

talked about the importance of nutrition in building bodies strong enough for the dance. They described food traditions observed by some hālau — refraining from certain foods in preparation for competition or eating certain foods as part of particular hula-related ceremonies. “Food is in everything,” said Kumu Hula Lilinoe Lindsey of Ka Pā Nani ‘O Lilinoe (Mānana, Pearl City). “We structure our lives around it.” Her classes always include a snack break, in which students “hui pū” (gather together). “We have everybody sit in a circle, nobody gets to sit out,” said Lindsey, sharing snacks as Kumu prompts them to talk about what’s happening in their

They talked about how preparing and sharing food builds cohesion within the hālau and without, among the students’ families and the hālau kōkua (volunteers). They talked about the central place of food in Hawaiian cosmology and the many mele that celebrate foods, farming, fishing, and feasting. They

49 YEARS OF CELEBRATING KEIKI AND THE ART OF HULA

lives. “Oh, Auntie, I got chosen May Day Queen at school,” one might say, and talk turns to May Days past and present. Sitting together over food, she said, “We become an ‘ohana, not just a class. We function like a family.” And she tells them, “This is not just for class. This is for your life. It is your kuleana to invite people to

Paredes recalled that, when he was a student of the late O’Brian Eselu and Thaddius Wilson of Nā Wai ʻEhā ʻO Puna, the haumāna observed more rigid pre-competition kapu: no slimy things, for example, like squid or octopus (“we don’t want the dance to slip away from us”). Sometimes food-related songs used in hula perfor- mances provide a teaching opportunity. The

join in, to give back what you have been given.” She recalls childhood days when anyone strolling by the house was invited in — “Even if it’s just Ha- waiian salt and a little poi, you give what you have. That is the Hawaiian tradition. ” Kumu Hula Sallie Lehua- makamae Yoza of Hālau ʻO Nāpualaʻikauikaʻiu (Hoʻaeʻae, Waipahu), too, turns shared food into shared tradition. Her hula classes often include lessons on various aspects of life represented in the songs and chants the students are learning. One Saturday earlier this summer, she gathered her girls to dis- cuss a portion of the epic creation story, the Kumulipo. It tells of the first human child born to the gods Papa and Wākea, Hāloa, a still-

week we sat down with Auntie Carolee Nishi, Kumu Hula with her daughter,

Robyn Kuraoka, of Hula Hui o Ka- punahala (Nuʻuanu), her students were planning to go fishing for halalū. These young akule (bigeye scad), are the subject of Frank K. Hewitt’s classic mele by the

same name, about catching fish with his beloved auntie, massaging them with salt and limu kohu until they “slide right down your throat.” Said Nishi: “When they do that hula, they’ll know what they’re dancing about, they know what it looks like, how it moves, and how ‘ono it is.” Perhaps the key role of food in operating a successful hālau is attracting the involvement

of students’ families, said Kumu Hula Darcey Moniz of Halau Hula ʻO Pukaʻikapuaokalani (Mililani and Kailua). She started in hula at a stricter and more secretive time when most parents just dropped their kids off at hula; Kumu (and often Kumu’s extended ‘ohana) did the rest. Today, however, “we couldn’t do it without the families.” Most Kumu Hula have other jobs — often demanding, full- time jobs (Moniz is a buyer, Paredes is a district attorney, Yoza is a preschool teacher). The cost of costumes and adornments has risen. Free flowers and homemade lei are largely a thing of the past. Many hands are needed. All the more reason to make hula time family time, Moniz said. She and other kumu encourage parents — and even older students who have “aged out” of keiki classes — to sit on the sidelines during class or rehearsals, making friends, helping with tasks from lei-making to tailoring costumes. “They get to know (the kumu) as a person, and they realize what the hula does for their child’s development; that it is important,” said Moniz. “They know it’s not just the kumu alone that makes it work.” Where hālau meet in parks or public activity centers, it’s not unusual for parents to show up with all the kids — not just the hula students — and dinner in a picnic basket. As with families of kids in sports leagues, she said, “It becomes a life- style, not just a drop-and-go. I love to see that.” And when there’s food, Nishi said, “Everybody has fun, everybody talks story, the ‘ukulele come out, nobody goes home.”

born infant who, in the traditional oli (chant), is buried in a field, watered by the tears of its mother, and becomes kalo (the taro plant), the central food of the Hawaiians. Gesturing to a taro plant watered by the morning’s light rain, Kumu Sallie invited the students to talk about how taro relates to hula. “How does it help you as a dancer?,” she asked. “Kalo leaves dance gracefully in the wind, and we dance gracefully, too,” said Bella Bratton.” “Kalo represents life,” said Kaylee Lapot—”we breathe life into the dance.” “Kalo is the soul of our ancestors, helping us to dance,” said Hana Baclaan. “Kalo is our first brother; we are like hula sis- ters to kalo,” said Maya Nakasone. “Yes!,” said their teacher. “Kalo nourishes the body, and hula nourishes the soul.” The group went on then, giggling and chattering, to learn a modern-day approach to the making of a beloved, ka- lo-based dish, laulau. “We’re always eating,” said ‘Iliahi Paredes, Kumu Hula, with his wife, Haunani, of Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi (Wailu- ku, Maui). Shared meals punctuate the competition season, starting with a potluck with families before “hula camp,” a re- treat during which students prepare for festival performanc- es, and ending with a post-performance feast in a fancier setting. Kapu during competition prep are candy, soda, and “drive-through” foods. “The parents love it,” Paredes said. “Everyone eats healthier, and they save money.”

2024 QUEEN LILIʻUOKALANI KEIKI HULA COMPETITION

2023

UEEN ILI‘UOKALANI Q L 2023 MISS MASTER Keiki Hula Winners &

1978

Zai Kauila Shimabukuro Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi

Kahena Nāaliipoe - poeokalani Lindsey Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala

Hāweo Keonaonahikiawakea Kaʻōnohiokalā Lopes Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai o Haʻehaʻe

2018

2017

2016

2019

Rachel Kimura Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela

Mae Ah Yo Hula Hālau ʻO Kamuela

Tyler Valencia Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina’ala

Justin Paredes Hālau Kekuaokala'au'ala'iliahi

Gabrielle Kalama Hālau Na Lei Kaumaka o Uka

Namakapolu Barnhill Hula Hālau ʻO Kamuela

Kaimana Joe Kaitoku Friez

Zyon Blaze ʻAuikekaiola Telles-Kuwahara

Hālau Hi‘iakaināmakalehua

2015

2014

2013

2012

MASTER

Inoalani Aloiau Faith Kealoha- pau‘ole Paredes

Keaolani Hōkūle‘o keaouli Hosino

Jelie Ann Pavao

Luke Hunadi

Kamaka Leao Kaleionapali Ho'opi'i

Lexi Mae Kamakanaokalani Pruse

Alema ‘Ulaleo Ebana

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leinaʻala

Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi

2011

2010

2009

2008

Luke Anthony Maghano Hālau Kekuaokalaʻauʻalaʻiliahi

Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavaoy Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina’ala

Breeze Ann Pavao Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leinaʻala

Leah Santiago Hālau Kekuaokala'auʻalaʻiliahi

Lyons Wong Hālau Kalaʻakeakauikawekiu

Keanu Cockett Hālau Kekuaokalaʻauʻalaʻiliahi

Shayla Angeline Kamalei Ballesteros Hālau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka Dance Studio

Rahstan Benavides Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi

2007

2006

2005

2004

Bradford Clark Hālau Hula Olana

Paoakalani Midro Hula Hālau ʻO Kamuela

Chasen Kanno Hālau Hula ʻO Hokulani

Diamond Colello Hula Hālau 'O Kamuela

Connor Meers Hālau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniakea

Tia Paoa Hālau Hula Olana

TJ Idemoto Hālau Hula O Keola-Aliʻiokeka

Marissa Medrano Hula Hālau ʻO Kamuela

2003

2002

2001

2000

Braden Clark Hālau Hula Olana

Mariah Limatoc Hālau Hula Olana

Kanoelehua Ahakuelo Kepa Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela

Alana Jade Yee Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela

Seth Cozo-Davis Hālau Hula Olana

Jasmine Dunlap Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela

Albert Padron Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela

Keali‘i Akiyama Hālau Hula Olana

49 YEARS OF CELEBRATING KEIKI AND THE ART OF HULA

1999

1998

1997

1996

Kupa‘a Knutson Keali‘ika‘apunihonua Ke‘ena A‘o Hula

Carrington Yap Kanani Numata Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio

Tara Peris Hālau Hula Olana

Valen Ahlo Kawaili‘ula

Sharde Mersberg Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela

Lacey Chong

Chaz Kamau‘u

Hālau Hula Olana

1995

1994

1993

1992

Jawna Lono Na Mamoali‘i ‘o Ka‘uiki

Kanoe Waiwaiole Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela

Dane Maxwell P ukalani Hula Hale

Michael Tamali‘i Hālau Hula Olana

Punihei Anthony- Kame‘elehiwa Kawaili‘ula

Kaikane Beam Pukalani Hula Hale

Star Kalilikane Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela

Thomas Ka‘apana Kawaili‘ula

1990

1991

1989

1988

MASTER

Keolalaulani Dalire Keolalaulani Hālau ‘Ōlapa O Laka

Bronson Somera Hālau Hula ‘O Hokulani

Pelehonuamea Suganuma Hula Hui O Kapunahala

Wyatt Kaahanui Hālau Hula O Keola Ali‘iokekai

Malia Ann Petersen Lehua Dance Co.

Kass Kekumu Hālau Hula Olana

Lyana Bednorz Na Mamoali‘i ‘o Ka’uiki

Rhett Ai Hālau Hula Olana

1987

1986

1985

1984

Laurie Fuller Hālau Hula Olana

Brandon Paredes Hālau Hula Olana

Lupe Funaki Napuananionapalionako‘olau

Paka Kekoa Hālau Hula Olana

Keolani Ka‘apuni Hālau Hula Olana

Kione Gonzales Kawaili‘ula

Allison Vaughan Kawaili‘ula

Tai Ai Hālau Hula Olana

1979

1983

1982

1980

1978

1981

Pua Fuller Hālau Hula Olana

Kau‘ionalani Kamana‘o

Betty Jean Souza Lehua Dance Co.

Kainoa Kukahiko Johnny Lum Ho’s Polynesian Dance Studio

Lissa Doi Johnny Lum Ho’s Polynesian Dance Studio

Geri Lu Waikiki Johnny Lum Ho’s Polynesian Dance Studio

Marjorie Yamamoto Kawaili‘ula

Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela

Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi 12

Johnny Lum Ho’s Polynesian Dance

Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina’ala

Kawaili‘ula

Hālau Hula Olana

Merrie Monarch Miss Aloha Hula

2024 QUEEN LILIʻUOKALANI KEIKI HULA COMPETITION

MĀNALEO A native speaker’s voice lives on Story By: Wanda A. Adams FEATURED MOʻOLELO

hat didn’t the late Mālia Craver do? The composer of this year’s competition kahiko chants humbly accepted dozens of unsought honors, capped in 2007, just two years before her death, by the Honpa Hongwanji Mission’s “Living Treasure” designation.

ni Children’s Trust for 20 years as a social work assis- tant and later cultural practitioner. Craver’s “Nou E Ka Lani” (“O Chiefess”)

and “Ka Lani Kapu” (“Sacred Chief”), the girls’ and boys’ competition ka- hiko chants, respectively, similarly honor Nā Aliʻi Nui. Scholar Mary Kawena Pukui honored Craver with the name Kawaihoʻouluohāʻao, a reference to waters

In a video for the Na Momi Ho’oheno oral history project (https://vimeo. com/31238796), she told how, in elementary school, she was chided by a teacher for speaking Hawaiian on the playground. “This is an English Standard School,” he said. “But this is Hawaiʻi, home of the Hawaiian,” she retorted. Later, she closed the subject: “I prayed to God. He told me not to listen to you.”

that “bring growth to the people.” The two devised a curriculum still in use today, blending Western therapeutic ideas with the Hawaiian peacemaking/ conflict resolution prac- tice of hoʻoponono (“to put right,” as Craver defined it).

So what didn’t Craver do before her death at age 82, on October 3, 2009? She didn’t hula, though she spoke wist- fully in her oral history video of having always wanted to do so. She did co-found one hula competition and have another named for her, and she frequently judged the language divisions of hula festivals. It is unclear why she did not take hula as a child. But, she said, that unfulfilled yearning was a factor in her lifelong commit- ment to “put the children first,” and her devotion to the Queen, who was, like her, a knowledge keeper, healer, and teacher.

Born in 1927 in Nānākuli Homestead, Aunty Mālia was raised as the hā nai child of her grandparents in remote Hoʻo-

kena, West Hawaiʻi. They lived with a foot in two different centuries, focusing on land and family, Akua and education. In 2009, she would be named a Distinc- tive Woman of Hawaiian History as a “primary source” of oral and written materials for students and teachers. She was a prolific poet, setting her words to mele (song) and ‘oli (chant). Her first poem, “Puʻuhonua Nani” (“Beautiful Refuge”), praised Hawaiʻi’s last reigning monarch, Liliʻuokalani, for leaving her wealth in trust for the care, education, and assistance of Hawaiian young people. Craver worked for the Queen Liliʻuokala-

49 YEARS OF CELEBRATING KEIKI AND THE ART OF HULA

Kaimakāhine Kahiko Chant NOU KA LANI Nou e ka lani, kahi oli nei, For you o Chiefess is this praise Hanohano mau, i nā maka e. Honored always by many people Kuʻu pua lei,eia wale au, Precious children, Here I am Kilakila e, o ka āina e. Noble one of the land. Noho nani ē, i ke ahe mau, Live beautifully in the gentle breeezes Ka ʻōlino hoʻi a mau loa e. The shining brillance for all times. ʻŌhu nōʻoe i nā kau a kau, Adorned are you in every season Kuʻu lani e, o Hawaiʻi nei. My Chiefess of Hawaiʻi. Haʻina ʻia mai anaka puana, Let this honor be heard Nou e ka lani, kahi oli nei. O Chiefess, praise unto you. Composed by Aunty Malia Craver November 22, 1997 Keikikāne Kahiko Chant KA LANI KAPU Una nani wale ka lani kapu, Indeed, beautiful are you, the Sacred Chief Noho ʻana i ka, noho kalaunu e. Residing with dignity upon thy throne. A he lani ʻoe i hea mai la, Yes, youʻre the Chief that called out Here is my gift to you in the highest Me ka haʻaheo puni nā moku e With great pride throughout these islands. Ala ka lani nui, i ka āina nei, There is our reat Chief of this land Me nā ʻōiwi la, nā pua hone e. With thy native voices so sweet, Haʻina ka puana i lohe mai ʻla Here is a refrain for all to hear Eō o Kalākaua, ka lani aloha e, Answer O Kalākaua, the beloved Chief Composed by Aunty Malia Craver March 25, 1998 Maʻō kēlā hale, ʻo ʻIolani e. From thu place called ʻIolani. Eia mau kuʻu lei, kau i ka ʻiu

The 2024 Queen Liliʻuokalani Souvenir Charm Design

Charms have been a thing with Kalihi-Pālama ever since the early 80’s. For our keiki hula dancers, seven charms on a bracelet are a sign of commitment worthy of a certain measure of pride: it means they danced in every keiki hula competition during their qualifying ages of 6 through 12.

Kumu Hula Leinani Lauaki and her bracelet holding over 20 years of charms

For some, like Kumu Hula Leinani Laua- ki, it represents their passage of time as keiki hula knowledge keepers. This year’s keiki hula charm was in- spired by Kalihi-Pālama’s partnership with the Hawaii State Archives and its intrepid leader, Dr. Adam Jansen. During the COVID years, our annu-

al competition was prohibited. Instead, Kalihi-Pāla- ma produced three films, including our 2020 Emmy

Award-winning film, in which Dr. Jansen revealed Queen Liliʻuokalani’s (then Princess) banner, which flew at King David Kalākaua’s 50th birth- day (November 16, 1886) celebration. We hope this will be a trea- sure to memorialize not only the experience of our keiki hula dancers but also the families and friends who at- tended to support them.

The 1886 banner that in- spired this year’s charma

2024 QUEEN LILIʻUOKALANI KEIKI HULA COMPETITION

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