Hundreds of young dancers prepare to take the stage for annual keiki hula competition

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The stage at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center is set for the 2024 Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula Competition and Festival running this Thursday through Saturday.

More than 500 of the state’s most talented hula dancers, ranging from ages 6 to 12, are on Oahu to showcase their skills and celebrate culture.

”Individual hula dancers compete for the titles of Miss Keiki Hula and Master Keiki Hula on the first night of the competition. The kahiko (traditional) group competition will take place on the second night, followed by the ʻauana (contemporary) group competition on the third day,” said Executive Director Guy Murashige Sibilla.

Here’s a breakdown of the events:

• Miss & Master Solo Hula Competition: Thursday, July 25 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Hula Kahiko (Traditional Hula): Friday, July 26 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Hula Auana (Contemporary Hula): Saturday, July 27 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Beyond the world class hula, the festival offers other important opportunities for families to soak in the magic of the event and support local artists and other small businesses.

If you attend the competition, be sure to visit the Exhibition Hall which is home to the Keiki Hula Festival.

Pop-Up Makeke will showcase local artisans and crafts. Another special treat for festival goers is the chance to see some very special Hawaiian artifacts.

The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement recently teamed up with the Hawaii State Archives to restore and preserve two banners that were marched in King Kalakaua’s 50th Birthday Jubilee in 1886. Those will be on display throughout the entire event.

There will also be a ho’ike stage for hula and Hawaiian music, as well as a Paikini Plaza featuring many of Hawaii’s well-known clothing designers.

For more information about the Keiki Hula Competition and Festival, click here.

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