Keauhou Beach Resort in Hawaii pays tribute to King David Kalakaua with the 3rd Annual E Mau Ana Ka Hula on November 21, 2009
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – The legacy of David La`amea Kalakaua, the last king of the Hawaiian islands, will be celebrated at the Keauhou Beach Resort this November when more than a dozen hula halau come together as part of the 3rd annual E Mau Ana Ka Hula.
Photo by Craig Elovitch
On Saturday, November 21, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, halau from Hawaii Island and Oahu will perform at the Keauhou Beach Resort, where a replica of King Kalakaua’s summer cottage still stands. Presentation of ho`okupu (gifts) to Laka, Goddess of Hula, will begin the day-long festivities in the resort’s Royal Luau Grounds, followed by halau performances led by Kumu Keala Ching, Bulla Kailiwai, Aloha Victor, Nani Lim, Leialoha Lim-Amina and others. Refreshments, Hawaiian lauhala, pahu (drum), shell, feather lei and other arts and crafts will be available for purchase.
The celebration of hula will actually begin on Friday, November 20, with a day of learning. For just $30 per person, students will learn from three of the festival’s kumu hula. From 1:00 to 3:00 pm, Kumu Aloha Victor will present a hands-on program of Hula Kahiko. Next, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm Kumu Keala Ching will explain the special “Ceremony to Altar” that honors Laka, Goddess of Hula, which will be performed the following day as part of E Mau Ana Ka Hula. Students will next have the opportunity to train with Kumu Kawaikapuokalani Hewett in a two-hour class from 6:30-8:30 pm.
Registration and payment of the $30 workshop fee will begin at 12:30 pm on November 20, just prior to the start of the day’s program. Space is limited and registration will be taken on a first come first served basis. For further information on E Mau Ana Ka Hula and the preceding day’s workshop, log on at http://cenpac.com/keauhou.htm or contact Kumu Keala Ching by phone at (808) 355-8889 or email mkeala@gmail.com.
According to general manager Paul Horner, the Keauhou Beach Resort’s hosting of E Mau Ana Ka Kula is another example of the resort’s continuing commitment to the perpetuation and sharing of Hawaii’s host culture. “It is important that we provide opportunities for people to come together in celebration of the traditions of Hawaii,” Horner said. “E Mau Ana Ka Hula does just that, and we are delighted to join with some of the islands most respected kumu hula and practitioners of this beautiful art to not only bring the history of our islands to life, but to also honor the memory of King David Kalakaua.”
The Keauhou Beach Resort sits along the Kona Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island and enjoys a prime oceanfront setting with tide pools sheltering sea turtles and reef fish out front and Kahaluu Bay Beach Park, one of the best snorkeling beaches on the island, right next door. The hotel offers 310 refreshed guest rooms and suites, meeting facilities, restaurants, salon and spa services, tennis courts, pool, shopping, ancient historical sites and Hawaiian cultural programs for adults and children.
Kamaaina rates start at $109 per night and include a self serve breakfast each morning. For hotel reservations or information, call toll free 1-866-326-6803 or the hotel direct at 1-808-324-2515, or visit www.keauhoubeachresort-hawaii.com
October 21, 2009
Posted in: Hawaii