“Huaka`i o Kamananui”
The 36th Annual Prince Lot Hula Festival
Saturday, July 20, 2013

An historic and cultural treasure, Moanalua Gardens is one of the most beautiful places in Honolulu on the island of O`ahu.  Once a botanical garden, it is home to famous structures and rare trees, including the famous “Hitachi” tree.

“Our theme reflects MGF’s journey through the years to perpetuate the oli (chants) of Kamananui (Moanalua) through performance at the festival,” said Alika Jamile, MGF Executive Director and President.  “It also represents the journey each hālau hula (hula school) takes to travel to the festival and perform these ancient oli for the public,” Jamile stated.

The exhibition will feature both hula kāhiko (ancient) hula and chant, and ‘auana (modern) hula.  Dancers will perform on an authentic pā hula (hula mound).   A special opening ceremony will showcase some of Hawai‘i’s top hālau hula who will present a ho‘ike (show) that will be performed for the first time ever at the festival.

Local food and refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the day.  Limited edition tee shirts and a souvenir button will be on sale.  Proceeds from these merchandise sales will help cover the costs of the festival.

There is no charge to attend the festival, however, a $5 button donation to MGF is requested to raise funds to support the event.

The public, and visitors, are welcome and encouraged to bring their beach chairs and mats and enjoy the fun, food and festivities under the shady monkeypod trees of Moanalua Gardens.  No commercial photography is allowed.

Festival sponsors and supporters include the Hawaii Tourism Authority, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the City and County of Honolulu, the National Endowment for the Arts, The Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts, Aloha Pacific Credit Union, Hawaiian Airlines, Kamehameha Schools, Servco Foundation, the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau, the O‘ahu Visitors Bureau, the Honolulu Star Advertiser, MidWeek, and other businesses.

Named in memory of King Kamehameha V, Prince Lot, the festival was founded in 1978 by MGF and now attracts up to 10,000 residents and visitors each year.  Moanalua was a favorite recreation spot for Prince Lot, who is credited with reviving the hula in the district of Moanalua.  His summer cottage can be found on the gardens’ grounds.

Participating hālau and a festival performance schedule will be announced at a later date.  For more information about MGF, please visit MGF’s website at www.moanaluagardensfoundation.org  or call 808.839.5334.

A non-profit organization founded in 1970, Moanalua Gardens Foundation (MGF) is committed to preserving and perpetuating the native culture, environment, and people of Hawai’i through education, celebration and stewardship of Kamananui Valley and Moanalua Gardens.  MGF depends upon grants and donations to cover festival costs.  To make a donation or become a member please visit www.moanaluagardensfoundation.org .