Cynthia Cyrus, Volunteer, California

The 2018 PLHF was another success! It settled gracefully into its new venue and once again, for my 33rd year, I have witnessed the beauty and love and intensity of a cherished tradition. I was amazed at how just a few adjustments made the perfect setting this year in our new venue. Locating the stage with Iolani Palace in the background was brilliant. The stately edifice is a perfect tie-in to the journey of hula throughout Hawaii’s history. And staging the festival downtown among the historical setting lends well to drawing tourists as well as locals. It was obvious that our crowd was larger, especially on Sunday.

Just as last year, I was impressed with the recipients of awards. Interestingly for me there was a connection with one of last year’s hālau and the recipients of Saturday’s award which brought this full circle. Last year I saw Halau O Kekuhi, I believe for the first time, and an immense impression was left on me because of their level of expertise. Interestingly a few months later, I realized I would be seeing them again at a Southern California venue that I attend each year when they present their Hawaiian Series. I was bursting with pride and excitement when I informed my best friend who attends the series with me that we would be seeing the best ever hālau. Needless to say, she was impressed beyond expectation after the performance. Then for me to return to PLHF this year and witness the bestowing of the Malia Kau Award to Nalani Kanako’ole and Pualani Kanaka’ole Kanahele for their contributions to perpetuating hula traditions through their hālau was without a doubt a full circle experience.

This is a good example why I don’t intend to stop attending PLHF yearly. I so look forward every year to assisting with setup on the Friday and then enjoying the festival as a spectator. When I try to explain to friends or other attendees how much pride and happiness I experience each year, I have trouble holding back my emotions. Perhaps that comes with the aging process, but I truly feel that MGF and PLHF are my passion. My heart and soul are in this. By attending since 1986 and volunteering since 1993, I am giving back to MGF, PLHF, and the state of Hawaii for all the joy and opportunities I have encountered.

I am sure there are people who have dreamed about being able to become part of such a noble cause in a place they love which is not their actual home. I have been blessed with this opportunity and will continue being part of this until physically or mentally I can no longer travel or move. I pray that the good Lord will bless me with many more years of service.
With sincere aloha,
Cynthia Cyrus

Gwen Riggs, Honolulu, Hawaii
This is a simple mahalo for the glorious weekend of the Prince Lot Hula Festival XLI, Iolani Palace, Honolulu, Hawaii. As this is the 41st year I realized that I rather took this festival for granted. Every year as summer arrives I anticipate these two days in July. So as I sat on these historic grounds of Hawaii I felt such gratitude for the Moanalua Gardens Foundation, the presenters of this festival, Iolani Palace, and all who work year round to make it happen.

This is a mahalo for all the Hālau who were extraordinary this year in their performances. Their dedications to your theme, Ka Hanohano O Kamehameha, in the dance brought smiles and tears of joy. The dancing was inspirational in the strength and pure beauty of hula. I know we are the recipients of years and years of practice and study.

This a mahalo to all the cultural practitioners who displayed their work and shared their knowledge of the Hawaiian traditions with us. What fun for us to eat delicious food and shop in the arts and crafts booths.

Sitting under the shade trees watching the dancers against the backdrop of Iolani Palace seemed a honor from our present day Hawaii to the people of Hawaii past, to the ancient leaders and chiefs, to the Hawaiian Monarchy. I saw the families with keiki and kūpuna together. There was so much happiness, laughter and unity during the entire weekend. This celebration of the Prince Lot Hula Festival is a treasure for the people of Hawaii and visitors alike, representing the heritage of the very core of the Hawaiian Islands.

Mahalo again for your dedication, work and the work of Moanalua Gardens Foundation’s Board of Directors, who continue to bring this venue to our community and to the visitors of our islands.

Aloha Pumehana.

Keith Maile, Cultural Practitioner, Maunalani Design Group,

Moanalua Gardens Foundation always treats us like Royalty. Couldn’t be any better treated by all support staff and services. Excellent. I liked that Iolani Palace is so Historical… people get the cultural connection of what we demonstrate and share. Excellent location.

Many thanks MGF for always putting on a “First Class Event” consistently every year. Also kudos to your wonder Staff and team.

Mahalo.

Caroline Affonso, Lauhala Weaver, Ulana Me Ka Lokomaika’i

Mahalo for all your hard work in the coordination of this annual event. We appreciate all that you do to make this event a success.

Mahalo.

Dexter Soares, Ipu Maker, Ipu by Keala

Mahalo a nui loa for your continued good works with and Annual Prince Lot Hula Fesival.  As always, I really enjoy this event, including the many hālau participating in Hula Kahiko and Hula `Auana in a beautiful non-competitive setting.  The dances were beautiful, likewise the musicians were excellent, with Kimo Kahoano doing an excellent job as MC.  I enjoyed his narration and nahenahe style as MC.  FANTASTIC.  In addition, I always enjoy meeting with other vendors.  To me, it is like an annual reunion with the regular and new vendor participants.

‘O wau no.

Charlita Mahoe, Food Vendor, Mahoe’s Hawaiian Delights

Aloha ALL of Moanalua Gardens Foundation…..Mahalo Nui for an awesome event! It is a privilege to be able to participate at an event on the grounds of Iolani Palace and you’ve made it a SUCCESSFUL one at that!

Hats off to your staff and crew, along with the Friends of Iolani Palace. The process has improved tremendously and it all begins with open communication which you (MGF) has initiated on behalf of the Vendors.

Mahalo hou!

Kumu Hula Leimomi Maldonado, Ka Hale I o Kāhala Hālau Hula
Congratulations on a very successful Prince Lot Festival. I felt like we were back at Moanalua because of the trees. If I can kōkua, please let me know.
On behalf of Brother Milton and Myself,

Much Love & Aloha

Kumu Hula Kamana`o Man`oi-Hyde, Hālau Māpuna Leo

Your staff is exceptional!!!  Mahalo for the hospitality.

There is nothing to not like about the grounds of our hale ali`i.  The comfort of the malu and the audience made the venue so much better.

All in all it was a wonderful day of hula.  We are so humbled by the experience and the opportunity.  Mahalo to you and your staff.

Me ka ha`aha`a

Kumu Hula Lilinoe Lindsey, Ka Pā Nani `O Lilinoe

Mahalo nui for the opportunity to share our hula legacy at Moanalua Gardens Foundation’s Prince Lot Hula Festival at ‘Iolani Palace.  

We enjoy being on the grounds of the home of our ali’i.  It feels like being at our own home and not just as a guest at someone else’s home. 

Also, we enjoy participating in the Prince Lot Hula Festival each year as well as promoting the event through T.V. spots.  Please call on us at any time if we can be of help in any way.

Mahalo nui loa for all that you do for the preservation of hula.

Ke aloha no.