Part of an established `ohana in the ahupua`a of Moanalua, Nalani was well versed in regional history. Prince Lot Kapuā`iwa, who reigned as King Kamehameha V, had a summer home in the area. where he entertained guests at dinner parties with the tradition of hula. To honor his legacy of reviving the hula at a time when it was forbidden, Nalani named the festival in Prince Lot’s honor.

Nalani’s Moanalua upbringing also gave her the inspiration for creating a pā hula (hula mound) for the festival. In ancient times, hula mounds were prevalent in the area. And so, the Prince Lot Hula mound, Kama`ipu`upa`a was born. Its dedication in the Spring of 1980 was a true community effort involving all of Hawai`i nei, as Kaha`i Topolinski and his hālau honored us with their artistic expressions of oli (chant) and kahiko (ancient) hula. Ferns for the enormous lei of palapalai that ringed the mound came from the original pu`u pa`a at Volcano on Hawai`i Island.

Over the years, the Prince Lot Hula Festival has developed into a powerful Hawaiian statement, defining our traditions, culture and language, and providing opportunities for new and experienced hālau to share their style of hula with the community. MGF is committed to ensuring the integrity of the Festival as it was conceived by its founders, Nalani Olds and Wendell Silva. We share this gift of the hula with you.