Hula O Nā Keiki, a children’s solo hula competition, is held right here on the grounds of Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel. Though the event has grown over the years, from a single day affair to an entire weekend of Hawaiian arts and music, the objective has remained the same – to educate our children in the ways of old so that the culture can be carried forward.

Children from ages 5 years old to 17 years old will steal your heart and shutter your camera as you watch them compete in their categories for the coveted awards and titles. Each contestant must go through a somewhat nerve-wracking interview in front of a panel of judges before the competition. They are also required to memorize a chant in the Hawaiian language. Later that evening they will perform a hula kahiko (traditional).

The next night is reserved for the hula ‘auana (modern) performances and is the haumānaʻs last chance to prove to themselves, their hālau (hula school) and especially their kumu (teacher) that they have mastered the hula. Unless of course, they are also entered in the Pālua (couple) Division when we get see them dance one more time in tandem! It's a weekend of "oohs" and "ahs" of colorful costumes, sassy attitudes, and of course, expertise of hula!

The 28th Celebration of Hula O Nā Keiki will be held November 9-10, 2018 at Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel. Hula students from Hawaiʻi and around the world are invited to compete through interview, dance, chant, and costume categories.

This past June, the sister tournament of Hula O Nā Keiki the 1st annual Hula O Nā Keiki Japan was held in Tokyo, Japan. Japanese hālau are only eligible to register and compete in Hula O Nā Keiki Japan. These overall winners (Kahiko & ʻAuana division contestant) were given the chance to participate in the 28th Hula O Nā Keiki Maui tournament in November.