May 31, 2018

UPDATE ON KA ʻAHA HULA ʻO HĀLAUAOLA

Aloha Kākou,

The ʻAha Hula is still happening!

In two weeks, we will begin welcoming you to Hawaiʻi Island, Hilo and the 5th and last Ka ʻAha Hula ʻO Hālauaola World Conference. Our Kumu Hula, staff and volunteer crew are looking forward to hosting this historic event and we have a great lineup of workshops, presentations, huakaʻi and evening hula and chant concerts for you to enjoy and expand your foundation of hula.

Watch for updates and download the WHOVA (hoo-va) App on your smart phone

In the next few days you will receive announcements regarding the schedule of presentations and more details about the ʻAha Hula. Please be patient as we get the information loaded onto the website and onto the smart phone app – WHOVA – which will give you up-to-date information on the ʻAha activities. Please download the free WHOVA app from your device’s app store. You will be able to search for Ka ʻAha Hula ʻO Hālauaola and find our daily conference information.

News about the lava activity – no threat to Hilo

Iʻm sure you are keeping up with the daily reports on the lava flow activity in Lower Puna. The various flows are actively moving downslope toward the ocean in its journey to create new land on a path which takes them even further away from us. Here in Hilo, we have experienced minimal effects from the volcanic action. The prevailing tradewinds keep the vog away from Hilo Town. The lava flows in Lower Puna are more than 20 miles from Hilo, and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is approximately 30 miles distance. The plans for the ʻAha Hula are moving ahead with just a few adjustments to our program.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park remains closed so we are going shopping

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park remains closed indefinitely due to the ashfall activity from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. The Thursday, June 21st, the huakaʻi which were planned to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has, therefore, been cancelled. Instead, we will enjoy a special panel presentation by Kumu Hula in the morning at Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium followed by a free day in Hilo. Shuttle buses will be available to transport you to Downtown Hilo where there are famous shops like Sig Zaneʻs, Hawaiian Force and Hana Hou and to the Prince Kuhio Shopping Mall and Waiakea Shopping Center, home of Walmart, Ross, Target and Safeway. The shopping shuttle buses will run from 10:00am until 5:00pm on Thursday, June 21.

The Hale ʻAina Food Court and Hiloʻs Finest Food Trucks, Craft Fair & UHH Lunches

The Hale ʻAina Food Court and Hilo’s Finest Food Trucks will be open for your dining enjoyment for lunch and in the evenings, beginning on June 18, Monday to June 22, Friday at 5:00pm – 8:00pm in front of the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium. We will also feature Hawaiian craft artisans in the lobby of Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium during the evening performances from Monday through Friday. Lunch will also be sold at University of Hawaiʻiʻs Dining Room on the days when Presentations are scheduled.

Huakaʻi Fun to Puna and Kaʻū

There are two huakaʻi on Tuesday, June 19th which are intended for the Puna and Kaʻū district. The route will be changed from its original destination since those areas may not be accessible at that time, however, it is intended that you will spend the day with families from the Puna and Kaʻū areas and learn much from their knowledge and experience of their land.

How can we help the Puna families?

We have received many inquiries about how you can help the families from Puna that are affected by the volcanic activity. Friday evening, June 22, there will be a fundraiser and auction at the Kanikapila Celebration to raise funds for the families who are in need. Please be sure to attend this final night concert at Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium, from 5:00pm – 8:30pm.

When can I register?

Registration for Nā Ponohula and for the ʻAha Hula will begin on:

Wednesday, June 13, 9:00am – 5:00pm at Hawaiʻi Community College, 1175 Manono Street, Bldg 381, Room 17, Hilo, Hawaiʻi.

Thursday, June 14th through Monday, June 18th, 7:00am – 5:00pm at Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium, Kalanikoa Street, Hilo, Hawaiʻi.

Practice and rehearsal for the ʻAha Wehena

Finally, a reminder for those of you planning on participating in the ʻAha Wehena Hula Conference, there are practices on June 14 and 15 beginning at 10:00am at Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium. Please attend the Mass Rehearsal on Saturday, June 16, 1:00pm at Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium. There will be greenery available for those who need to make lei and kūpeʻe. The ʻAha Wehena begins at Noon on Sunday, June 17.

Hawaiʻi and Hilo is open for business and we look forward to your presence and good energy here at Ka ʻAha Hula ʻO Hālauaola.

Mahalo nui loa,

Noe Noe Wong-Wilson, PhD.

ʻAha Director