This Sunday we enjoyed a performance by Halau 'O Na Pua Kukui at the
Hula Ho`olauna Aloha festival. This is the halau that Lisa my wife
belongs too. Her Kumu is "Uncle Ed" Collier. This was exhibition for the Halau.
Japan and Hawaii come together in celebration of hula for the 8th
Annual Hula Ho`olauna Aloha. Hula Ho`olauna Aloha festivals
commemorating hulas rich culture and vibrant customs features a dance
exhibition by Japanese and local halau as well as a dance competition
among the many visiting Japanese halau at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel,
Coconut Grove.
The men start with a chant and then the women join in with Ho`opuka E
Ka La (Rise, O Sun) - Hula Ka`i (entrance)
Ho`opuka e ka la ma ka hikina
Me ka huaka`i hele no Kumukahi
Ha`a mai na `iwa me Hi`iaka
Me Kapo-Laka i ka uluwehiwehi
Ne`e mai na `iwa ma ku`u alo
Me ke alo kapu o ka aiwaiwa
Ea la, ea la, ea la, ea
He inoa no Hi`iaka I Ka Poli `O Pele
Rise, O sun in the east
With a procession going to Kumukahi
Dancing are the beautiful ones with Hi`iaka
And Kapo-Laka in the verdant grove
Moving ahead are the dancers toward me
And to the sacred presence of the divine
Tra-la-la-la
In the name of Hi`iaka-in-the-bosom-of Pele
Source: This is a formal entrance/exit dance used for kahiko. It
honors Hi`iaka the youngest and favorite sister of Pele, and the major
patron of hula. Hi`iaka learned the hula from her friend Hopoe on the
big island of Hawai`i. Kapo-Laka are the god/goddess of hula. Kumukahi
(first beginning) is the easternmost cape in Hawai'i. The `iwa bird
(frigate bird) is symbolic of a lover, dancer or handsome person.
(Source: http://www.huapala.org/Chants/Hoopuka_E_Ka_La.html)
Hula Ho`olauna Aloha festivals commemorating hulas rich culture and
vibrant customs features a dance exhibition by Japanese and local
halau as well as a dance competition among the many visiting Japanese
halau at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Coconut Grove.
For more information visit www.hoolauna.com (in Japanese only)