Holunape; photo courtesy of Holunape.
By Staff Reports
(Kailua)– It’s summertime and the living is easy if you love hula and authentic Hawaiian music by award-winning musicians. As part of its free monthly Hawaiian entertainment series, the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation presents one of the Windward side’s best loved hula halau — Puka‘ikapuaokalani Hula Studio — at the “I Love Hula” performance today, June 9, and the celebrated trio Holunape at “Kanikapila in Kailua” on June 22 in Kailua Town Center.
The “I Love Hula” event from 3 to 4 p.m. today, June 9 is sure to draw tears of joy and remembrance as kumu hula Darcey Moniz presents the current group of ladies comprising Puka‘ikapuaokalani Hula Studio, which was founded 50 years ago by Moniz’s auntie, the beloved Ellen Castillo. Castillo began teaching hula in her Waimanalo garage and as more students joined, she established the Puka‘ikapuaokalani Hula Studio in Kailua. Moniz was asked to take the helm of the halau after Castillo passed away last year at the age of 74. Moniz remains true to the rich tradition of Puka‘ikapuaokalani Hula Studio in honor of her auntie, who was one of the most respected kumu hula in the Islands. Puka‘ikapuaokalani Hula Studio has competed for many years in the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival on the Big Island, the Miss Aloha Hula Contest in Hilo and the Queen Lili‘uokalani Keiki Hula Competition on Oahu.
On June 22 from 4 to 5:30 p.m., don’t miss the Hawaiian musical trio Holunape, comprising Kama Hopkins, Kekoa Kaluhiwa and Kanai‘a Nakamura. Their debut album “He ‘Olu” won “Best Traditional Album” at the 2006 Hawaii Music Awards and “Group of the Year” and “Best Use of the Hawaiian Language” at the 2006 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. The Hawaiian word “holunape” refers to gentle swaying motion, like a coconut frond in a light, tropical breeze. Hopkins, Kaluhiwa and Nakamura think that’s a great description of the “nahenahe” (soothing) music they perform.
Puka‘ikapuaokalani Hula Studio; photo courtesy of Darcey Moniz.
“We are so glad that Darcey Moniz is continuing a great family tradition as kumu hula to Puka‘ikapuaokalani Hula Studio, a Kailua ‘ohana that has taught literally generations of young ladies the beauty of Hawaiian, Tahitian and Polynesian dance,” said Terry George, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation. “We are sure Auntie Ellen will be at this special ‘I Love Hula’ performance in spirit, watching over her niece, Darcey, and the halau as they honor her memory with hula.”
George said having Holunape perform at “Kanikapila in Kailua” continues to elevate that concert series as one of the best in Hawaii.
“Kama, Kekoa and Kanai‘a have a deep love and respect for both traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music that is evident in their performances,” George said. “We invite our friends and neighbors from the Windward side and across the island to kick off summer in Kailua at both of these performances – ‘I Love Hula’ on June 9 and ‘Kanikapila in Kailua’ on June 22.”
“Kanikapila in Kailua” — founded in partnership with noted Hawaiian composer, producer and slack key artist Kawika Kahiapo — and the “I Love Hula” series are a continuing effort by the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation to present the best of Hawaiian song and dance on the Windward side. “Kanikapila in Kailua” takes place most third Saturdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the parking garage behind Longs Drugs. “I Love Hula” runs most second Sundays from 3 to 4 p.m. at the stage area between Pier 1 and Macy’s. Attendees are encouraged to grab a plate lunch from one of their favorite Kailua eateries and bring a beach chair to enjoy these free programs.
For more information about the shows, call the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation at 263-7073 or check for updates to the 2013 performance schedule at www.castlefoundation.org.
The Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, the largest private foundation headquartered in Hawaii, is committed to closing the achievement and preparation gaps in public education so that all Hawaii’s children have access to high-quality pre-K-12 education that prepares them for success in college, career and citizenship. Its grants also focus on restoring nearshore marine ecosystems and strengthening Windward Oahu communities.