A group of hula dancers from Kauai, led by Kumu Hula Leinaala Pavao Jardin, departed for Oahu on Wednesday to participate in the Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula Competition. This prestigious event is notable for featuring hula halau from across the Hawaiian Islands and Japan, and Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leinaala is the sole representative from Kauai.
The dancers, accompanied by chaperones and parents, gathered for a ceremonial oli, likening their journey to that of warriors heading into battle. As the group prepared to board their flight, Cheryl Shintani, a board member of Koloa Plantation Days, noted that the halau would miss performing at the local celebration due to their commitment to the competition.
The scheduling change for the Keiki Hula Competition, now set for the last week of July, meant that Kumu Hula Leinaala and her dancers would be on Oahu instead of participating in local festivities. This year, the competition runs from July 27 to July 29, 2023, at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu.
Kumu Hula Leinaala Jardin has a deep-rooted connection to Kauai. She began her hula journey under the guidance of Aunty Lovey Apana and studied with master Kumu Hula Rae Fonseca in Hilo, who encouraged her to establish her own halau. Starting with teaching kupuna at the Kauai Senior Center, she has since expanded Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leinaala to over 200 participants, making it a vibrant part of the local hula scene.
The Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula Competition is designed for children aged 6 to 12 and includes various categories, such as solo performances for Miss and Master Keiki Hula and group competitions in kahiko (traditional) and auana (contemporary) styles. Awards are given for top performers, including distinctions for the best keikikane (boys) and kaimakahine (girls), and special recognition for excellence in Hawaiian language and overall performance.
Now in its 45th year, this competition has grown into a world-class event, celebrating Hawaiian culture through hula, music, and fashion. It is supported by numerous organizations, including the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Kamehameha Schools.
The event lacks live television coverage, unlike the renowned Merrie Monarch Festival, but the excitement remains palpable among participants and supporters. The competition’s schedule includes the Miss and Master Keiki Hula contests on Thursday, followed by the traditional hahiko performances, culminating in the auana hula on Saturday.
As Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leinaala embarks on this journey, their participation represents both a personal milestone for the dancers and a proud moment for Kauai’s hula community. For more information about the festival, visit www.keikihula.org.
