Multiple articles from Maui Nō Ka ʻOi cover the 34th annual Hula O Nā Keiki competition, a long-running cultural event for young hula practitioners returning to Maui this October. The two-day event, presented by OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort, brings together dancers from across the Hawaiian Islands for both performance and cultural examination.
- Eleven haumāna (students) from nine hālau will compete Oct. 9–10, 2026, at Keōpūolani Hale, Kamehameha Schools Maui in Pukalani
- Dancers ages 6–17 represent Maui, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi Island; all 2026 participants will perform mele (songs/chants) of Maui
- Friday features hula kahiko (traditional hula); Saturday features hula ʻauana (modern hula) and the awards ceremony
- Competitors also meet privately with judges to discuss the meaning and language of their mele and hula — a hallmark of the competition since its founding
- The event moves this year from OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort to Keōpūolani Hale at Kamehameha Schools Maui
- Tickets include general admission and a $60 VIP option, available through FareHarbor; a livestream is planned via MELE.com
- Hula O Nā Keiki originated in 1990 at Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel, growing out of the hotel’s Poʻokela cultural program founded in 1986
Sources
- Mauimagazine: Hula O Nā Keiki 2026 Event Guide + Tickets
- Mauimagazine: Hula O Nā Keiki | Young Hula Competition on Maui
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