26th Moanikeala Hula Festival Honors PCC

Lä‘ie, Hawai‘i – On January 16, 2016, in the Hawaiian Village at the Polynesian Cultural Center, performers of all ages, ranging from keiki (kids) as young as two years old to kūpuna (elders) will showcase the grace and beauty of the art of hula.
Named in honor of the PCC’s first kumu hula (hula teacher), Aunty Sally Moanikeala Wood Naluai, the 26th annual Moanikeala Hula Festival celebrates Hawaiian culture and tradition.

Aunty Sally served as the kumu hula from its opening in October 1963 until she retired in 1980. During her career, Aunty Sally taught several generations of young Polynesians both the kahiko (ancient) and ‘auana (modern) styles of hula.
The annual höike (exhibition) will feature hula hälau (hula schools) from across the islands as well as around the world. Each hälau will receive a 20-minute time slot, which is inclusive of any oli (chant) performed and a 10-minute transition period. Performances will be every half-hour from 12:00 – 4:30 p.m. There will be no performances scheduled from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. during the PCC’s Canoe Pageant.

The Moanikeala Hula Festival is one of two cultural events presented annually by the PCC. The We Are Samoa Festival featuring the World Fireknife Championship and the High School Samoan Cultural Arts Festival will be held from May 14-16, 2016.
For more information or to make reservations, visit www.Polynesia.com or call the Polynesian Cultural Center ticket office at (800) 367-7060. On O‘ahu, call (808) 293-3333.