3-day conference will celebrate hula
The nonprofit Hula Preservation Society will present its second annual Cultural Series from Friday to Sunday at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
The series, embedded in the Waikiki Hula Conference, provides an opportunity to hear from experts from four islands on hula, music and education.
On Friday, the society will show recently digitized footage of leading artists in hula and music from the 20th century. Kumu hula Beverly Apana Muraoka, named a Kauai Living Treasure, will share her insights and stories.
The focus on Saturday will be on hula ki‘i, a rare form of ancient hula sometimes referred to as Hawaiian puppetry. Speakers include kumu Kapono‘ai Molitau of Maui, master craftsman Calvin Hoe of Oahu, and Aunty Mauliola Cook of Kauai.
Sunday’s program will be a tribute to the late kumu hula ‘Iolani Luahine, whom the Hula Preservation Society calls "the foremost exponent of hula in the 20th century." Luahine’s oldest and youngest living students — Aunty Queenie Ventura Dowsett and kumu Pua Case of Waimea, Hawaii island — will reminisce about training with her.
The public may attend the Cultural Series separate from the larger conference. Cost is $75 for all three days ($30 for kamaaina, $15 for kupuna ages 70 and older and students). The one-day fee is $30 ($15 for kamaaina, $10 for kupuna and students).
The programs run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration at the door starts at 9:30 a.m. each day.
Craft holiday cards with carved blocks
CHAI Studio will host two Sunday workshops demonstrating how to make personalized holiday cards with hand-carved wooden blocks. Just dip the blocks in ink and use your creativity to decorate the cards and envelopes. The sessions will take place at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 2:30 p.m.
The cost of the workshop is $25 and all materials will be provided: a hand-carved block with matching pouch, four envelopes, four cards, ink and embellishments.
CHAI Studio is at the Diamond Head end of Ward Warehouse, 1050 Ala Moana Blvd. Call for reservations, at 536-4543.
The boutique will be accepting canned goods for donation to Hawaii Foodbank.
