Hula is the language of the heart and
the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people
he festival honors the legacy of renowned Kumu Hula Emma Farden Sharpe, who made it her mission to preserve and perpetuate hula and Hawaiian culture. The festival began as an extension of Nā Mele O Maui, a choral competition for Maui County school students, and evolved into a celebration of both kahiko (ancient) and ‘auana (modern) hula. Although the festival phased out in the early 1990s, today we continue to honor Aunty Emma’s vision and commitment through this revitalized celebration.
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Schedule of Events
Friday, August 21, 2026
- 5:30pm - Opening
- 7:00pm - Ho‘okena - Celebrating 40 years of Mele Hawai‘i
- 10:00am - Nā Pua O Kapi‘olani Hula Studio, Kumu Hula Holo‘aumoku Ralar
- 10:30am - Place names of Maui Komohana: A presentation by author Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata on writing ‘ʻOhuʻohu nā Mauna o ʻEʻeka: Place Names of Maui Komohana’
- 11:30am - Napili Kai Foundation, Kumu Hula Holo‘aumoku Ralar
- 12:30pm - Emma Farden Sharpe Hula Award
- 12:30pm - ʻUkulele Workshop with Jason Jerome of Lahaina Music
- 12:45pm - Hālau Kekuaokala‘au‘ala‘iliahi, Nā Kumu Haunani & Iliahi Parades
- 2:00pm - Hālau Ka‘uluokala, Kumu Uluwehi Guerrero
- 2:00pm - Hula Workshop with Kumu Hula Kamaka Kukona, teaching the classic mele off his album Kahekeonāpua - “Lahainaluna”
- 3:15pm - Hālau Ke‘ala Kahinano O Puna, Kumu Joy Salvador
- 4:30pm - Hālau o ka Hanu Lehua, Kumu Hula Kamaka Kukona
