“Mama … My Mama I Love You” Celebrates Mothers with Hula and Music

The talents of Halau Kala‘akeakauikawekiu (of Kona), Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa’s adopted halau (hula group), will be showcased on Saturday, May 8 at 5:00 p.m. when the oceanfront resort hosts the halau’s “Mama … my Mama, I Love You” Mother’s day celebration.

The 5^th annual event takes place in the Keauhou Convention Center Ballroom. Mistresses of ceremonies will be long-time radio personality and co-founder of the Na Hoku Hanahano awards, Skylark Rossetti, and Waimea’s own Penny Keli‘i Vredenburg.  Entertainment will feature the award-winning Halau Kala‘akeakauikawekiu led by Kumu Hula Kenneth “Aloha” Victor along with Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning performer Weldon Kekauoha, Lorna Lim, Napua Greig, Natalie Ai Kamauu and special surprise guests.

Kumu Hula and halau founder Victor feels privileged and blessed to be able to honor mothers in true Hawaii tradition.  He said, “This year perhaps more than ever, we believe it is important to gather and celebrate all the women who are so important in our lives. Through Hawaiian chant, dance, and music, we present a wonderful way to enjoy a special evening with friends, family, and most especially, with mom.”

Tickets are $40 per person and include live entertainment and a silent auction with opportunities to bid on fine Hawaiian art, crafts and island adventures. Hawaiian food plates and beverages will also be available for sale throughout the evening. 

For reservations and information or to donate to the silent auction, call (808) 322-6141 or (808) 989-4616.  Funds raised will help underwrite expenses for the keiki of Halau Kala‘akeakauikawekiu to participate in the Queen Lili‘uokalani Keiki Hula Competition on O‘ahu, deemed the “Junior Olympics of Hula.” 

Keiki Wahine image provided by Current Events

12th Annual E Pili Kākou takes place this weekend on Kauai

The dates for the 2010 E Pili Kākou are February 26, 27 and 28 at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort.

E Pili Kākou brings together some of Hawai‘i’s most accomplished Kumu Hula and cultural specialists to teach workshops in all styles of hula and chanting in a non-competitive environment. The event also showcases arts and crafts, food, music and entertainment unique to Hawai‘i.

Founded by Kumu Hula Blaine Kia and hosted by Ka Laua‘e Foundation, E Pili Kākou includes presentations by Ed Collier, Charles Kaupu, Leialoha Amina, Keola Ching, Keali‘i Ceballos, Auntie Ku‘ulei Punua, Sonny Ching, Leimomi Ho, Chinky Mahoe, Auntie Paulette Kahalepuna, Healani Youn, Pohai Souza and Michael Kop.

Enrollment fees for one day with dinner are $100 and $110 and for two days with dinner are $175 - $185 and includes a t-shirt, lunch, admission for the evening function and dinner. A variety of other prices are offered for anyone interested in the Ho‘olaule‘a and Ho‘ike activities.

For more event information, visit www.epilikakou.com/epilikauai or contact Paddy Kauhane, pkauhane@hulaspirit.com and Emma Rogers, emmacrogers@aol.com.

For hotel reservations during the event, Kaua‘i Beach Resort is offering rates of:

$99 single or double plus taxes per night, room only
$119 single or double, plus taxes, per night, room and breakfast buffet for two
$119 single or double, plus taxes, per night, room and compact car
$169 single or double, plus taxes, per night, room, breakfast buffet for two and compact car

For additional information Kaua‘i Beach Resort, visit, www.kauaibeachhawaii.com or contact Jody Omo at jomo@aquaresorts.com and Maile Lewis at mlewis@aquaresorts.com