Ka Hula Piko 2012

Halau Kukunaokala. Photo by Catherine Cluett

The annual three-day Ka Hula Piko festival brought locals and visitors together to celebrate the birth place of hula on Molokai. This year’s theme was “Lei `ia Molokai ke aloha hulu mamo,” or “Molokai wreath in the love of the ancestors.” In honor of the kupuna, this year’s first Creative Keiki Contest featured posters, poems and essays expressing what their kupuna means to them. Check later this week for contest winners.

Saturday’s event, held at Mitchell Pauole Center, showcased a variety of halau and traditions.

Halau Kukunaokala. Photo by Catherine Cluett

Dancers of Oahu-based Hula Halau Kukunaokala performed ancient hula centering around Molokai. The halau was founded in 1977 by the late Kumu Hula John Kaimikaua to carry on the hula traditions of this island. Ka Hula Piko was started by Kaimikaua and now organized by the halau and the Molokai community.

Members of Molokai-based world renowned Moana’s Halau celebrated colorful Tahitian dance traditions. Photo by Catherine Cluett

Kane of Halau Kukunaokala. Photo by Catherine Cluett