KAHĀ Hula Festival

Celebrating the Next Generation of Hula

Hula is more than movement. It is a living expression of our history, language, identity, and connection to those who came before us. Through every mele, every gesture, and every story, we honor the ʻike passed down through generations and celebrate the young people who will carry these traditions into the future.

KAHĀ proudly presents the E Ola Loa I Ke Aloha Hula Festival, a celebration of our keiki and ʻōpio, the kumu who guide them, and the hālau that keep the traditions of hula alive.

Rooted in aloha, cultural learning, and the enduring beauty of Hawaiian storytelling, the festival brings together young hula practitioners to share their dedication, artistry, and love for hula.

More than a performance opportunity, this gathering celebrates the values of discipline, humility, respect, and kuleana that are nurtured through the study of hula.

We invite hālau and their ʻohana to join us in honoring the next generation of cultural practitioners.

Festival Information

Date: June 26, 2027

Time: 1:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Location: Palace Station Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

You are cordially 

Invited to

Participate

At KAHĀ, we believe the future of Hawaiian culture rests not only in preserving our traditions, but in creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation to learn, practice, and share them.

Every young dancer represents a continuation of this living legacy. Every kumu represents a commitment to its transmission. Every hālau strengthens the connection between past, present, and future.

Together, we celebrate the love of hula and the generations who will ensure it continues to flourish.

  • We are honored to welcome four respected practitioners who will bring their cultural knowledge, experience, and thoughtful guidance to the festival.

    • Kuʻualoha Kauliʻa

    • Pōhai Souza

    • Leialoha Amina

    • Leimomi Ho

    Their participation reflects our commitment to honoring hula through cultural understanding, thoughtful evaluation, and respect for the traditions shared by participating hālau.

  • We welcome interested kumu hula and hālau with dancers between the ages of 6 and 17 to express their interest in participating.

    Keiki Division | Ages 6–11

    Celebrating our youngest dancers as they develop their foundation in hula, share their learning, and experience the joy of performing.

    ʻŌpio Division | Ages 12–17

    Honoring emerging young practitioners as they deepen their knowledge, strengthen their artistry, and embrace their responsibility to perpetuate the traditions entrusted to them.

    Participation is limited to a total of 20 performances. Additional competition guidelines, eligibility requirements, and registration details will be announced.

  • The safety and well-being of our keiki and ʻōpio are among KAHĀ's highest priorities.

    All participating dancers under the age of 18 must have a completed Parent/Guardian Consent, Media Authorization & Safeguarding Form signed by their parent or legal guardian before participating in the E Ola Loa I Ke Aloha Hula Festival. We will be providing these form.

  • Parents and guardians may choose whether to authorize photography, video, or audio recordings of their child for KAHĀ's promotional and educational purposes. Declining media authorization will not affect a dancer's eligibility to participate.

  • Participating hālau must ensure that keiki and ʻōpio are accompanied and appropriately supervised by designated responsible adults throughout the festival. All participants and accompanying adults are expected to follow KAHĀ's youth safety and safeguarding guidelines.

Interested in Taking Part?

To be considered for participation in the E Ola Loa I Ke Aloha Hula Festival, please complete the form below. Only the Kumu Hula or designated primary instructor is required to submit this form on behalf of their hālau.

For questions or additional information, please contact aloha@kahahawaii.org.