2012 Competition Overview
The 22nd Celebration of Hula O Na Keiki will be held November 9-11, 2012 at Kaanapali Beach Hotel. Hula students from Hawai`i and around the world are invited to compete in interview, dance, chant, and costume categories.
To apply for the competition, submit the following forms by the stated deadlines. Contact will be initiated by the Competition Administrator to verify a halau’s participation.
Each hālau must submit the following by July 1, 2012:
- Hula O Na Keiki Agreement to Participate (+ kumu(s) individual headshot picture(s)
- Soloist Haumana Information (+ headshot picture)
- Hula Pālua Application (if applicable, individual headshot pictures)
- Parent Consent Forms
Each haumāna must submit the following by August 1, 2012:
- Words, and where applicable, translations to all mele (mele kahiko, oli, ka‘i/ho‘i, ‘auana ka‘i/ho‘i, mele ‘auana)
- Sufficient documentation stating dates when ‘auana songs were composed
- Sound Requirement Form (1 per hālau only)
Submit the following by October 1, 2012:
- Soloist Costume Description Form
- Pālua Costume Description Form (if applicable)
Hula O Na Keiki Rules and Forms:
Pre-Competition:
All applications are to be complete by the required deadlines or points will be deducted. Solicit kokua from halau alaka‘i or parents. Alaka‘i or parents can assist by completing and submitting the written forms, thus allowing the kumu to concentrate on the research and the creative process. Start early to reduce last minute stress. The palapala requirement accounts for 5% of the overall points. Any questions regarding the applications can be directed to Dee Coyle, Competition Administrator at 808-667-0218 or dcoyle@kbhmaui.com.
- Complete all applications and requirements for each participant by the required deadlines. To apply, download Microsoft Word files and submit all e-files to Competition Administrator. No changes in the palapala will be accepted after it has been submitted to the judges.
- The mele kahiko can be from any prior Hula O Na Keiki competitions or can be a mele kahiko that clearly speaks of Maui’s events, places, climatic conditions, ali‘i or heroes in the poetry. All words and translations of all mele must be provided. No duplication of mele kahiko between halau; one mele kahiko per halau is allowed. Copies of all past Hula O Nā Keiki chants can be purchased from KBH for $10. Contact Competition Administrator.
- There will be no duplication of hapa haole ‘auana and Hawaiian palua main songs and ka’i/ho’i in its own category. This means that a song chosen as a ka’i/ho’i, cannot be duplicated as a ka’i/ho’i, but it can be used as a main mele by another hālau. (Same for main mele) First come, first serve. You may call or email the Competition Administrator to reserve your song before submitting your completed application.
- Use only Hula O Na Keiki forms and only if necessary, attach addendums. Keep paperwork to a minimum.
- Headshots of each contestant and kumu must accompany the applications and will be used in the printed program and other PR material. JPEG digital files of at least 300 dpi is acceptable.
Interviews:
Interviews begin Friday morning in the Manao Room (second floor above the Beauty Salon). Arrive early and get settled. Each halau will be allowed only 20 minutes. Practice keeping the entire halau’s interview to this time frame. There will be a timekeeper in this session.
The haumana should be prepared to speak at the interview. It is a good idea to rehearse the student’s presentation and anticipate the judges’ questions about their hula, adornments, mele and culture.
Bring costumes and a sample of the lei/adornments to the Interview. Haumana will be asked to describe the adornments and its significance. There will be a table to display items at the Interview session. Costumes should be on hangers. Ti-leaf skirts may need to be unrolled. Judges will ask to see the adornments outside of plastic bags or plastic containers.
At least one halau representative should be present in the interview. It is also okay to have only the haumana in the room.
No additional paperwork can be given to the judges during the interview. However, if there is a need to tell or ask the judges’ any questions, this is the time to do it.
Palua participants will not be judged in the interview but are required to be present.
Rehearsals:
Stage placement rehearsals are scheduled after the interview session and the following day. You will be given an Interview/Rehearsal Schedule before the competition. A kako‘o will be present to expedite rehearsals.
Competition:
Competition day is always hectic and exciting. By this time, everything except final rehearsals should be completed. Try to keep your haumana calm and focused.
Plan to arrive in the holding area at least 10 minutes early. Refreshments will be provided backstage. Points may be deducted if a performance is out of order.
Halau Ticket Information:
Kumu and competition haumana do not need tickets to enter the competition room. Although name tags allows free entry, it only allows seating in General Seating. It does not allow a seat in Reserve Seating with halau without a paid reserve ticket. Musicians and halau kokua will enter and exit from backstage only. If they want to watch the competition, they must purchase a ticket.
Halau rates for tickets will be available. Call the Ohana Fun Center @ 808-667-0129 to reserve.
Other Activities:
A Festival of Hawaiian Arts will be featured throughout the competition weekend. Artisans from all over the state will be prominently stationed throughout the courtyard sharing their fine works of jewelry, clothing, Hawaiian implements, and accessories. This is a great time to shop since Christmas will be right around the corner!
Entertainment, demonstrations, and food booths serving delicious foods, will be available throughout the weekend. In between rehearsals and performances, enjoy the festivities planned around this event.