One of the really special things about the Hawaiian arts and music scene is its accessibility. On any given day you can catch the likes of Led Ka`apana, Dennis Kamakahi, or Martin Pahinui in an intimate setting. To most of the tourists sitting around, it's just another part of the scenery that has undoubtedly been constructed for their trip. But it's as if you wandered into a pub in Ireland and Van Morrison was singing.
In the summertime this accessibilty is amplified by countless city, county, and state sponsored events. One such event, taking place yesterday at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand, was the annual Na Hula Festival. Being a dancer, Sue had wanted to see some Hula so we made a point of being there. The festivities opened with Mayor Mufi Hanneman presenting a citation to two sisters, both Kumu Hulas, who have brought their respective halaus to the festival in each of the past 66 years. Both aunties were still spry and still played and sang as their halaus danced.
One of the coolest parts of the show were na keiki. The youngest girl in this group was 3, and she looked like she was having the time of her life. She also was better than some of the girls who were easily twice her age.
One of the really special things about the Hawaiian arts and music scene is its accessibility. On any given day you can catch the likes of Led Ka`apana, Dennis Kamakahi, or Martin Pahinui in an intimate setting. To most of the tourists sitting around, it's just another part of the scenery that has undoubtedly been constructed for their trip. But it's as if you wandered into a pub in Ireland and Van Morrison was singing.
In the summertime this accessibilty is amplified by countless city, county, and state sponsored events. One such event, taking place yesterday at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand, was the annual Na Hula Festival. Being a dancer, Sue had wanted to see some Hula so we made a point of being there. The festivities opened with Mayor Mufi Hanneman presenting a citation to two sisters, both Kumu Hulas, who have brought their respective halaus to the festival in each of the past 66 years. Both aunties were still spry and still played and sang as their halaus danced. 
One of the coolest parts of the show were na keiki. The youngest girl in this group was 3, and she looked like she was having the time of her life. She also was better than some of the girls who were easily twice her age.
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