LIHU‘E — Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina‘ala under Kumu Hula Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin will not be performing because not all of the halau’s performers are available this weekend.
The halau is hosting a three-day, pop-up event as a fundraiser for the keiki dancers, who are planning to attend the Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula competition that will take place at the Hawai‘i Convention Center on O‘ahu later this year.
The three-day event at the former Pier 1 location in the Kukui Marketplace started Friday afternoon, and will continue from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday with Manaola designs, and an assortment of crafters with, according to Kumu Leina‘ala, lots of entertainment and ‘olelo Hawai‘i.
Due to the lateness in receiving information beyond the advertising and news deadlines, the Kukui Grove Center announced the following entertainment lineup for Saturday that includes Waipu‘iloani Flores from 9 to 11 a.m. Lady Ipo takes the stage from noon to 1 p.m., followed by Punana Leo keiki from 2 to 3 p.m. Kamaha‘o wraps up the Saturday entertainment from 4 to 5 p.m.
Pono Nero opens the Sunday lineup from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by The Breeze’s from noon to 1 p.m., and Bronson Aiwohi taking the stage from 1 to 2 p.m.
“This is a big Presidents Day weekend for winter fun despite the weather,” said Melissa McFerrin-Warrack, the special events coordinator for Kukui Grove Center.
“We have Sweet Saturday I love collectibles pop swap from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Trolls’ Movie Night from 5 to 7:30 p.m. with the Showtime Characters, balloons, and movie snacks like popcorn and hot dogs for purchase with Kaua‘i Partea. This is based on Cherie Cabading’s idea that no one has movies.”
The weekend closes with the Kaua‘i Community College orchestra with Sarah Tochiki performing on Sunday starting at noon.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.