MAUI — According to an individual traveling with Kumu Hula Troy Hinano Lazaro and Halau Ka Pa Hula O Hinano, the kane performers swept the kane class at the Ku Mai ka Hula competition that wrapped up on Saturday night at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.
MAUI — According to an individual traveling with Kumu Hula Troy Hinano Lazaro and Halau Ka Pa Hula O Hinano, the kane performers swept the kane class at the Ku Mai ka Hula competition that wrapped up on Saturday night at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.
The halau’s kane solo dancer, Kekoa Tango, started the string of victories after claiming the Mr. Hula Maui honors in both kahiko and ‘auana styles on Saturday. There are no “official” results available through other media or on the event’s website.
Following the securing of the Mr. Hula Maui award, Tango rejoined the halau that earned first place awards in both Kahiko and ‘Auana style dancing.
The halau under direction of Kumu Hula Troy Hinano Lazaro were bestowed an additional honor by earning the Maui Nui Award for the greatest contribution to halau involvement, the Palikumaikalewalani Award for overall excellence in chanting, and the Leianaikaroselanimaui Award for overall excellence in hula.
Halau performers on the Maui trip include Kekoa Tango, Casey Planas, Austin Cruz, Terence Dabis-Wai‘ale‘ale, Dustin Fontanilla, Makoa Kaneiakala, Lo‘ikena Yamamoto and Chasen Silva.
Featuring participating halau from throughout Hawai‘i, the continental U.S. and Japan, Ku Mai Ka Hula is a part of The Maui Arts & Cultural Centers Maui Wildfires Benefit Series where a portion of the proceeds go toward The Maui Strong Fund organized by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation that focuses on rapid response and working with local nonprofits to understand community needs.
