KAHEKILI
A unique historical and cultural experience!
Kumu Hula Hōkūlani Holt and hālau Pā'ū O Hi'iaka,
together with nā kumu hula Keali’i Reichel and Pali Ahue,
reconstruct the original hula drama Kahekili, which takes the audience into pre-contact Hawai‘i through chant, kahiko (traditional hula), Hawaiian martial arts, and dramatic narrative.
Kahekili was one of Maui’s paramount chiefs, and his kingdom included all of the islands except Hawai'i Island. His influential rule provided the gateway for King Kamehameha the Great to eventually unify all of Hawai‘i.
Click here for KAHEKILI EDUCATIONAL GUIDE
The chants and dances in Kahekili follow traditions and historical stylings, including ceremonies and cultural practices rarely performed on stage today.
Nationally recognized as an AMERICAN DANCE MASTERPIECE!
*
Kahekili premiered on October 13, 2007
at Maui Arts & Cultural Center's Castle Theater.
The program, commissioned by MACC and co-produced by MACC & Kauahea Inc., was made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts American Masterpiece: Dance Initiative, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts.
Reviews and Articles:
Maui News review | Ka Wai Ola review | Centerpiece feature
Press Release Archive:
September 6, 2006
*NEW ENGLAND FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS AWARDS $400,000 IN GRANTS SUPPORTING RECONSTRUCTION AND RESTAGING OF
SIGNIFICANT AMERICAN DANCE WORKS
Read more of this press release