UH Hilo’s ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is partnering with the Merrie Monarch Festival to offer four days of free hula-related workshops and demonstrations for guests to enjoy during the popular week-long festival and competition. Special programs are also being offered in Japanese.

Tuesday, April 1

10:00 - 11:30 am The Way of Hula: The Legacy of Aunti Maiki Aiu Lake
As part of our week-long Merrie Monarch festivities, this workshop discueses hula history, genealogy and traiditions as taught through O‘ahu’s Halau Hula o Maiki, the oldest formal hula school in existence today.

12:00 - 12:30 pm Japanese Language Program: Speaking Hawaiian

1:00 - 2:30 pm Introduction to Basic Hawaiian Language

Wednesday, April 2

10:00 - 11:30 am Voyage to Wellness: The Relationship Between Hula, Star Lines and Traditional Hawaiian Healing

12:00 - 12:30 pm Japanese Language Program: Hawaiian Healing Arts

1:00 - 2:30 pm Tour of Hawaiian Native Landscape
A presentation and tour of Hawaiian native plants at ‘Imiloa (endemic, indigenous and “canoe” plants), with focus on plants used in hula.

Thursday, April 3

10:00 - 11:30 am Pa‘u Riding for Merrie Monarch
Christy Lassiter discusses dressing, lei and other information relevant for the pa‘u riders in the merrie Monarch Parade.

12:00 - 12:30 pm Japanese Language Program: Speaking Hawaiian

1:00 - 2:30 pm The Life and Hula of Helen Desha Beamer
Granddaughter Nona Beamer studied with this legendary figure. Aunty Nona’s hanai children Kaliko Trapp and Maile Loo will speak about this influential family and the Beamer hula tradition.

Friday, April 4

10:00 - 11:30 am Halau i ka Wekiu Hula Workshop
Na Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker and Michael Casupang of Halau i ka Wekiu, the Overall Winners of Merrie Monarch 2007, will share an original composition from their new CD and teach participants their choreography at a hula workshop.

12:00 - 12:30 pm Japanese Language Program: Hawaiian Crafts Workshop

1:00 - 2:30 pm Halau i ka Wekiu Hula & Music Performance.
The Halau will perform songs from their recent CD “Listen to Your Heart.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT GLORIA CHUN HOO AT 969-9705 OR GCHUNHOO@IMILOAHAWAII.ORG.