Pūpūkahi Sweeps Inaugural ʻAʻa I Ka Hula Competition

Pūpūkahi I Ke Alo O Nā Pua proudly represented Mid-Pacific at the inaugural ʻAʻa I Ka Hula Competition, held Saturday, Oct. 25, at Moanalua Gardens on the pā hula dedicated to Prince Lot Kapuāiwa. The event brought together student hālau from across Hawaiʻi to celebrate tradition, learning, and cultural pride through hula, mele, and oli.

Mid-Pacific’s Pūpūkahi I Ke Alo O Nā Pua placed in the following categories:

• Wāhine Kahiko, First place
• Kāne Kahiko, First place
• Mea Oli (Solo chanting): First place, Peyton R. ’26
• Hawaiian Language Award to Peyton R. ’26

Kumu Hula Lanakila Casupang shared his pride in how our community came together to support one another and expressed gratitude to the families and supporters who showed up for our students.

The winning performances — including Peyton R.’s award-winning Mea Oli — will be featured at the Fall Dance Concert happening this weekend November 7-8. Tickets are still available.

Photo credit: Lars Tanaka Photography