Moana-Nui-A-Kiwa Cultural Exchange

Aloha, we are Hula Halau o Moana Nui A Kiwa. Under the direction of Kumu Aulii Mitchell, we are a hula school that studies the ancient art form of Hawaiian hula.

After a successful tour of Oahu, Hawaii last year, where we were the first Halau from New Zealand to compete at the King Kamehameha hula competition, we have been asked to return this year.

We have been invited by Kumu Tony Conjugacion to perform at his Annual Kamau Pono festival in Honolulu Oahu. Joining us will be the very first group of 3rd year students from the Pacific Institute of Performing Arts, who are working towards their Bachelor of Performing Arts degree.

We have been tutoring the students in ancient hula olapa, and oli (chanting) as part of their cultural and indigenous module. To complete this module the students will take part in a 10 day cultural exchange programme in Hawaii, where they will perform their repertoire at the Kamau Pono festival in Honolulu, Oahu. They will also take an outer island trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, to visit sacred sites and share their own cultural dance practices with the students of Kua O Ka La charter school.

Our love for hula has allowed us to reach out and be a part of a project that encourages the uplifting Pacific cultural practices to pass on the value of Aloha, Alofa and Aroha to a new generation.

Please help us to further our work by donating to this campaign. All proceeds will contribute to accommodation and transport in this cultural exchange program.

Mahalo Nui Loa.