Unulau, a hālau hula under the direction of Kumu Hula Pele Kaio
Saturday, March 8, 2025| 10:30am
The Volcano Art Center’s Hula Kahiko program continues on Saturday, March 8th at 10:30am with a performance by Unulau, a hālau hula under the direction of Kumu Hula Pele Kaio, at the kahua hula (hula platform) near the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Unulau means “The multitudes of UNU”. UNU is a name that is shared by all hālau born from Unukupukupu. Unulau is anchored in the philosophy, teachings, and fire traditions of the hula ʻaihaʻa. Unulau continues to promote and perpetuate ʻike (knowledge) and education through hula – hula is the platform by which we engage, inspire, and inform our relationship to the environment and the spirit.
The performance will take place in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting at the kahua hula (hula platform) in the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park near the Volcano Art Center Gallery. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats. Due to ongoing construction in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park parking will be limited. We suggest carpooling or arriving early due to limited parking. Additional parking is available at the Kūkamāhuākea (Steam Vents) parking lot. While this is a free event, National Park entrance fees apply. These events are currently supported by Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Please call (808) 967-7565 with any questions.
To donate to the Hula Arts at Kīlauea programs or to find out more information please contact Emily C. Weiss at info@volcanoartcenter.org or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
Most folks in Volcano know about the beautiful Rain Forest Walk at the Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus (19-4074 Old Volcano Road). However, you might not pause to reflect about the constant vigilance needed to tend to the trails and keep out invasive plants and pigs. The Volcano Art Center appreciates your help maintaining this precious community asset, on Sunday, March 16th, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
The art center will provide tools, however you may bring your own along with gloves, water, and rain jacket. Knowledge about native plants is helpful, although a buddy will be happy to assist.
A guided walk is held each Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 am, rain or shine, including holidays. You are also welcome to explore the trail on your own any day during daylight hours.
Please RSVP by completing the Volcano Art Center Volunteer Application Form.
Mahalo!
Volcano Art Center’s Hula Arts at Kīlauea performance series continues on Saturday, April 12, with a hula kahiko performance featuring Kumu Lehua Bray hālau o Maunalei. The performance is part of a year-round series sponsored by the Volcano Art Center. Hula hālau from across Hawai‘i are invited to perform each month. The hour-long performance begins at 10:30am at the kahua hula (platform) in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply.
Lelehua Maunahina Bray was born in Kealakekua, Hawai’i, named after her great-grandmother, Lydia Maunahina Dusson -Bray, a composer, entertainer, and hula exponent she was destined to be a part of hula. Lelehua ‘ūniki graduated in 2001 from Kumu Hula Michael Pili Pang and taught within his school for five years before taking the reins of her own hālau in 2009. “My contribution to my community is to share Hula as I have been taught from my lineage.
Hālau Maunalei is located in Kealakekua and shares hula with students from Keiki to Kūpuna. The Hālau continues to participate in many community events throughout Kailua-Kona and Hawaii Island!
Kumu Hula Lelehua’s mission has always been to teach others to love and embrace the traditions and the art of hula passed down to her!
The presentation is presented authentically in an outdoor setting, rain or shine without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats, and to arrive early as parking at the Visitor’s Center is limited, additional parking is available at the Steam Vents parking lot
The Volcano Art Center is a non-profit art and educational organization created in 1974 to promote, develop, and perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawai‘i’s people and environment through activities in the visual, literary, and performing arts. Visit www.volcanoartcenter.org
Mahalo!
Volcano Art Center’s Hula Arts at Kīlauea performance series continues on Saturday, June 14th with a hula kahiko performance featuring Hālau Kauluola under the direction of Kumu Hula Noʻeau and Pōlanimakamae Kahakalau-Kalima. The performance begins at 10:30am in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. National Park entrance fees apply.
These free events are supported by Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Donations are welcome to continue future programs. The Volcano Art Center is a non-profit educational organization created in 1974 to promote, develop, and perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawai‘i’s people and environment through activities in the visual, literary, and performing arts. Visit www.volcanoartcenter.orgor call 967-8222 for more information.