18TH ANNUAL KŪ MAI KA HULA COMPETITION Returns to The Maui Arts & Cultural Center in September
Weekend kicks off September 11 with panel on hula costuming.
By: A.A. Cristi Aug. 13, 2025
Kū Mai Ka Hula (“Hula Appears”) will return to Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Castle Theater for its 18th annual event on Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13, 2025. As Maui’s only adult hula competition, the event will feature award-winning hālau from Hawai‘i, Japan, and the continental U.S., judged by esteemed kumu hula from across the islands.
The weekend begins Thursday, September 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the McCoy Studio Theater with Designing the ʻAʻahu, a presentation and panel discussion exploring the art and vision behind hula costuming.
On Friday, pre-show entertainment begins at 4:30 p.m., followed by the Solo Competition and Awards Ceremony at 6:00 p.m. On Saturday, festivities start at 11:30 a.m. with the Group Competition and Awards Ceremony at 1:00 p.m. Audiences can browse locally made crafts and enjoy food and beverages in the Yokouchi Pavilion Courtyard throughout the weekend.
Presented by Maui Arts & Cultural Center in association with Kauahea Inc., Kū Mai Ka Hula is a celebration of hula excellence, highlighting top performers in kahiko (traditional) and ‘auana (modern) styles. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable donations for the Maui Food Bank.
Tickets: $38 adults, $21 children 12 and under (all fees included) per day; discounted two-day packages available. Tickets go on sale Thursday, August 14 at 10:00 a.m. online only at MauiArts.org.
Hawaii Awards - Live Stats
Best Musical - Top 3
1.
PARADE (Manoa Valley Theatre)
31.6% of votes
2.
IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS (Diamond Head Theatre)
29.7% of votes
3.
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (Manoa Valley Theatre)
9.4% of votes
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