Hula

Kaila Chung’s love for hula started with the desire to learn one dance for an event. After nearly 11 years dancing hula, Chung is now the director of her own hui in Louisville. HPR contributor Betsy Brown has more.

The UH Cancer Center is home to Nā Wahine Hula ʻAkala — a halau composed of breast cancer survivors. It was to be part of a pilot study measuring the benefits of hula for cancer survivors. More than a decade later, dozens of women have taken part in the halau.

Mele Look of the Department of Native Hawaiian Health at the UH John A. Burns School of Medicine discussed her research into the connection between hula and health.

Competition kicked off Thursday night at the 2025 Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in Hilo with the soloist competition. Thirteen contestants competed for the title of Miss Aloha Hula, including Jaedyn Pavao, who represented Kauaʻi's only hālau in this year's festival. HPR contributor Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi has more.

The 62nd annual Merrie Monarch hula competition has kicked off, and it's been celebrating traditional hula and Hawaiian culture for decades. Many hālau emphasize upholding that tradition. But a growing number of hālau are mixing a bit of modern touches into their performances.

As Hilo prepares for the Merrie Monarch Festival to reconvene on April 20, here's what to expect during the week-long festivities. HPR's Hannah Kaʻiulani Coburn has more.

Construction will begin this month on the 47,000-square-foot facility in Wailuku, representing a permanent place to honor and practice ʻōiwi art traditions.

This marks the largest gift to the Oʻahu-based private school's program, according to hula program head Michael Lanakila Casupang, who's been teaching at Mid-Pac since 1987.

Kumu hula Victoria "Vicky" Holt Takamine was presented with the prestigious Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize at Washington Place earlier this month. The Conversation talked with her about the award and what it means for Hawaiʻi.

Kumu hula and activist Victoria "Vicky" Holt Takamine was awarded the prestigious Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize. It is given to one person each year, from any art discipline, who has pushed the boundaries of an art form, contributed to social change and paved the way for the next generation.