Hula enthusiasts rally in Hawaii

Beauty, grace and tradition will come alive as hula schools from across Hawaii and Japan take the stage at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s (PCC) 22nd Annual Moanikeala Hula Festival. Hawaii’s premiere hula event of 2012, the festival will be held Jan. 21 in PCC’s Pacific Theater. Starting as a child hula competition over two decades ago, Moanikeala has since blossomed into an annual event featuring dancers of all ages, whose movements paint pictures and narrate stories of ancient and modern Hawaii. The event showcases many of the world’s most talented halau and honours Aunty Sally Wood Naluai, PCC’s first Hawaiian instructor, perpetuating her over 60 year passion for teaching the Hawaiian art. Festival admission is $10 for adults ages 16 and older, and $6 for children aged five to 15. Admission is free for Kamaaina Annual Pass holders and those younger than five. (http://www.Polynesia.com)