2024 Emma Farden Sharpe Hula Festival

“We are excited to bring hula to Central Maui for everyone to enjoy,” shared coordinator Daryl Fujiwara. “Usually when we see our loved ones dance hula it’s on TV, at a competition, or at a fundraiser. This event allows you to see what they work so diligently week after week and year after year in their hālau hula for free thanks to the County of Maui and Hawaii Tourism Authority.”

This year, the ‘Ohana Farden will be paying tribute to the esteemed Lahaina Kumu Hula, Carolee “Aunty Doll” Aricayos of Ka Pa Hula O Maui. Join us at the centerstage of Queen Ka’ahumanu Center at 12:30pm to celebrate her remarkable legacy.

Hālau Hula Performing:
Napili Kai Foundation, Kumu Hula Holoaumoku Ralar
Hālau Keola Aiii O Kekai and Kumu Hula Iola Balubar
Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka and Kumu Hula Napua Silva
Hālau Ke‘ala Kahinano O Pua and Kumu Joy Salvador
Hālau O Ka Hanu Lehua and Kumu Hula Kamaka Kukona

A free Ukulele Workshop taught by Jason Jerome of Lahaina Music will be held at 12:30pm and a Hula Workshop at 2pm with Kumu Hula Kamaka Kukona. Please note that times and locations for class can change at any time. Email will be mainly used for confirmation and updates. Reserve your workshop space by filling out the google form: https://forms.gle/cNZTERwzxRiFeBhW7

Renowned kumu hula, “Aunty Emma” made it her mission to perpetuate hula and the Hawaiian culture so she created the Emma Farden Sharpe Hula Festival, which started in conjunction with Na Mele O Maui, a choir contest among Maui County schools, grades K-12, and continues today. Emma was one of the founders of Na Mele and added on a hula festival in her name. Sadly it phased out in the early 90’s. We honor the renowned Emma Farden Sharpe, through a celebration of hula, auana (new) and kahiko (old).