Moloka'i Ka Hula Piko

Every 15th of May the Hawaiian Island of Moloka‘i holds its annual Moloka'i Ka Hula Piko celebration.

Moloka‘i is Hawaiian in another special way: It is widely held to be the birthplace of hula. The legend has it that Laka, the goddess of the hula, journeyed from island to island, sharing the dance with all who wished to learn. Each of her graceful movements was layered with spiritual meaning, bringing to life the history, traditions and genealogy of the Hawaiian people.

Laka gave birth to the Hawaiian dance upon a sacred hill in Ka‘ana. It was on this hill, Pu‘u Nana, that the ancient Hawaiians learnt hula of every kind. It is said that the remains of Laka herself are secretly hidden somewhere beneath the hill.

Each May, Papohaku Beach Park in Kaluako‘i (on the western tip of the island) serves as the setting for the Moloka‘i Ka Hula Piko, or "Moloka‘i, the Center of the Dance." This popular cultural festival includes hula performances, chants, musical entertainment, Hawaiian crafts and games, special ceremonies and food booths. 

On-site excursions as well as educational lectures are also presented in the days leading up to the day-long festival. The lectures are presented by Kumu Hula John Kaimikaua, who founded the event in 1991. The gifted hula instructor, composer and historian was featured in the 1989 Robert Mugge film, Kumu Hula: Keepers of a Culture.

Unlike the immensely popular Merrie Monarch Festival on the Big Island, Moloka‘i Ka Hula Piko is not a competition. There are no judges casting watchful eyes on the dancers, looking for the best performances. Instead, the hula presented here is joyous celebration of this beautiful Hawaiian art form.