The 2011 Windward Community College Hoʻolauleʻa was more popular than ever, drawing more than 10,000 people from across Oʻahu to the Kāneʻohe campus.
The daylong event offered something for everyone, with food and crafts from 72 vendors to cultural exhibits and demonstration and keiki activities. There was also college program and career information, community exhibits and a business trade show. Twenty New Zealand artists were featured in an exhibition at the campus’s Gallery ʻIolani.
Entertainment was provided by the Kahaluʻu ʻUkulele Band, Hawaiʻi Loa, Nā Kupuna ʻO Koʻolau, Pila Nahenahe, Waimānalo Sunset Band, Pressure Drop, Kapena and Maunalua. Hālau Hula ʻO Nāpunaheleonāpua and Hālau Hula ʻO Kawailiʻulā performed. Director Lisette Flanary talked story about her new hula documentary and author Ishmael Stagner autographed his new book, Kumu Hula.
The Hoʻolauleʻa is a joint project of the Kāneʻohe Business Group and Windward Community College. Honolulu City and County Mayor Peter Carlisle presented a $10,000 grant from the city and Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority in support of the event and Kāneʻohe Rotary pledged $1,000 to augment proceeds, which support Windward Community College student scholarships.
Photos by Peter Tully Owen
