What You Need To Know About the 2024 Prince Lot Hula Festival
Now in its 47th year the annual celebration of hula on Oʻahu continues to draw thousands of locals and visitors.
Where spring brings the Merrie Monarch Festival on Hawaiʻi Island, summer brings the Prince Lot Hula Festival to Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi’s largest noncompetitive hula celebration presented by conservation nonprofit Moanalua Gardens Foundation.
Photo: Courtesy of Prince Lot Hula Festival
The free annual festival, which started in 1978, honors Hawaiʻiʻs centuries-old legacy of hula and chanting, which was perpetuated by Prince Lot Kapuāiwa during his reign as King Kamehameha V from 1863 to 1872, as well as the kumu (teacher) and hālau (schools) that live and breathe this profound cultural practice. Learn more about the history of the festival and MGF here.
“Our mission is to honor and perpetuate the rich cultural heritage of Hawai‘i,” said Michael Pili Pang, executive director of the Moanalua Gardens Foundation. “The Prince Lot Hula Festival is a vibrant testament to Prince Lot Kapuāiwa’s legacy and his unwavering dedication to preserving our traditions.”
The nonprofit expects 5,000 to 8,000 people will attend this year to watch over a dozen hula performances throughout the day, in addition to cultural workshops and demonstrations. There will also be local food vendors, crafts, art, jewelry and clothing for purchase.
A keiki trying his hand at pounding taro into poi on a traditional papa kuʻi ʻai (wooden board).
Photo: Courtesy of the Prince Lot Hula Festival
What You Need To Know:
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 20
Where: Frank F. Fasi Civic Ground Park, 650 S. King St., Honolulu
Parking: Frank F. Fasi Civic Center Parking, 346 Alapaʻi St., Honolulu. Enter the structure from S. Beretania Street.
Admission: Free
For a schedule of events and list of participating hālau and vendors, visit princelothulafestival.org
