Kūpuna hula performers will take center stage on Wednesday, Sept. 9 and Thursday, Sept. 10 at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa during the 40th annual Hawai‘i Kūpuna Hula Festival.  

Presented by the County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation’s Elderly Activities Division, the festival will feature 12 halau and 300 dancers performing in group and individual categories for spectators and judges.  

The theme for this year’s festival is “He Lei Poina‘ole Ko Hawai‘i” (Cherished Moment of Hawai‘i Woven Into a Lei). Dancers will incorporate the theme into their choice of mele and their performances.  

Doors open at 4 p.m. and the program begins at 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 per night and can be purchased at the Elderly Recreation Services office at 127 Kamana St. in Hilo and at the West Hawai‘i Civic Center at 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway, Building B in Kona. If they are still available, tickets will also be for sale at the door.  

In addition to the performances, the Hawai‘i Kūpuna Hula Festival Craft Fair is another highlight of the event. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both festival days local vendors will be selling clothing, jewelry, snacks, fresh flowers, lei, accessories and more. Vendors will be located at the Convention Foyer and the Keahou Meeting Rooms III and IV at the resort, just outside the hula venue. Tickets are not required to enjoy the craft fair.  

The Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa is located at 78-128 Ekukai St., Kailua-Kona.  

For more information about the festival, call 808-323-4340 or 808-961-8710.