Conceived by Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu, Ka Hula Hou is a new and innovative form of hula competition. Four teams of dancers challenge each other in tournament-style bouts until only one group remains. Unlike other hula competitions, there is no panel of hula experts determining the outcome. Winners are chosen by the audience, with the cheers and applause determining who wins.
Ka Hula Hou challenges have taken place in 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2013. Competing halau have included:
Academy of Hawaiian Arts (Oakland, CA)
Kumu Hula Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu
Hālau Nā Pualehua i ka Ua Noe (Chino Hills, CA)
Kumu Hula Keoni Chang
Ke ‘Ala ‘O Kamailelauli‘ili‘i & Manawaiopuna (Federal Way, WA)
Kumu Hula Kamaile Hamada
Hālau Hula a Kawika Lāua ‘O Leilani (Diamond Bar, CA)
Kumu Hula Kawika & Leinani Viloria
The Men of Halau Hula ‘O Walea (Ontario, Canada)
Kumu Hula Joy Walea Corpuz
The Men of Kaleo o Nalani (San Diego, CA)
Kumu Hula Siaosi Veimau and Ida Veimau
Halau Hula Lani Ola (Laguna Hills, CA)
Kumu Hula Puanani Jung
Nani Ola Hawaiian Dance Company (Las Vegas, NV)
Kumu Hula Kanani Pharr Cadaoas
Halau Na Mamo O Tulipa (Hawai‘i/Japan)
Kumu Hula Leato Savini
