Presented by the Pai Foundation, the 10th Annual Hapa Haole Hula and Music Festival took place on Oct. 5 at the Hale Koa Hotel. Hawaiian Chant and Dance teacher Lauren Williams, a 2007 Miss Hapa Haole 1st place winner, was invited back to perform at the event.

Williams said, “Instead of holding a competition, the Annual Hapa Haole Hula and Music Festival held a showcase of past winners.

“Of all my classes, I chose students that either had a background of dancing hula or have taken my class for a couple years.

“The girls executed their dance well. They were able to adapt to the large stage quickly and pull off their performance,” said Williams.

Junior Erica Cadiz said, “I have been dancing hula for 11 years. This year I joined the Hula Chant and Dance class for my Fine Arts credit. Though I’ve danced for a long time and performed many times on TV and in Japan, preparing for this event was different than preparing for my regular halau. I was honored to be able to represent my school.”

Inexperienced students performed for the first time as well.

Sophomore Kira Clarke said, “Performing for the first time in front of a big crowd was a little intimidating, knowing that I am not as experienced as others in my group.

“I first thought that I would forget movements and mess up. However, I did prepare well enough and did my best to show a good performance.

“After performing and taking Hawaiian Chant and Dance, I plan to join a halau to further my experience in Hawaiian culture,” said Clarke.