Out of respect for George Na`ope and in order to better serve our gracious supporters, like you, the George Na`ope Hula Festival is taking a hiatus this year. During this short break the festival will be undergoing a few changes, enabling us to return better than ever in the 2011 year. More details will be coming soon, so stay tuned!

"Living Golden Treasure" and "Treasure of Hawai'i"

Uncle George's lifelong commitment in sharing aloha, perpetuating the Hawaiian culture through the sharing of his vast knowledge of Hawaiian chants, language, music and hula, sadly ended with his passing on October 26, 2009 at his Waiakea Uka home at the age of 81. George Na'ope will be remembered by many hundreds of thousands of people which he has shared his aloha with all around the world. His hula traditions and teaching methods must live on through many of us now to pay tribute to this hula master, and our last Lo'ea to the past.

George Na'ope has been recognized by both the Governor and State Legislature of Hawai'i, and the President of the United States. He was honored with the "Living Golden Treasure" designation by the Governor and State Legislation of Hawai'i in 1960, and named in the Smithsonian Institute as a "Treasure of Hawai'i" by President George Bush, Sr.

Keeping Hula "Alive"

Uncle George has been instrumental in keeping the hula alive throughout the world by establishing hula ha-lau (school), hula festivals, and hula associations including:

1946 - The first hula ha-lau, Hilo, HI

1963 - The Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, HI

1968 - The Hui O Na- Kumu Hula Association in Seattle, WA

1978 - The Tokyo Hula Association in Tokyo, Japan

1979 - The King David Kala-kaua Hula Festival in Kailua-Kona, HI

1998 - The George Na`ope NW Hula Invitational in Seattle, WA

2005 - The George Na`ope Kāne Hula Festival (the first ever "kāne only" hula competition), Modesto, CA

2008 - The George Na`ope Keiki Hula Competition in Modesto, CA

Help support our event by purchasing your travel with Hawaiian Airlines!

We gain travel points and miles when you purchase with Hawaiian Air through the above link, which can be used to purchase air fare for our judges travel to Modesto, CA each year. You don't give up any of your miles, we just gain from your support! These fares are discounted by way of the Preferred Partners Program, the lowest internet fares available. Mahalo for your support!

Festival Co-Founder, Director, & Coodinator: Rick Makanaaloha Kia`imeaokekanaka San Nicolas

E-mail: ricks@hawaiianfeathers.com

Home phone: (209) 551-9226

Cell phone: (209) 918-4010

Visit: www.hawaiianfeathers.com