It is with great humility and respect that we announce our hālau (hula school), Ka Pā Hula Hawai'i, is preparing for a significant return to the esteemed 63rd Annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival happening April 5 – 11, 2026.

This occasion marks fifty years since ‘ōlapa kāne were first invited to compete at Merrie Monarch and twenty-eight years since the ‘ōlapa kāne of Ka Pā Hula Hawai‘i last shared the stage with other dedicated hula practitioners across the pae'āina; an honor we approach with deep reverence and responsibility.

Ka Pā Hula Hawai‘i remains grounded in its founding principle: to preserve and perpetuate the knowledge of hula, chant, and Hawaiian cultural practice. Guided by the teachings of revered Kumu such as Maiki Aiu Lake, Mrs. Kawena Pukui, and more, our hālau offers all instruction manuahi (free) ensuring access to traditional knowledge for our community. This has been our offering to the community, and it is in this spirit that we now seek the kōkua of esteemed individuals and organizations who recognize the profound importance of this tradition.

Ka Pā Hula Hawai'i humbly invites you to support our hālau as we prepare to dance amongst other illustrious hālau. The journey to Hilo, Hawai'i requires support for travel, lodging, traditional dress and adornments, musicians, and other preparations. Remaining proceeds will be used for hālau venue costs, so we can continue to offer free hula instruction throughout 2026.

As a tax-exempt, non-profit educational and cultural 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to perpetuating traditional hula, Hawaiian language, and culture, we welcome supporters who wish to contribute to the preservation of our hula traditions. Your support helps ensure our hālau can represent hula in its most authentic form on this prestigious stage.

Please complete the form to help us acknowledge your generous contribution. All donations can be made through the "Support Our Journey" button or by wire transfer/check. (*Note: Online donations made through GiveButter may include a 2.9% processing fee.)

All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Gifts in the amount of $250 or more will receive written acknowledgements for your charitable contributions.

You may contact us at kapahulahawaii1973@gmail.com or Kumu Ikaika Bantolina at (808)497-8278 for any questions about sponsorship opportunities or donation processing.

Sponsorship Tiers

Wehiwehi Sponsor - $10,000

Receive a Lei Hulu (Feather Lei) gift
One cultural performance by 'ōlapa of Ka Pā Hula Hawai'i to be used within two years of the 2026 Merrie Monarch Festival end date. This can be provided for corporate events, blessings and celebrations in alignment with the goals of the hālau. Travel costs not included.
Premium brand visibility – sponsor logo placement on the hālau website, promotional materials etc. ensuring maximum exposure.
Exclusive Social Media Features – Dedicated social media posts highlighting your partnership and commitment to the cause.

'Ōlapa Sponsor - $5,000

One lei workshop by 'ōlapa of Ka Pā Hula Hawai'i to be used within one year of the 2026 Merrie Monarch Festival end date. This can be provided for corporate events, blessings and celebrations in alignment with the goals of the hālau. Max amount of occupants: 20 guests. Travel costs not included.
Premium brand visibility – sponsor logo placement on the hālau website, promotional materials etc. ensuring maximum exposure.

Mele Sponsor - $2,500

Premium brand visibility – sponsor logo placement on the hālau website, promotional materials etc. ensuring maximum exposure.
VIP table at a Ka Pā Hula Hawai’i sponsored event

Friends of Ka Pā Hula Hawai'i - $1,000

Premium brand visibility – sponsor logo placement on the hālau website, promotional materials etc. ensuring maximum exposure.
VIP seats at a Ka Pā Hula Hawai’i sponsored event

He luelue ka ‘upena e ku‘u ai.

The fine-meshed net is the one to let down into the sea. A fine-meshed net misses nothing, big or small. In seeking wealth, the small things are just as important as the big ones. (ʻŌlelo No'eau 774)

Interested in supporting Ka Pā Hula Hawai'i hula traditions beyond the listed sponsorship tiers? All donations, big or small, are greatly appreciated! In-kind donations are also welcome; please email kapahulahawaii1973@gmail.com if you are interested in exploring other gifting options.

About Ka Pā Hula Hawai'i

About Ka Pā Hula Hawai'i

Ka Pā Hula Hawai‘i is a tax-exempt, non-profit educational and cultural 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to perpetuating the traditional hula, the classical dance form of Hawai‘i, and Hawaiian language and culture.

Ka Pā Hula Hawai‘i was founded on February 7, 1973 by Loea Hula John R. Kaha‘i Topolinski. Loea Kaha’i completed his ‘uniki with Kumu Hula Maiki Aiu Lake, then continued his hula studies with Mrs. Mary Kawena Pukui and her daughters, Pat Namaka Bacon and Pele Pukui Suganuma, Mrs. Sally Moanikeala Naluai, and Mr. Henry Pa.

Loea Kaha’i has been the principal instructor for fifty-three successful years with continuous growth and generations of haumāna (students). He is supported by Nā Kumu Hula o Ka Pā Hula Hawai'i: Harry Ka'u, Rachele Gomes, MEd, Lauri Kau'i Maikui, BSBM, and Zachary Ikaika Bantolina, Ph.D.

For additional information, visit www.kapahulahawaii.org.

Ka Pā Hula Hawai'i Fundraiser

By Ka PA Hula Hawaii

Ka Pā Hula Hawai'i Fundraiser

Mahalo for supporting the return of the kāne of Ka Pā Hula Hawai'i to the esteemed 63rd Annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in Hilo, HI (April 2026)

Team Members