WAIMEA, Hawaii – The opening weekend of the Kapa Kahilu exhibit at Kahilu Theatre will conclude Sunday evening (Sept. 18) with a performance from the celebrated Hālau O Kekuhi.

The first exhibit of its kind on Hawai‘i Island, organizers say Kapa Kahilu features “some of today’s most respected kapa makers across the state. It will be a rare chance for island residents, students, and visitors to Hawai‘i Island to be immersed in this ancient Hawaiian art form.”

The exhibit kicked-off with an opening reception on Thursday, September 15, followed by a symposium and Q&A session the next day.

Kapa symposium set up, photo courtesy Kahilu Theatre.

“The Exhibit is in honor of renowned kapa practitioner Marie McDonald. She is one of the primary artists attributed to preserving and perpetuating the art of kapa; it was her idea to have a kapa exhibit of this caliber in North Hawai’i,” said Kahilu Exhibitions Coordinator Margo Ray. “Marie is a long time Waimea resident and although she is no longer making kapa, three of her pieces from private collections will be included in the exhibit.”

Sunday’s hula performance is the opening show of the Kahilu Theatre’s 36th Season. Dancers from Hālau O Kekuhi – celebrated for their mastery of the ‘aiha‘a style and the center of cultural knowledge for the Edith Kanaka’ole Foundation – will be wearing the traditional kapa pa’u and malo garments during the event.