Hālau Ka Pā Hula o Hinano Cultural Hōʻike 2025 | Filmed by Kanakanowelo

Celebrating ʻOhana Through Hula

On October 4th, 2025, the Kauaʻi War Memorial came alive with the sound of mele and the movement of hula as Hālau Ka Pā Hula o Hinano, under the direction of Kumu Hula Troy Allen Lazaro, held its hula hōʻike — a celebration for families to watch their loved ones share what they’ve learned in hālau.

For many, it wasn’t just a performance — it was an expression of growth, love, and aloha.

Kanakanowelo was honored to provide full video production, filming the entire event in 4K resolution so families could relive the performances again and again through lifetime video access.

Capturing the Heart of the Hālau

What made this showcase so special was its authenticity. The evening was filled with laughter, song, and the warm energy of community. The stage glowed with the colors of pāʻū and lei, as generations of dancers — from keiki to kūpuna — took turns sharing their hula with pride.

As the videographer, one of the most touching moments for me was seeing the keiki take the stage. Their joy and focus filled the room, reminding everyone that the next generation carries on the heartbeat of Hawaiian culture.

Another emotional moment came when Troy and the hālau offered a tribute to Kumu Hula Leinaʻala Pavao, honoring her memory through dance. The energy in the hall was heartfelt — a reminder of how hula connects us all, across generations and islands.

The Soundtrack of Aloha

Live music filled the evening thanks to talented musicians Pookela Wood, Ikaika Blackbird, and Lina Robbins. Their voices and instruments created a perfect rhythm for the dancers, blending traditional mele with rich harmonies that carried through the War Memorial’s hall.

Their artistry not only complemented the performances but elevated them — making every step and sway even more powerful to film.

Filming with Precision and Respect

For this production, Kanakanowelo used a combination of PTZOptics 4K cameras, a Canon 1DX Mark II, and a Blackmagic recording setup to capture long hours of continuous footage.

Every angle, every smile, and every oli was recorded with precision and care — ensuring that both the emotion and detail of each performance would be preserved in crystal-clear quality. The footage was then processed and archived for secure online access, allowing families to revisit this cultural milestone for years to come.

Honoring Culture Through Film

The Hālau Ka Pā Hula o Hinano Cultural Showcase was more than an event — it was a reflection of community, dedication, and aloha.
Kanakanowelo’s mission is to capture these moments with the same respect and artistry that the performers bring to their craft. From cultural showcases to festivals and hula competitions, we ensure that the story, emotion, and meaning are never lost — only amplified through the lens.

Call to Action

🎥 Book Kanakanowelo to film your next hula or cultural event.
Whether it’s a recital, showcase, or multi-day festival, we specialize in professional 4K production with cultural sensitivity and cinematic storytelling.

Visit our Film & Documentary page to learn more and start planning your coverage.