Nā Hui o Kamakaokalani Hōʻike 2025 | Filmed by Kanakanowelo

A Night of Joy, Family, and Hula

This past Saturday, the Kauaʻi War Memorial was filled with the rhythm of hula, the laughter of families, and the warmth of aloha as Nā Hui o Kamakaokalani, led by Kumu Hula Maka Herrod, hosted its 2025 Hōʻike — a cultural showcase for families to see their loved ones perform and share what they’ve learned through hula.

The event was filled with laughter, love, and connection — a reminder that hula is not just a dance, but a living expression of ʻohana.

Kanakanowelo’s Role in the Event

Kanakanowelo provided full video production for the Hōʻike, capturing the entire evening so families could purchase lifetime access to the video and relive the performances from home.

To make sure every detail was preserved, we built a full Blackmagic livefeed setup, broadcasting the stage performances throughout the facility so guests in the lobby, vendors, and backstage could experience the show in real time.

Behind the Lens: A Multi-Camera 4K Setup

This production was one of the most technically detailed we’ve done this season.
We used:
🎥 Canon 1DX Mark II for dynamic on-floor angles
🎥 Sony camera for wide shots
🎥 PTZOptics camera as a backup view
📸 Insta360 X5 for immersive 360° stage footage

For audio, we ran four simultaneous sources — including a DJI mic, Zoom recorder for stage audio, Zoom F6 for direct soundboard input, and on-camera audio for ambient tone. The goal was to deliver the highest-quality sound and visuals possible for this meaningful event.

A Personal Connection to the Stage

Nā Hui o Kamakaokalani holds a special place in my heart — my girlfriend dances for this hālau, and seeing her perform on stage is always inspiring. This year’s Hōʻike also marked the first time she and her brother danced together on stage in years, making it an even more emotional experience to film.

One of the most memorable moments came after intermission, when this special guest aunty performed a surprise humorous hula, filling the room with laughter and energy. That’s what makes this group so special — their ability to blend tradition with joy, and to share aloha through movement and laughter.

Led by Aloha, Supported by ʻOhana

Kumu Maka Herrod and his ʻohana served as the musicians for the evening, filling the hall with the sound of live mele and rhythm. Their voices carried through every performance, giving life and heart to each dancer’s movements.

The hālau itself radiates support, loyalty, and warmth. Many of its members have danced hula for decades, and their unity shines through every chant and gesture. You can feel the bond between teacher, dancer, and musician — a true reflection of aloha and community.

Filming with Heart and Intention

For Kanakanowelo, events like this are why we do what we do. Filming a hālau’s showcase is more than recording a performance — it’s preserving legacy, emotion, and culture. Each frame becomes part of Hawaiʻi’s ongoing story, connecting ʻohana and community through visual storytelling.

With our cinematic multi-camera approach, we ensure no moment is missed — from the oli that opens the show to the laughter that closes it.

🎥 Book Kanakanowelo for your next hula or cultural event.
Whether you’re planning a hālau showcase, festival, or multi-day competition, we specialize in professional 4K filming with cultural respect, cinematic quality, and on-site livefeed options.

Visit our Film & Documentary page to start planning your event coverage today.