Honolulu, Hawai‘i - Moanalua Gardens Foundation (MGF) will present "Ke Alana o Moanalua…the Awakening of Moanalua," the 32nd Annual Prince Lot Hula Festival at spectacular Moanalua Gardens on Saturday, July 18, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The largest non-competitive hula event in Hawai‘i, the festival honors Prince Lot Kapuaiwa who reprised the once banned hula in the district of Moanalua.

A historical and cultural treasure, Moanalua Gardens is one of the most beautiful places in Honolulu on the island of O`ahu. Once a botanical garden, it is home to rare trees, foliage and historic structures.

"In 2009, we will add more hula protocol signaling a new beginning for the Prince Lot Hula Festival," said Alika Jamile, MGF President. "Moanalua Gardens Foundation will use our rich archival resources to enhance the hula experience for our dancers and spectators," he said.

Ha Hale o Kahala of Kumu Hula Leimomi Maldonado and Alakai Loren Kanoelani Chang from PLHF XXXI.

Hula hālau featured in the festival will come from the Leeward area of O‘ahu, where Prince Lot once invited his dancers from, as well as hālau from other parts of O‘ahu.

The event celebrates hula kahiko, ancient hula and chant, and will feature ‘auana (modern) hula performances as well. Dancers will perform on one of the few remaining pā hula (hula mound) in Hawai‘i.

Highlights include special opening ceremonies led by the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, an interactive poi pounding demonstration, a noon concert by the Royal Hawaiian Band, and a closing kanikapila jam session with the renown group, Ocean featuring Ocean Kaowili, Uncle Eddie Kamae, Mike Ka‘a‘awa and friends.

Prince Lot Hula Festival XXXII $5 kōkua button available at the Festival. For group button orders call 808-839-5334.

There is no cost to attend the festival, however, a $5 kōkua button donation is requested to help defray festival costs.

The public, and visitors, are welcome and encouraged to bring their beach chairs and mats and enjoy the fun, food and festivities under the shady monkeypod trees of Moanalua Gardens. No commercial photography is allowed.

Festival sponsors and supporters include the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, the Hawai‘i State Legislature, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the City and County of Honolulu and the National Endowment for the Arts.

A non-profit organization founded in 1970, Moanalua Gardens Foundation (MGF) is committed to preserving and perpetuating the native culture, environment, and people of Hawai‘i through education.

Named in memory of King Kamehameha V, Prince Lot, the festival was founded in 1978 by MGF and now attracts more than 8,000 residents and visitors each year. Moanalua was a favorite recreation spot for Prince Lot, who is credited with reviving the hula in the district of Moanalua. His summer cottage can be found on the gardens' grounds.

Participating hālau and a festival performance schedule will be announced. For more information about MGF, please visit MGF's website at www.mgf-hawaii.org or call 808.839.5334. News media may contact Pauline Worsham at phone 808.263.5544; cell: 808.497.4084 or e-mail pmworsham@pmwconsult.com.