Celebrate the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge!

Without “mele”, there is no hula as the dance form is dictated by the poetry of the mele. Kumu Hula Michael Pili Pang and his performers of Hālau Hula Ka No‘eau will take you on a historical journey of mele; from its foundation of tradition chant, ‘oli, to contemporary hapa haole music. Through their hula they will explore how the poetry generates movement; and the importance of understanding kaona (hidden poetic means) used in the mele and choreography of hula.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i and the 2025 Summer Reading sponsors. This is a production of the University of Hawaii at Mānoa Outreach College’s Statewide Cultural Extension Program with additional funding provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and the University of Hawai‘i.

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required.