Pop-Up Mākeke @ Keiki Hula

The Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition, now in its 49th year, is a highly anticipated event in the Hawaiian cultural community. Held annually, this prestigious competition showcases the talent and dedication of young hula dancers from across the Hawaiian Islands and Japan. This year’s competition will take place over three days from July 25th to 27th at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu and will be broadcast live on KFVE and live-streamed over the internet, allowing audiences worldwide to witness the beauty and grace of hula.

Participating hālau (hula schools) come from across Hawaiʻi and from Japan, each presenting unique hula routines. The competition is divided into different categories based on age, hula style, and instrumentation. The judges, who are renowned hula experts, evaluate the dancers' performances based on various criteria, such as technique, artistry, and stage presence. In addition to the hula competition, the event also features cultural demonstrations and vendors showcasing Hawaiʻi designed and/or produced products.

The Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of Hawaiian culture and a testament to the dedication and passion of the young dancers who strive to perpetuate the traditions of hula. The event provides a platform for keiki to showcase their talent, learn from each other, and connect with their heritage.

This year, Keiki Hula has collaborated with Pop-Up Mākeke, an initiative by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), to create a vibrant and diverse marketplace that perfectly complements the essence of the Keiki Hula event. The partnership aims to provide attendees with a unique and immersive shopping experience that celebrates the diverse offerings of Hawaiʻi’s small businesses.

The collaboration between Keiki Hula and Pop-Up Mākeke aligns with both organizations' missions to support and promote Hawaiʻi. Keiki Hula sees the marketplace as an opportunity to provide hands-on experiences that highlight the diverse vendors of Hawaiʻi and their products. Pop-Up Mākeke, on the other hand, strives to create platforms for local entrepreneurs and artisans to share their work and connect with the community while developing greater financial stability.

Together, Keiki Hula and Pop-Up Mākeke are striving to curate a marketplace that will create a memorable and enchanting atmosphere for attendees. The marketplace will be an experience in and of itself, with enchanting music, live performances, and the warmth of hospitality. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with local artisans, learn about their craft, and directly support the vendors through the purchasing of products.

If accepted as a Keiki Hula Pop-Up Mākeke Vendor, an acceptance email will be sent along with an agreement for signature and a payment link. Please note that booth selections are limited and location requests will be processed on a first come, first served basis following payment, however, booth  placements are subject to change at any time for any reason at the discretion of the event Management. 

Vendor booth payments will be due within fifteen (15) calendar days after receiving an acceptance email. Due to the limited number of booths available, no booths will be held, and unpaid booths will go to the next qualified Vendor.

BOOTH RATES (may decrease as additional sponsors come on board)

• 10’×10’ - $600
• 10’×20’ - $900
• 20’×20’ - $1,200

BOOTH INCLUSIONS

• Wi-Fi
• Pipe & drape (10’ x 10’ booths)
• One (1) 6’ ft skirted table per 10’x10’ booth
• Two (2) chairs per 10’ x 10’ booth
• Air conditioning during move-in and festival hours
• Keiki Hula investment in public relations, social media, television, radio, and print advertising for marketing and promotions.