We just arrived from Kaua`i. We watched for a while an impressive crowd of surfers and a few Hawaiian canoes riding waves. As the sun began to set, music by Keali'i Reichel caught our attention. We looked down and we spotted people assembling around the Waikiki open air stage at the Kuhio Beach, which was close to our hotel. Assuming that we would see Keali'i we grabbed our cameras and ran toward the concert.

It was of course not Keali'i, as we soon realized, but rather a public hula concert presenting young performers (keiki, children). These concerts are called Kuhio Beach Torch Lighting and Hula Shows and are organized for the benefit of the visitors. The performes come often from Hawaiian halau's (hula schools or studios.) On this evening the performers came from "Halau Na Lei O Kamakani," under the directorship of kumu hula Sally Yoza. These girls were magnificent in their skills and the confidence with which they appeared in front of so many people.

I hope that these images will be able to show you at least a part of the magic of this evening.