GLSS + Kure, internationally recognized education technology platforms, are honored to announce our role as the Presenting Sponsor for Ka Pā Hula Hawaiʻi, supporting the hālau’s return to the 63rd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival in April 2026.
This sponsorship reflects GLSS’s deep commitment to Ethical Efficiency™—doing the right work, the right way—by investing in people, culture, and long-term stewardship. Supporting Ka Pā Hula Hawai‘i is more than a sponsorship; it is a commitment to preserving traditional Hawaiian history, language, and hula for future generations.
GLSS + Kure are honored to support the hālau, their kumus, and the broader community in honoring ʻike kūpuna (ancestral knowledge) and the living traditions of Hawai‘i by being their Presenting Sponsor — donating $20,000 which will provide hālau travel and lodging, traditional dress and adornments, musicians and cultural preparations, and venue costs—ensuring the continuation of free hula instruction throughout 2026 and strengthening access to culture for the next generation.
Ka Pā Hula Hawai‘i has accepted an invitation to showcase its distinctive hula kāne—shaped by generations of respected teachers—on one of the most revered cultural stages in the world. As their Presenting Sponsor, GLSS + Kure are grateful to help make this journey possible and to invite our community to join in this meaningful effort.
About Merrie Monarch
The Merrie Monarch Festival is dedicated to the memory of King David La‘amea Kalākaua, known as the “Merrie Monarch” for his flamboyant and fun-loving ways. Kalākaua was elected king of the Hawaiian Nation in 1874, and reigned until his passing in 1891. He was a patron of the arts, especially music and dance. This annual week-long festival, running from April 5–11, 2026, features an internationally acclaimed hula competition, an invitational Hawaiian arts fair, hula shows, and a grand parade through Hilo town.
About Ka Pā Hula Hawai‘i
Ka Pā Hula Hawai‘i is a tax-exempt, non-profit educational and cultural 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to perpetuating the traditional hula, the classical dance form of Hawai‘i, and Hawaiian language and culture.
Ka Pā Hula Hawai‘i was founded on February 7, 1973 by Loea Hula John R. Kaha‘i Topolinski. Loea Kaha‘i completed his ‘uniki with Kumu Hula Maiki Aiu Lake, then continued his hula studies with Mrs. Mary Kawena Pukui and her daughters, Pat Namaka Bacon and Pele Pukui Suganuma, Mrs. Sally Moanikeala Naluai, and Mr. Henry Pa.
Loea Kaha‘i has been the principal instructor for fifty-three successful years with continuous growth and generations of haumāna (students). He is supported by Nā Kumu Hula o Ka Pā Hula Hawai‘i: Harry Ka‘u, Rachele Gomes, MEd, Lauri Kau‘i Maikui, BSBM, and Zachary Ikaika Bantolina, Ph.D.
Support Ka Pā Hula Hawai‘i’s Journey to Merrie Monarch
Under the direction of Loea Hula John R. Kaha‘i Topolinski a me Nā Kumu Hula, Ka Pā Hula Hawai‘i has accepted the invitation to present its hula kāne—shaped by beloved and illustrious teachers—at the esteemed 63rd Annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in April 2026.
As the hālau prepares for this significant return, we invite our global community to support their journey. Proceeds will benefit Ka Pā Hula Hawai‘i (501(c)(3)) and support:
- Hālau travel and lodging
- Traditional dress and adornments
- Musicians and cultural preparations
- Venue costs to continue offering free hula instruction throughout 2026
All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Please Join Us in Preserving Traditional Hawaiian History
GLSS + Kure invite you to stand with Ka Pā Hula Hawai‘i in honoring culture, community, and continuity.
Please join us in preserving traditional Hawaiian history.
