The ʻAhahui Noiʻi Noʻeau ʻŌiwi – Research Institute of Indigenous Performance (ANNO) hosted its second biennial conference at the Kennedy Theatre at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, February 5–6, 2026.
The conference celebrates the power of passing knowledge from generation to generation within Indigenous and Hawaiian cultures. The two-day event will host scholars and artists from UHM and Ko Hawai‘i Pae ‘Āina. Through panels, workshops, film screenings, and networking sessions, ANNO’26 stimulated conversations about Indigenous performance, and the importance of intergenerational transference of knowledge, language, and artistic practices.
*Pre-registration for ANNO’26 is now closed. If you’re still interested in attending ANNO’26, please stop by our on-site registration at the Kennedy Theatre, UH Mānoa.
*Food and workshop options are not guarranteed for on-site registrants.
For group registrations or school visit inquiries, please email anno@hawaii.edu with the number of attendees, as well as the preferred time and date that attendees will be at the conference. Mahalo!
What to expect at ANNO’26
Click on the hyperlinks to read more about the event!
Workshops
Join us for exciting hands-on workshops! List of workshops offered at ANNO’26 listed below.
Mele Workshop
with Kumu Hula Tracie Kaʻōnohilani Farias Lopes
Edible Tales
by Dancers Unlimited
Kapa Workshop
with Kumu Dalani Tanahy
Hula Workshop
with Kumu Hula Tracie Kaʻōnohilani Farias Lopes
Carving Workshop
with Kumu Miki Cook
Generational Healing through Hula
with Kumu Hula ʻAuliʻi Aweau-Teves
EMBODIED (HE/HER) STORIES (Movement Workshop)
with Sami L.A. Akuna
Hulu Workshop
with Kumu Mele Kahalepuna-Chun
Weaving Water: Anishinaabe Puppetry and EcoDesign (Puppet Making Workshop)
with All My Relations Collective
Professional Development Panel Session
Curated by Dr. Lorenzo Perillo
Panels
Engage in stimulating discussions with our distinguished panelists! List of panels held at ANNO’26 listed below.
Hana Noʻeau Lima: The Performance of Design
Panelists: Kumu Mele Kahalepuna-Chun, Kumu Miki Cook, Kumu Dalani Tanahy, Kumu Kumula’au Sing & Kumu May Haunani Balino-Sing
Moderated by: Kaʻiukapu Baker & Maile Speetjens
Preview of Original Hana Keaka Lele Wale
Written and Directed by Ikaika Mendez
Aloha ‘Āina Embodied: The Praxis of ‘Aha
Panelists: Kumu Kaliko Baker, Kumu Snowbird Bento, Kumu Kaipu Keala, & Kumu Kaulu Luuwai
Moderated by: ʻIkaʻaka Nāhuewai
*This panel will be conducted entirely in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
ʻELIMA HĀ ʻANA: Stewardship of Familial Hula Traditions
Panelists:
Kumu Hula Leimomi Ho & Ku‘ukamalani Wehrsig
Kumu Hula Ka‘ilihiwa Vaughan-Darval & Nohealeimamo Vaughan-Darval
Kumu Hula Tracie Lopes & Ka‘ōnohikaumakaakeawe Lopes
Moderated by: Professor U‘ilani Tanigawa Lum
Special Events
Hoʻolaulea at ANNO’26 with us! List of special films screenings and events at ANNO’26 Listed below.
Film Sceening w/ Q&A of MĀHŪ: A Trans-Pacific Love Letter
Directed by Lisette Flanary
Film Sceening w/ Q&A of Molokaʻi Bound
Directed by Alika Maikau Tengan
Art Exhibition: MOTIF – MÔ-TÍP
Curated by Tiến Nguyễn
Student Poster Session
Presented by Students of UH Mānoa
E Kipa, E nānea, E Hoʻolaukānaka: An Evening on the Lānai
Featuring Performances by ʻOhana Krug and Baba Tavares