Photography by Baron Sekiya | Hawaii 24/7

Hundreds gathered in the early afternoon at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo to pay tribute and honor hula master Uncle George Naope Friday (Nov 6).

The “Celebration of His Life” is 1-9 p.m. Friday (Nov 6), including a Roman Catholic service from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Following at 6:30 p.m. is a “Gift of Words,” a time when anyone is invited to share a special memory.

The celebration continues 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday (Nov 7), including a Hawaiian service at 1 p.m. conducted by the Rev. Kaniela Akaka.

The celebrations are open to the public.

Naope, 81, died Oct. 26 at his Waiakea Uka home. He was a kumu hula, singer, dancer and chanter, and also was the co-founder of the world renowned Merrie Monarch Festival.