In July 2008, Sheraton Keauhou Bay’s adopted Hula Halau Kalaakeakauikawekiu traveled to the island of Oahu for the highly-regarded 33rd annual Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula Competition.
Kumu Hula (hula teacher) Kenneth “Aloha” Victor’s daughter, Shyla Victor, was entered in the kaikamahine soloist competition. 
Although she didn't place she did an outstanding performance to Weldon Kekauoha's song "Lei Ho'oheno," and her hula brothers and sisters were so very proud. Sonny Lim, Lorna Lim, and Wailau Ryder sang for Shyla during her performance.
Lyons Alohikea K. Wong, 8-year old son of Luke Wong and Sheraton Keauhou Bay’s executive Assistant Lily Lyons, was entered in the keikikane soloist competition. 
He became the first boy from the Big Island to win the prestigious Master Keiki Hula Award. He danced his heart out to Charles E. King’s song "Ne'e Ne'e Mai a Pili," which he had learned only the week before.
As quoted in West Hawaii Today’s coverage of the award, Kumu Aloha said, “Hula is not a hobby for this halau; it’s a lifestyle. Our members live, eat, breathe and sleep hula. To watch Lyons evolve and perform with such discipline, determination and charisma was so rewarding. All the sweat and tears experienced up until that moment was worth it.”
Lyons’ own account of his feelings in the same story were more concise: “I was crossing my fingers, crossing my toes, crossing tongue, crossing everything. I wanted to win. And I did.”
Mom Lily, who has been dancing hula since age 3, is a 3rd generation hula dancer herself. Indeed, the DNA runs deep. Her grandmother, Sally Lyons, was a much-loved hula entertainer in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
The group also entered both Hula Kahiko and Hula 'Auana events. The boys (kneeling in front) celebrated winning third place in the Hula Kahiko division.
