The 32nd annual Prince Lot Hula Festival drew an estimated 8,500 spectators during the daylong event July 18 at Moanalua Gardens, organizers said.

The festival, "Ke Alana O Moanalua," or the Awakening of Moanalua, is the largest noncompetitive hula event in Hawai'i, according to the Moanalua Gardens Foundation.

The festival honors Prince Lot Kapu'iwa, who reprised the once banned hula in the ahupua'a of Moanalua. A nonprofit organization, MGF relies on grants and donations to produce the festival which is free and open to the public.

"Thanks to our many sponsors and donors, the festival continues to exceed our expectations," said Alika Jamile, executive director and president of MGF.

Founded in 1978, the Prince Lot Hula Festival has been designated a signature cultural event by the Hawai'i Tourism Authority. The festival's goal is to preserve and perpetuate the culture, language and hula traditions of Hawai'i.