The 18th annual World Invitational Hula Festival will get under way Nov. 12 at the Waikiki Shell.

The two-day festival "E Ho'i Mai i ka Piko Hula" and its workshops aim to present visitors and residents with opportunities to experience the authentic culture.

This year's event, sponsored by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Na Lei Aloha Foundation, will include participants from Japan, Okinawa, Guam, New York City, India, and Hawai'i. Children and youth of Hawai'i's schools will be in the spotlight as "Keiki Ambassadors of Aloha."

For additional information, visit http://www.worldhula.com