The Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus premieres an original children's opera, "Ka'ililauokekoa," on Friday.

Written by two Hawai'i expats, Bertrand Moon and Mayumi Shimose, the opera tells the tale of Ka'ililauokekoa, daughter of the high chief of Puna, who hears her love Kauakahiali'i calling her on the wind. She travels to Kaua'i to find him. As wedding preparations are made, they spot the sacred island of Kane, kapu land of birds and gods. Kauakahiali'i decides to see the island and vows to return.

Ka'ililauokekoa is warned that if Kauakahiali'i reaches Kane without looking back, he will never return, and calls to him, but it is too late. She vows to go on and rule Kaua'i, knowing she will never forget Kauakahiali'i.

"Ka'ililauokekoa" features a full youth cast, presented as part of Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus' OPERAtunities program for youth in grades 4 through 12. Participants learn vocal techniques, dramatic acting, costuming, stage make-up, and prop construction.

Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus is Hawai'i's longest-running youth choir, serving almost 200 students from grades K through 12. This year, the choir visited Kaua'i, Moloka'i and Hawai'i, and in May represented the state in the 400th Anniversary of America celebration in Jamestown, Va.