What many consider to be the Olympics of hula, the 2022 Merrie Monarch Festival will be once again rounding up the best and most storied hula halau (hula schools) in the state for a week of nail-biting competition, wonderful performances and cultural parades. 

While the festival is once again welcoming live audiences back for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, actually getting one of the 2,000 seats in the Edith Kanakaole Stadium—located on the Big Island—is incredibly difficult. People wait all year for the tickets to go live, and they sell out quickly. This year is especially difficult, if not impossible, to get a ticket to watch the event live as there will be no general tickets available, so seats can be reserved for the halau and festival sponsors. 

The cultural crafts fair and parade however are still open to the public, and tickets only cost $5 for general admission. If you really want to catch the competitions live, don’t fret, you can still watch the event unfold from the comfort of your own home.

View the livestream of the 2022 Merrie Monarch Festival here, where you can watch the three major competitions on their respective dates and times. 

The hoike performances mark the beginning of the Merrie Monarch Festival competitions and starts on Wednesday, April 20th. On the 21st, the Miss Aloha Hula contest begins and is one of the most watched as it crowns a single wahine hula dancer as the year’s Miss Aloha Hula. The hula kahiko performances begin on the 22nd and feature ancient styles of dance, while the more modern version of hula—hula ʻauana—is showcased on the 23rd. The awards ceremony will also be broadcasted on the 23rd and all events start at 6 p.m.

If you’re planning to watch a single night of competition—or all four—connect your livestream to your television, invite over some friends and make a night of it. The Merrie Monarch Festival is something to be celebrated—it’s a true showing of Hawaiian culture and arts, and is absolutely worth tuning in for. 

For more information on the 2022 Merrie Monarch Festival’s schedule and events, visit its website here.

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Ka Leo O Laka I Ka Hikina O Ka La is the name of this Merrie Monarch champion men’s hula group. They are led by kumu hula (hula master) Kaleo Trinidad. Photo: Dennis Oda/Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Aloha kākou!  As the world waits in anticipation of the 2017 Merrie Monarch Festival, we present to you ʻike, or wisdom, from the judges who are responsible for scoring the three days of hula competition.  What are they looking for?  What are the values of hula?  Learn about the Miss Aloha Hula competition and the responsibilities of the contestants.  Learn the manaʻo, or thought process, behind adhering to traditional ways and the importance of hula lineage.  And finally, prepare yourself for the exhilaration of hula ʻauana.

Miss Aloha Hula

It’s difficult to convey in words how much kūleana, privilege and responsibility, the Miss Aloha Hula contestants carry with them. Haumana means student, in this case hula student.

When she graces the stage, the Miss Aloha Hula contestant represents her family, both past and present, her kumu hula (hula teacher) and her hula lineage.  As carriers of the Hawaiian culture, each dancer is held to the highest of standards.

Traditional Hula, Hula Kahiko

“They [traditions] come from our kūpuna,” says Holoua Stender.  Kūpuna means ancestors. Hawaiians cherished knowledge and wisdom passed down from those who came before. Kumu hula, hula teachers, pass down their knowledge and traditions to their students who will in turn pass down the knowledge to their own students. This is why lineage is so important; it is where wisdom and credibility come from.

The word kāholo refers to a basic four step dance movement. The word ʻuwehe refers to a basic step and pushing out of the knees. These steps are basic and universal across hālau, hula groups, that Etua Lopes references. Hālau, however, have slightly different ways of performing these same basic movements. The styles become signature of the varying hula lineages. Each hālau preserves the tradition of their own lineage; otherwise, the knowledge and wisdom become lost.

The Friday night Hula Kahiko competition is a showcasing of ancient knowledge and wisdom passed down through generations.

The Heartbeat of the Hawaiian People

This video is a must-share, because it gets to the heart of hula. As King David Kalākaua once said, “Hula is the language of the art, and therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people.” This video demonstrates that the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people is strong and humble.

This video also demonstrates the value of lineage among kumu hula and their haumāna (students).

Modern Hula, Hula Auana

Smiles and pageantry; be prepared to be charmed beyond imagine. While hula kahiko is all about tradition, hula ʻauana is all about capturing the audience’s (and judges’) hearts. The final night, Saturday night, concludes with the awards ceremony that runs late into the night. Once the last trophy has been awarded, watch for impromptu dancing by the kumu hula themselves. This is when the legends and masters may take to the stage for some “good fun” showcasing the joy and camaraderie of hula.

If you’d like to see the performance by Chinky Mahoe incorporating American sports into hula referenced by Holoua Stender, you can click here.  Be forewarned, however, the video is of 1994 quality.

That being said, we hope this leaves you with a greater understanding of the art of hula and its significance to the Hawaiian people as well as a more meaningful Merrie Monarch experience. Aloooha!

2017 Judges

Ainsley Halemanu, Rachel Lahela Ka‘aihue, Pualani Kanaka‘ole Kanahele, Etua Lopes, Pi‘ilani Lua, Keali‘i Reichel, Kalena Silva

Live Streaming

Remember! The Merrie Monarch is streamed live online at www.merriemonarch.com/live-streaming as well as broadcasted live on KFVE-TV.

For more information about the Merrie Monarch Festival, visit www.hawaii.com/tag/merrie-monarch-festival/.

The post Merrie Monarch Judges Share the Secrets of What They’re Looking For appeared first on Hawaii.com.

The kane of Halau Na Mamo o Pu‘uanahulu, under the direction of kumu William “Sonny” Ching and Lopaka Igarta-De Vera, danced during the kahiko portion of the Merrie Monarch Festival competition Friday. The Kapahulu-based halau was declared overall winner of the 53rd Merrie Monarch Festival. (Photo: Star-Advertiser)

The blood, sweat and tears of hundreds of hula dancers, poured out in months and sometimes years of preparation, will culminate in the showcasing of their hula prowess at the 2017 Merrie Monarch Festival.

Last year’s Miss Aloha Hula stunned the crowd with her hypnotic ʻoli (chant) in honor of Queen Keōpūolani, King Kamehameha the Great’s most sacred wife.

Hilo, and Hawaiʻi Island as a whole, represented well with spectacular showcases, such as Hālau o Ka Ua Kani Lehua’s performance, under the direction of kumu hula Johnny Lum Ho, in honor of a revered white turtle, “Honukea: Ka Honu Nui O Moloka‘i.” During their captivating performance, the Hilo rain, for which their hula group is named, could be heard beginning to fall on the stadium roof over head. It was a “chicken skin” moment.

This year’s week-long Merrie Monarch Festival runs April 16 – 22, 2017. See below for the line-up of events, list of dancers competing for the title of Miss Aloha Hula and the hālau hula, hula groups, who will be entering the competition this year.

The Merrie Monarch is streamed live online at www.merriemonarch.com/live-streaming.

2017 Merrie Monarch Schedule of Events

The wahine of Halau Hula Olana dance during the kahiko portion of the Merrie Monarch Festival competition 2016. (Photo: Star-Advertiser)

Hoʻolauleʻa (celebration)
9:00 a.m., Sunday, April 16th at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium. Free admission to watch performances by our local hālau.

Free Mid-day Entertainment
Daily (Monday through Friday) entertainment at the Hilo Naniloa Hotel (12 p.m.), and the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel (1 p.m.).

Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 19th through Friday, April 21st, and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, April 22nd, at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

An annual favorite, this free event features local artists, crafters, and entertainment.

Hōʻike Performances
6:00 pm, Wednesday, April 19th at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium. An exhibition night of hula and folk dance from around the Pacific. The performances are free to the public, no tickets required.

Miss Aloha Hula
6:00 pm, Thursday, April 20th at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium. Individual competition for the title of Miss Aloha Hula with contestants performing hula kahiko, hula ʻauana and oli (chanting).

Group Hula Kahiko
6:00 pm, Friday, April 21st at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium. Hālau hula perform ancient style dances.

Group Hula ʻAuana & Awards
6:00 pm, Saturday, April 22nd at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium. Hālau hula perform modern style dances with an awards presentation for all group winners.

Merrie Monarch Royal Parade
10:30 am, Saturday, April 22nd. One of the festival’s most entertaining and fun events for the entire family, the parade begins and ends at Pauahi St. and winds through downtown Hilo (Kilauea Ave. – Keawe St. – Waiānuenue Ave. – Kamehameha Ave.).

Event Locations
Edith Kanaka‘ole Tennis Stadium
350 Kalanikoa Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720

Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium
323 Manono Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720

2017 Merrie Monarch Miss Aloha Hula Participants

Kayli Ka’iulani Carr of Halau Hi‘iakainamakalehua. Carr won the title of Miss Aloha Hula at the 53rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival. (Photo: Star-Advertiser)

1. Kumu Kapua Dalire-Moe – Leilani Nicole Wilson

2. Nā Kumu Kunewa Mook & Kau‘ionālani Kamana‘o – Julyen Machiko Kaloke Kaluna

3. Kumu Leinā‘ala Pavao Jardin – Amanda Hiwalei Aliser

4. Kumu Nāpua Greig-Nakasone – Miriam Anuhea Kamakanaokealoha Hokoana Arakawa

5. Kumu Maelia Loebenstein Carter – Ashlyn Kahelelani Ma‘a

6. Kumu Chinky Māhoe – Chelei Kameleonalani Kahalewai

7. Nā Kumu Tracie & Keawe Lopes – Ariana Ka‘ano‘ikehaikūlō‘ihia Kaliliokū Akaka

8. Kumu Kamaka Kukona – Leila Noelani Ku‘uleimomi Rodrigues

9. Nā Kumu Haunani & ‘Iliahi Paredes – Leimakamae Maura Kea

10. Nā Kumu Robert Ka‘upu & Lono Padilla – Kelina Kiyoko Ke‘ano‘ilehua Tiffany Eldredge

2017 Merrie Monarch Hālau Hula Participants

The wahine of Halau Mohala Ilima dance during the kahiko portion of the Merrie Monarch Festival competition 2016. (Photo: Star-Advertiser)

1. Hālau Hula Olana, Nā Kumu Olana and Howard Ai & Shelsea Ai Apana (wahine)

2. Hālau I Ka Wēkiu, Nā Kumu Karl Veto Baker & Michael Casupang (wahine & kāne)

3. Ka Pā Hula O Ka Lei Lehua, Kumu Snowbird Puananiopaoakalani Bento (wahine & kāne)

4. Ka Pā Hula O Kauanoe O Wa‘ahila, Kumu Maelia Loebenstein Carter (wahine)

5. Hālau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniākea, Kumu Kapua Dalire-Moe (wahine)

6. Hālau Mōhala ‘Ilima, Kumu Māpuana de Silva (wahine)

7. Hālau Hula ‘O Kahikilaulani, Kumu Nāhōkūokalani Gaspang (wahine & kāne)

8. Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka, Kumu Nāpua Greig-Nakasone (wahine)

9. Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala, Kumu Leinā‘ala Pavao Jardin (wahine)

10. Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani Ē, Kumu Iwalani Kalima (wahine)

11. Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela, Nā Kumu Kunewa Mook & Kau‘ionālani Kamana‘o (wahine)

12. Hālau Hi‘iakaināmakalehua, Nā Kumu Robert Ke‘ano Ka‘upu IV & Lono Padilla (wahine)

13. Hālau O Ka Hanu Lehua, Kumu Kamaka Kukona (wahine)

14. Hālau Manaola, Kumu Nani Lim Yap (wahine)

15. Ka Lā ‘Ōnohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e, Nā Kumu Tracie & Keawe Lopes (wahine)

16. Kawaili‘ulā, Kumu Chinky Māhoe (wahine & kāne)

17. Pukalani Hula Hale, Kumu Hi‘ilei Maxwell-Juan (wahine)

18. Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi, Nā Kumu Haunani & ‘Iliahi Paredes (wahine & kāne)

19. Hālau Hula ‘O Nāpunaheleonāpua, Kumu Rich Pedrina (kāne)

20. Ke Kai O Kahiki, Kumu La‘akea Perry (kāne)

21. Kawai‘ulaokalā, Kumu Keli‘iho‘omalu Puchalski (kāne)

22. Hālau Hula O Kauhionāmauna, Kumu Denise Kauhionāmauna Kia Ramento (wahine)

23. Hālau Hula Ka Lehua Tuahine, Kumu Ka‘ilihiwa Vaughan-Darval (wahine & kāne)

2017 Merrie Monarch Judges

The kane of Na Pua Me Kealoha dance during the kahiko portion of the Merrie Monarch Festival competition 2016. (Photo: Star-Advertiser)

Ainsley Halemanu, Rachel Lahela Ka‘aihue, Pualani Kanaka‘ole Kanahele, Etua Lopes, Pi‘ilani Lua, Keali‘i Reichel, Kalena Silva

For more information about the Merrie Monarch Festival, visit www.hawaii.com/tag/merrie-monarch-festival/.

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Kayli Ka’iulani Carr of Halau Hi‘iakainamakalehua. Carr won the title of Miss Aloha Hula at the 53rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival. (Photo: Star-Advertiser)

A 25-year-old professional hula dancer from Makaha, Oahu, is Miss Aloha Hula 2016.

Kayli Ka‘iulani Carr of Halau Hi‘iakainamakalehua took hula’s most prestigious solo title Thursday night in the 53rd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival Hula Competition.

Merrie Monarch Miss Aloha Hula 2016 First Runner Up

Brylyn Noelani Aiwohi of Halau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leina’ala was first runner-up and won the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Hawaiian Language Award at the Miss Aloha Hula competition Thursday night. (Photo: Hawaii Tribune-Herald)

Carr finished with 1134 points, 11 more than first runner-up Brylyn Noelani Aiwohi of Kauai’s Halau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leina‘ala, who also won the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Hawaiian Language Award.

Merrie Monarch Miss Aloha Hula 2016 Winner with Kumu

Miss Aloha Hula Kayli Ka’iulani Carr is flanked by her kumu, Lono Padilla, left, and Robert Ke’ano Ka’upu IV, after her win is announced Thursday night. (Photo: Hawaii Tribune-Herald)

“I’m still in shock,” Carr said. “It’s been such a long process and it was worth every moment. Every one of the 14 minutes up there (on stage) is one that I’ll cherish and I’m just glad that I made my kumu, my hula sisters and my ‘ohana proud.”

The Kalihi, Oahu, halau is led by kumu hula Robert Ke‘ano Ka‘upu IV and Lono Padilla.

“I thought she was beautiful,” said Ka‘upu. “I was loving every minute of it.”

Ka‘upu is a Hilo native whose kumu include Johnny Lum Ho and the late Rae Fonseca. He received his ‘uniki, hula’s formal graduation, from Padilla’s mother, Hokulani Holt.

Ka‘upu said having his student win on hula’s biggest stage in his hometown was “amazing.”

“I hope I made Hilo proud. I hope I made my kumus proud,” he said.

Carr’s hula kahiko (ancient hula) was “Eo Keopuolani Kauhiakama,” a mele inoa (name chant) praising the royal lineage of Liholiho, with an ‘oli, or chant, that required a rapid-fire delivery.

“Once I hit the ramp, I know I have the support of all my hula sisters and I believe that was the driving force in my doing as well as I did,” she said. “They told me, ‘Don’t worry, you’ve practiced this a million times. Just enjoy it.’”

Ka‘upu praised Carr’s Hawaiian pronunciation.

“I worked with her on her ‘oli,” Ka‘upu said. “I will say, she got better than me. But that’s a kumu’s wish. You hope your students succeed you.”

Carr’s hula ‘auana (modern hula) was “Ka Makani Ka‘ili Aloha,” a turn of the 20th century love song by Matthew H. Kane with a kaona, or metaphoric subtext, about the ka‘ili aloha wind of Kipahulu, Maui, which was sent to recapture the heart of an estranged lover.

Merrie Monarch Miss Aloha Hula 2016 Next Runner-Ups

The next two spots were awarded to Oahu halau.

Ecstasy Jetta Laverne Kamakalikolehua Ligon of Ka La ‘Onohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e took second-runner up with 1107 points, finishing two points ahead of ‘Aulani Kamea‘i‘omakamae Latorre-Holt of Hula Halau ‘O Kamuela.

Hilo’s Miss Aloha Hula Contestant Shines in 5th Place

Kayshlyn Keauli’imailani “Auli’i” De Sa of Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua chants during her kahiko performance in the Miss Aloha Hula competition Thursday night. (Photo: Hawaii Tribune-Herald)

The Big Island’s lone entrant, Kayshlyn Keauli‘imailani Victoria De Sa of Hilo’s Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua was fourth runner-up with 1090 points.

Known to her hula sisters as “Auli‘i,” the 22-year-old De Sa, who also danced in the Miss Aloha Hula competition in 2013, danced “He Mele No Ke Ali‘i Wahine Kapi‘olani” for her hula kahiko, a mele about High Chiefess Kapi‘olani proclaiming her Christianity by throwing stones into Halema‘uma‘u crater and eating sacred ‘ohelo berries in defiance of Madame Pele.

Kayshlyn Keauli’imailani “Auli’i” De Sa of Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua dances her hula ‘auana in the Miss Aloha Hula competition Thursday night. (Photo: Hawaii Tribune-Herald)

De Sa’s hula ‘auana was “Pua Pilikai,” a mele about gathering woodrose for adornments. Her father, Hilo High School baseball coach Tony De Sa, placed a woodrose lei around her neck during her dance.

“That definitely topped off the dance for me,” De Sa said afterwards. “I felt great. I felt excited. I felt wonderful out there.”

Johnny Lum Ho, De Sa’s kumu hula, said he was pleased with De Sa’s performance.

“She did what she was supposed to do and she did it well,” he said.

The group hula kahiko competition is tonight and the group hula ‘auana competition is Saturday night at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo.

The festivities begin at 6 p.m. both evenings with the entrance of the Merrie Monarch royal court.

For more information about the Merrie Monarch Festival, visit www.hawaii.com/tag/merrie-monarch-festival/.

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Keolalaulani Halau ‘Olapa O Laka (Wahine, Kumu Hula Aloha Dalire) from He’eia, Kane’ohe, O’ahu, performs during the Kahiko portion of the hula competition at the 42nd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival. PHOTO BY DENNIS ODA.

Merrie Monarch Festival is the World Championship, or Olympics if you will, of the art of hula. This annual hula competition takes place every spring in the town of Hilo, Hawaiʻi on the Big Island.

Competition is fierce but not in an angry or mean way. This passion comes from a deep desire to carry on traditions and stories of the past with the utmost respect and honor. Every move of the lovely hula hand, every fern woven with care to adorn a dancer’s poʻo (head) is done with purpose and meaning. The Merrie Monarch is more than a competition; it is a great showcasing of the best of Hawaiian culture and traditions.

To really understand the meaning behind the music, the costumes, the movements, listen carefully as the kumu hula (hula teachers) and ʻōlapa (dancers) share about how they prepared for their numbers.

Merrie Monarch Week

Every year, the Merrie Monarch festival begins with a hoʻolauleʻa (really big party) on Easter Sunday. There is food, music, crafts and lots of performances by local hālau hula (hula schools).

Wednesday is Hoike Night

Taiwanese aboriginal dancers to perform at Merrie Monarch’s Wednesday Hoike Night.

The following Wednesday is the Hōʻike, meaning “show.” Hōʻike Night is also called the “free night,” because there are no tickets sold and no admission charged. Admission is granted on a first come, first served basis. And the venue, the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium, always reaches full capacity. We recommend you line up early if you hope to get in.

For those who faithfully stand in line for hours leading up to Hōʻike Night, the rewards are great. Hōʻike Night is done ʻohana (family) style, with much celebrating and rejoicing. Hālau hula from Hilo perform and host dance troops from around the world. Examples of visiting dancers include Tahitian dance troops, aboriginal Taiwanese dancers, and Moari (New Zealand) dancers.

Presiding King and Queen for 2016. Photo: StarAdvertiser.com.

Hōʻike Night is also the night of the presentation of the royal court. Each year, a man and woman from the Hawaiian community are invited to represent King Kalākaua and his queen, Kapiʻolani. King Kalākaua is the monarch for whom the Merrie Monarch Festival is named. He is credited with reviving the Hawaiian arts, including hula, after the arts had been suppressed by early missionaries in Hawaiʻi. Kalākaua was known at the “Merrie Monarch” due to his jovial nature and love of grand parties.

Thursday is the Miss Aloha Hula Competition

Photo: Dennis Oda/ Star-Advertiser.

Thursday night of the Merrie Monarch Festival is a special night. This is the Miss Aloha Hula Competition. Young ladies from around the world, but primarily Hawaiʻi, compete for the crown of Miss Aloha Hula. This is the most prestigious individual title in the hula world.

Friday is the Kahiko Hula Competition

Halau Hula O Ka Leo O Laka I Ka Hikina O Ka La. Photo: Dennis Oda/ Star-Advertiser.

Friday night showcases hula kahiko, or ancient hula. Expect to see traditional clothing, which has been handmade by the dancers themselves. Expressions tend to be more solemn, as the subject matter of the dances tends to be of a more serious nature – a lover’s betrayal, a chiefess’ defiance of the fire goddess Pele, a treacherous battle. These are the hula that tell the stories of Hawaiʻi’s culture. Kumu hula will ʻoli, or chant, rather than sing. These chants will be accompanied by the sound of the beating drum or the ʻipu heke (double gourd).

Saturday is Auana Hula Competition

Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka (kumu Napua Greig & Kahulu Maluo; Kula, Maui) dances during the Kahiko portion of the Merrie Monarch Festival competition. PHOTO BY DENNIS ODA. APRIL 6, 2013.

Saturday night is the ʻauana (modern) hula competition. Expect to see long flowing gowns, bright cheery smiles, and lots of plumeria flowers. Expect to hear songs sung in both English and Hawaiian accompanied by the melody of the ʻukulele.

Hula ʻauana is the type of hula that was common to see in Hawaiʻi’s boat days of the early 1900s carrying through to the 1960s and 70s.

Saturday is Also Awards Night

Kumu Hula Robert Uluwehi Cazimero giving the two thumbs up walking toward the stage after it was announced he had won the Kane Overall. He was the Overall Winner also. Joining him walking to the stage to accept the award is Alvin Hanzawa who is at the top age limit to compete so this is the last time for him. PHOTO BY DENNIS ODA. APRIL 10, 2015.

Saturday night, being the final night of competition, is also the awards night. There are many awards given, most notably awards for ʻauana and kahiko hula in both the men and women’s division. There is also an overall winner, the hālau hula with the most combined points. Tension is high and everyone is at the edge of his or her seat as they await the results of the judges. Many months, if not years, of preparation will be judged in these final moments.

Saturday Features a Royal Procession

Parade through Downtown Hilo. Photo: StarAdvertiser.com.

Saturday is the Merrie Monarch Royal Parade with a procession of horses, cars and floats winding through Downtown Hilo.  Festival goers can soak in the fullness of the last day of festivities and get ready for the final night of competition.

How to Get Merrie Monarch Festival Tickets

Merrie Monarch tickets can only be obtained by sending a written request. Written requests are accepted starting December 1st of the previous year. Click here for more information.

Watching the Merrie Monarch Festival Live

The Merrie Monarch hula competition is televised and streamed live every year. If you miss the live show, retelecasts and re-streaming are also available. Click here for more information.

For more information about the Merrie Monarch Festival, visit www.hawaii.com/merrie-monarch.

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Miss Aloha Hula candidate, Kayshlyn Keauli’imailani Victoria De Sa dances during practice Wednesday night at Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium. (Photo: Hawaii Tribune-Herald)

The Merrie Monarch Festival’s hula competition officially starts Thursday when a dozen young women vie for hula’s most prestigious solo title, Miss Aloha Hula.

Three Hawaii Island halau are entered in this year’s competition, but only one, Johnny Lum Ho’s Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua, has a wahine representing Moku O Keawe in the solo competition. She’s 22-year-old Kayshlyn Keauli‘imailani Victoria “Auli‘i” De Sa, a senior nursing major at the University of Hawaii at Hilo who works at Hawaiian Style Cafe.

A 2011 graduate of Kamehameha Schools-Hawaii, this is her second time competing solo on hula’s biggest stage. The first time was in 2013, the festival’s golden anniversary. It’s also her third time dancing in Lum Ho’s wahine line at Merrie Monarch. Her first time was in 2010, when she watched her sister, Taysha-Lei Kapuauiokalehuamamomaeole De Sa, place second in Miss Aloha Hula.

“She’s been dancing with me since she was a child,” Lum Ho said. “The last time I entered the competition and she danced, I got a lot of compliments about her. Many people told me she was their favorite. And I thought she did excellent.”

De Sa, the daughter of Tony and Shelley De Sa, thinks she’ll do even better this time.

“I’ve Had A lot of Time to Grow, to Mature”

Kumu Hula Johnny Lum Ho talks with Miss Aloha Hula candidate, Kayshlyn Keauli’imailani Victoria De Sa during practice Wednesday night at Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium. (Photo: Hawaii Tribune-Herald)

“I was so young the first time. I turned 19 just before Merrie Monarch,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of time to grow, to mature, to gain confidence. Also, the last time, I was living in Honolulu, so practicing was really hard. I only got to practice once a month with Uncle Johnny, if I was lucky. Other than that, I was in Honolulu practicing with Tasha (Natasha Oda, Miss Aloha Hula 2001) in her backyard, maybe in somebody’s studio. The first time has helped me a lot for this time, but there’s still so much to do until I step up onto the stage.”

The physical nature of her dancing is apparent.

Taking a break during a rehearsal, De Sa’s forehead was dotted with perspiration despite a chilly wind whipping through the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium on a cold, blustery evening.

“Uncle Johnny’s style is, we move all over the stage, everywhere. We don’t just stay in one area,” she explained. “I’m putting that into my dance, working with my body, working on my facial expressions, just trying to put everything together.”

Dancer and Teacher are Excited About Presenting Their Hula Kahiko

For her hula kahiko (ancient hula), De Sa is dancing to a chant about High Chiefess Kapi‘olani — not to be confused with Queen Kapi‘olani, wife of King Kalakaua, the Merrie Monarch — and her conflict with Pele, the goddess of Kilauea volcano.

“Basically, Chiefess Kapi‘olani is a Christian,” De Sa said. “So, her journey to the volcano, to Halema‘uma‘u, she wanted to protest to everybody. She walked 100 miles from Kona to defy Pele and she told everybody along the way, ‘If I take this stone and throw it into the crater, and if I eat these ohelo berries and nothing happens to me, then you need to believe in God. But if something happens to me, then you guys continue to believe in Pele.’ So, she threw the stone into the crater and she ate the ohelo berries and nothing happened to her.”

Lum Ho, who composed the chant, said he and De Sa are both “excited about presenting this dance.”

The Story of the Woodrose

Lum Ho said the original mele he composed for De Sa’s hula ‘auana (modern hula) is inspired by a woodrose he saw at a plant nursery on his way to work at his halau.

“One day, I saw the woodrose hanging from a high tree with the yellow flowers,” he said. “And the fruit is kind of brown. The people let us pick the fruit and the flowers because they said it’s kind of a pest. The flowers, of course, they died. But we had one of our ladies fashion the fruit into her lei.”

De Sa said she doesn’t know for sure but thinks Lum Ho wrote the song for her.

“Everybody in Hilo loves to represent Hilo, and that song is so fitting for me,” she said. “It talks about a girl who goes and picks woodroses from all the vines she can find for a lei. It’s such hard work for her, but in the end she made this beautiful lei, and once she put it on, she felt like the most beautiful girl in the world. And, in the dance, my dad is actually going to give me the lei. When it comes to my dad, he brings confidence to me. He’s definitely my No. 1 supporter in everything I do.”

Miss Aloha Hula Contestants “Bring Their A Game” to the Stage

While the image of Miss Aloha Hula is one of beauty and grace, the other side of the coin is one that embodies the passion of competition. As De Sa, whose father is the baseball coach at Hilo High School, noted, “Everybody brings their A game.”

The second time was the charm for last year’s Miss Aloha Hula, Jasmine Kaleihiwa Dunlap, who was second runner-up in 2013. Her halau, Oahu’s Hula Halau ‘O Kamuela, under the direction of na kumu hula Kunewa Mook and Kau‘ionalani Kamana‘o, will try to make it two in a row, represented by ‘Aulani Kamea‘i‘omakamae Latorre-Holt.

Another Miss Aloha Hula contestant who might be the odds-on favorite is Ashley “Kili” Lai, who’s vying to become the only third-generation Miss Aloha Hula.

She’s the granddaughter of the late, legendary kumu hula Aloha Dalire, the first Miss Hula, as the title was called then; daughter of Kapua Dalire-Moe, Miss Aloha Hula 1991; and niece of Kau‘i Dalire, Miss Aloha Hula 1992, and Keola Dalire, Miss Aloha Hula 1999.

Lai is dancing for her mother’s Halau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniakea of Kaneohe, Oahu. She was first runner-up two years ago, when she danced for her grandmother’s Keolalaulani Halau ‘Olapa O Laka in Aloha Dalire’s final Merrie Monarch.

“For me and Kili, it’s our second time. She wants to represent her grandma, and I want to represent my kumu. We’re both representing people who are very important to us,” De Sa said.

“I Just Want My Dance to Touch Somebody”

De Sa said the pressure of competing for hula’s most coveted individual honor at the Merrie Monarch Festival’s golden jubilee was intense.
“It was the 50th anniversary. Everybody wanted to win,” she said. “I believe that everything happens for a reason. That night, when my name didn’t get called, I was sad. I just had a lot of emotions going through me, but I specifically remember Uncle Johnny telling me to never mind crying because it wasn’t going for me. And that’s true, because if I didn’t win, it wasn’t my time. It was somebody else’s time. But I was grateful to have that experience. I thought it was going to be our last Merrie Monarch. Just to have that experience, representing Uncle Johnny Lum Ho at Miss Aloha Hula, was a big deal for me.”

And this time?

“I just want my dance to touch somebody in this room,” De Sa said in the stadium. “If it’s everybody, that’s good. If it’s just one person, then fine, so be it.”

Miss Aloha Hula Contestants 2016

Jazzlyn Kawailani Y.P. Kaleohano
Kumu Mark Keali‘i Ho‘omalu
Academy of Hawaiian Arts

Kamie-Lei Kahealani Yoshiko Fujiwara
Kumu Napua Greig
Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka

Brandi Nalani Morales
Kumu William Kahakuleilehua Haunu‘u “Sonny” Ching and Lopaka Igarta-De Vera
Halau Na Mamo O Pu‘uanahulu

Ashley Leina‘ala Juan
Kumu Hi‘ilei Maxwell-Juan
Pukalani Hula Hale

Christie Mariko Keahonui Kimura
Kumu Haunani and ‘Iliahi Paredes
Halau Kekuaokala‘au‘ala‘iliahi

Ceriann Akemi Moana Espiritu
Kumu Raquel Dudoit
Moana’s Hula Halau

Kayli Ka‘iulani Carr
Kumu Robert Ke‘ano Ka‘upu IV
and Lono Padilla
Halau Hi‘iakainamakalehua

Kayshlyn Keauli‘imailani Victoria De Sa
Kumu Johnny Lum Ho
Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua

Brylyn Noelani Aiwohi
Kumu Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin
Halau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leina‘ala

Ashley K. Lai
Kumu Kapua Dalire-Moe
Halau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniakea

Ecstasy Jetta Laverne Kamakalikolehua Ligon
Kumu Tracie and Keawe Lopes
Ka La ‘Onohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e

‘Aulani Kamea‘i‘omakamae Latorre-Holt
Kumu Kau‘ionalani Kamana‘o and Kunewa Mook
Hula Halau ‘O Kamuela

For more information about the Merrie Monarch Festival, visit www.hawaii.com/tag/merrie-monarch-festival/.

The post A Close Look Behind the Scenes of the 2016 Miss Aloha Hula Competition appeared first on Hawaii.com.

Taiwanese aboriginal dancers to perform at Merrie Monarch’s Wednesday Hoike Night.

If you weren’t among the fortunate few to snag coveted tickets to the three nights of Merrie Monarch Festival hula competition, you still have an opportunity to see first-rate hula and live music and dance from Polynesia and across the Pacific Basin.

Wednesday night’s free Ho‘ike brings its own special brand of excitement to the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium. It starts at 6 p.m. with the entrance of the Merrie Monarch Royal Court, but those hoping to experience the entertainment plus the pomp and circumstance line up hours earlier outside the stadium.

There are no tickets, and admission to the show, as always, is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hilo Hula Powerhouse to Continue Tradition of Merrie Monarch Hoike Night Performance

Continuing a tradition started in 1997, Hilo hula powerhouse Halau O Kekuhi will perform, under the direction of kumu hula Nalani Kanaka‘ole, daughter of Edith Kanaka‘ole.

“This year, we are doing a short set. However, it is an homage to Hi‘iakaikapoliopele as she comes into godhood here at Kilauea,” Kanaka‘ole said. “The mele that honor her personally are called kau, which characteristically is an accounting of her powers and limitations.

“Being born an egg, she had charge of all embryonic growth in the life cycle for the Pele family. All of the ritual mele in hula point to her being a seer and a prophet but still connected to the forest like the other hula goddesses Laka and Kapo. The actual veneration of these three gods are important to the well-being of our forest’s growth. It is the prime reason why we dance to offer hookupu or to give a gift of growth.”

Tahitian Dance Group to Grace the Merrie Monarch Stage

Nonosina Polynesian Dance Studio of Anaheim, Calif., also will perform. Its director, Tiana Nonosina Liufau, is bringing a contingent of 66 dancers and musicians, including keiki, teens and adults, male and female. The troupe, founded in 1965 by Liufau’s grandmother, Estella Reid, performed at the 2012 Ho‘ike, dedicating its performance to award-winning kumu hula O’Brien Eselu, who died just before the Merrie Monarch that year.

“My grandma and him were really, really close,” Liufau said. “We’re extremely humbled that Aunty (Luana Kawelu, Merrie Monarch president) reached out to us to see if we wanted to come back again. Even though we’re predominately a Tahitian dance group, we’re well aware of how prestigious Merrie Monarch is. It’s the biggest competition festival in all Polynesia, so we’re really humbled and excited to come and share before it gets started with Miss Aloha Hula.”

Liufau said in Nonosina’s 2012 performance, “The whole cast could feel the energy, the mana.”

“Our dancers are well-versed in the history of the Merrie Monarch,” she explained. “My partner was actually Miss Aloha Hula in 2010 (Mahealani Mika Hirao-Solem of Hula Halau ‘O Kamuela). They knew exactly what the Merrie Monarch was and how it was started and its purpose. They were just so humbled and honored to be there on that stage. To step on that stage Ho‘ike night, a lot of them were humbled to tears. So, we can really feel that mana on that stage — a different kind of mana that we’ve felt before.”

Liufau said her company’s performance this year will be a nod to last year’s 50th anniversary of Nonosina.

“I wanted to highlight ‘the best of Nonosina’ throughout the past years, signature pieces that when people who know Nonosina think about us, they’ll be familiar with those pieces,” she said. “We have our own style of dance, of course, but music, as well, because we’ve produced a lot of music. And I’ll be ending it with a new piece that we’ve been working on this year.”

Taiwanese Dancers Will Bring Styles Similar to Auana and Kahiko Hula

Performing for the first time are the nonprofit Hawaiian Cultural Center Taiwan and Hula Halau O Lehua Taiwan, under the direction of Ann Fan, a student of kumu hula Nani Lim Yap.

Fan, cultural adviser to the state of Hawaii office in Taipei, said Halau O Lehua is the first hula school in a Chinese community, adding the group’s contingent will include 50 people, mostly of high school age, who will fly 18 hours to come to Merrie Monarch.

“These students, they are like a seed,” she said. “We have to plant the seed, so education is important. We are coming to exchange our cultures. All these young people will see what they see and open their eyes. What they gain will be valuable.”

Fan described the group’s theme as “Light of Taiwan — Call of the Island: He Heahea Mai Ka Moku O Taiwan.”

“We think the Merrie Monarch is like an Olympic stage,” Fan said. “Our group, we want to share what we’ve learned and what we know, and we believe the Taiwan aboriginal culture is connected to the culture of all the Polynesian Islands. Therefore, we come to the Hawaiian Islands to look for our separated ancestors, relatives and friends.”

Fan said her group will highlight the past using traditional Chinese dance that she described as “graceful and elegant, the shadow of Hawaiian ‘auana dance;” the present, with indigenous Taiwanese (aboriginal) dance that she described as “powerful and spiritual, the shadow of Hawaiian kahiko dance;” and the future, with hula.

Fan’s passion for Hawaiian culture, music and dance led her in 2014 to publish a book in Chinese titled “The Hula Treasures of Hawaii.”

Maori Dancers Bring Will BringTribal Stories

Maori performing arts from Aotearoa (New Zealand) also have proven to be a popular draw at Merrie Monarch. This year, the 2015 Te Matatini national champion kapa haka group Te Kapa Haka O Te Whanau A Apanui will perform, following last year’s showstopping performance by Maori troupe Te Waka Huia.

Under the direction of Rikirangi Gane, Hone Wharepapa, Tamati Waaka and Puao Whauwhau, the group’s website describes the troupe as “a tribal-centred, Maori performing arts group situated on the East Coast of the North Island of Aotearoa/New Zealand, within the tribal boundaries of Te Whanau, featuring songs and chants that ‘draw on tribal stories, heroes and customs for inspiration and hold us in good stead moving forward into the future.’”

Te Kapa Haka O Te Whanau A Apanui also will perform in Sunday’s Ho‘olaule‘a at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com

For more information about the Merrie Monarch Festival, visit www.hawaii.com/merrie-monarch.

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King David Kalākaua, who reigned over the Hawaiian kingdom from 1874 until his death in 1891, is best known as the “Merrie Monarch.” This name was inspired by the king’s love of music, parties and fine food and drinks, but he is remembered most for being the king who brought pride back to the Hawaiian people.

During his reign, King Kalākaua successfully restored Hawaiian cultural practices and traditions that were suppressed for decades, replaced instead with Christian missionary teachings. There was a time when dancing hula was forbidden.

Hula is the Language of the Heart

Photo: Dennis Oda.

King Kalākaua, however, was a fan of the arts and a proponent of Hawaiian mythology, chant and hula. He once said, “Hula is the language of the heart, therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people.” Those words still resonate with the Hawaiian people today, and the annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, Hawai‘i was created in his honor.

Hula’s place in Hawaiian history is about much more than mere lūʻau entertainment. Hula was how the stories of the Hawaiian people were expressed and remembered in absence of a formal written language. It was how history and religion were carried from one generation to the next.

A Sense of Pride for the Hawaiian People

Iolani Palace. Photograph by Joseph Philipson.

When King Kalākaua revived hula and other Hawaiian traditions, he brought a sense of pride back to the Hawaiian people. There were also many other aspects of the culture that thrived under his leadership.

He wrote “Hawai‘i Pono‘ī,” an anthem of the kingdom of Hawai‘i, and the Hawai‘i State song today. He also oversaw construction of ‘Iolani Palace, which still stands in Honolulu as a symbol of Hawai‘i’s independence during his reign.

Hawaii’s Last Reigning King

King Kalakaua was the last reigning King of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Show here is a photo of His Majesty King Kalakaua, his ring, and pieces of jewelry belonging to his wife, Queen Kapiolani, including her diamond broach, compact, and diamond butterfly pin with wings that will flutter gently when moved. (Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB)/Linda Ching)

King Kalākaua was a world traveler as well, and was the first reigning monarch to ever visit the United States. He was married to Queen Kapi‘olani but had no children. So after his death, he was succeed by his sister, Liliu‘okalani. King David Kalākaua was the last reigning king of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i.

For more information about the Merrie Monarch Festival, visit www.hawaii.com/merrie-monarch.

The post King Kalakaua, the “Merrie Monarch” appeared first on Hawaii.com.

The kane from Na Kamalei (Kumu Hula Robert Uluwehi Cazimero; Honolulu, Oahu) dance during the AUANA portion of the Merrie Monarch Festival competition. PHOTO BY DENNIS ODA. APRIL 10, 2015.

Kumu Robert Cazimero’s Halau Na Kamalei o Lililehua made a triumphant return to the 52nd Merrie Monarch Festival (2015), winning the overall title Saturday night 10 years after the Hono­lulu troupe last competed and won.

Cazimero’s halau enters the hula festival only once every decade. It captured the overall title in 2005 while sweeping the kahiko (ancient-style) and auana (modern-style) competitions in the kane division.

In 2015, Halau Na Kamalei o Lililehua, which has young as well as seasoned dancers, again wowed Merrie Monarch judges over two nights at the Edith Kanaka­‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium, earning the Loka­lia Montgomery Perpetual Trophy.

The halau was also clearly a crowd favorite as it performed “Ka ‘Aha Kilu Le‘ale‘a i Ka‘akopua” for its kahiko number, telling the story of festive games in Nuu­anu and a sailing trip to Haena, Kauai. His men sang in harmony and displayed skill and precision in creating various formations onstage.

The kane from Na Kamalei (Kumu Hula Robert Uluwehi Cazimero; Honolulu, Oahu) dance during the AUANA portion of the Merrie Monarch Festival competition. PHOTO BY DENNIS ODA. APRIL 10, 2015.

For auana the men, decked in plumeria lei over aloha shirts, performed “Le‘ahi,” a tribute to Diamond Head that was first published in 1895 in “Buke Mele Lahui” (“Book of National Songs”) as “Dai­mana Hila” before it evolved to the popular song it’s known as today. The dancers smiled broadly, singing along with Cazimero and obviously enjoying the hula.

Cazimero Honors the Late Maiki Aiu Lake

Kumu Hula Robert Uluwehi Cazimero giving the two thumbs up walking toward the stage after it was announced he had won the Kane Overall. He was the Overall Winner also. Joining him walking to the stage to accept the award is Alvin Hanzawa who is at the top age limit to compete so this is the last time for him. PHOTO BY DENNIS ODA. APRIL 10, 2015.

Cazimero was already one of Hawaii’s best-known Hawaiian musical entertainers when he was persuaded by hula master Maiki Aiu Lake to start an all-male halau in 1975, a time when most men didn’t dance hula for fear of being perceived as effeminate.

His halau won the kane (male) competition at Merrie Monarch the following year, the first time men had their own division.

When his halau was declared the Merrie Monarch’s overall winner Saturday, he said his thoughts immediately turned to the late “Auntie Maiki,” who died in 1984.

“We lived through the teachings of a great woman, Maiki Aiu Lake. She’s responsible for me being here today,” said Cazimero.

2015 Merrie Monarch Re-Cap

Twenty-eight groups — 10 kane and 18 wahine — brought the best of hula to the famed stage Friday and Saturday nights, following Thursday night’s Miss Aloha Hula event.

Besides two groups from Cali­for­nia and 16 from Oahu, there were halau from Hawaii island, Kauai, Maui and Molo­kai.

Merrie Monarch Festival 2015 Results

The kane from Ka Leo O Laka I Ka Hikina O Ka La (Kumu Hula Kaleo Trinidad; Honolulu, Oahu) dance during the Kahiko portion of the Merrie Monarch Festival competition. PHOTO BY DENNIS ODA. APRIL 10, 2015.

Listed are halau, location, kumu, score:

OVERALL WINNER

» Halau Na Kamalei o Lililehua; Honolulu; Robert Uluwehi Cazimero; 1,210

WAHINE

Kahiko
» Hula Halau ‘o Kamuela; Kalihi, Waimanalo; Kau’ionalani Kamana’o and Kunewa Mook; 603
» Halau Na Lei Kaumaka o Uka; Kula, Maui; Napua Greig; 596
» Ka La ‘Onohi Mai o Ha’eha’e; Puahuula, Koolaupoko, Oahu; Tracie and Keawe Lopes; 589
» Halau Na Mamo o Pu’uanahulu; Kapahulu; Sonny Ching and Lopaka Igarta-De Vera; 587 (816 tiebreaker score)
» Halau Ka Liko Pua o Kalaniakea; Kaneohe; Kapua Dalire-Moe; 587 (815)

Auana
» Halau Hula Ka Lehua Tuahine; Manoa; Ka’ilihiwa Vaughan-Darval; 600
» Halau Na Lei Kaumaka o Uka; 591
» Halau Na Mamo o Pu’uanahulu; 590
» Hula Halau ‘o Kamuela; 589
» Ka La ‘Onohi Mai o Ha’eha’e; 588

Overall
» Hula Halau ‘o Kamuela; 1,192
» Halau Na Lei Kaumaka o Uka; 1,187
» Halau Hula Ka Lehua Tuahine; 1,179

KANE

Kahiko
» Ka Leo o Laka i ka Hikina o ka La; Honolulu; Kaleo Trinidad; 600 (841 tiebreaker score)
» Halau Na Kamalei o Lililehua; 600 (832)
» Halau Hula ‘o Kahikilaulani; Hilo; Nahokuokalani Gaspang; 599 (838)
» Kawaili’ula; Kailua, Manoa; Chinky Mahoe; 599 (838)
» Halau Na Mamo o Pu’uanahulu; 594

Auana
» Halau Na Kamalei o Lililehua; 610
» Halau Hula ‘o Kahikilaulani; 602
» Ka Leo o Laka i ka Hikina o ka La; 601
» Halau Na Mamo o Pu’uanahulu; 597

Overall
» Halau Na Kamalei o Lililehua; 1,210
» Halau Hula ‘o Kahikilaulani; 1,201 (1,680 tiebreaker score)
» Ka Leo o Laka i ka Hikina o ka La, Kaleo Trinidad, 1,201 (1,677)

Miss Aloha Hula
» Jasmine Kaleihiwa Dunlap, Hula Halau ‘o Kamuela

*Courtesy Nina Wu, Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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Once a year, the normally quiet town of Hilo becomes a hub of activity. Hotels are at capacity and restaurants are overflowing as thousands come from around the world to celebrate the Hawaiian culture and the art of hula at the Merrie Monarch Festival.

Originally started in 1963, The Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long cultural event created in honor of King David Kalakaua, otherwise known as the “Merrie Monarch,” revered for his role in reviving hula and other Hawaiian arts.

The week of the Merrie Monarch Festival is filled with craft fairs, free music and hula performances, art exhibits, cultural demonstrations, a parade, a hō‘ike (show) and more.

Each year, the festival starts on Easter Sunday with a ho‘olaule‘a (celebration) at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium where local halau hula perform all day, free to the public.

Artists at the invitational craft fair display their hand-painted silk material.

The Merrie Monarch Festival also includes the official Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair starting mid-week, where the best Hawaiian crafters from around the state showcase everything from traditional arts such as bone carvings, lauhala hats, and feather leis to contemporary island-style jewelry, clothing and ‘ono (delicious) snacks.

The festival culminates in three nights of hula competition where the best halau hula from around the world vie for top honors in hula kahiko (ancient) dance, and hula ‘auana (modern) dance, and young ladies also compete for the coveted title of Miss Aloha Hula.

Though only a few thousand people are able to see the competition live in Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium each year (available public tickets are sold only by writing in to the festival and postmarking on Dec. 26), many still come to Hilo for the numerous other exciting festival events only seen once a year in Hilo town.

The reach of the Merrie Monarch Festival is worldwide. It is broadcast live throughout the state and also via live web stream, and is seen in more than 120 countries worldwide.

The festival celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2013. Current festival president Luana Kawelu carries on in the footsteps of her mother, the late Aunty Dottie Thompson, who was the festival’s executive director for decades. Kawelu and hundreds of other community members volunteer their time and talents each year to make sure the Merrie Monarch Festival continues to thrive and grow in its mission to preserve and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and the art of hula.

From left: Mamo Righter (Dennis Oda/StarAdvertiser), Male kahiko dancer (Big Island Visitors and Convention Bureau BIVB)/Lehua Waipa AhNee), Former Miss Aloha Hula Mahealani Mika Hirao-Solem (Big Island Visitors and Convention Bureau BIVB)/Lehua Waipa AhNee).

The post An Overview of the Merrie Monarch Festival appeared first on Hawaii.com.

Many halau paid homage to King David Kalakaua, fitting for the commemoration of the festival’s 50th year.

Keolalaulani Halau Olapa O Laka (kumu Aloha Dalire; He’eia, Kaneohe, Oahu) dances during the Kahiko portion of the Merrie Monarch Festival competition. The halau won first place in the Wahine Auana division.

Overall Winner
>> Kawaili’ula, Chinky Mahoe, Kailua, Oahu 1155

Wahine Kahiko
>> Halau Mohala ‘Ilima, kumu Mapuana de Silva, Kailua, Oahu 570
>> Hula Halau ‘O Kamuela, Kau‘ionalani Kamana’o and Kunewa Mook, Kalihi & Waimanalo, Oahu 568 (tie breaker 795)
>> Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina‘ala, Kumu Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin
Kalaheo, Kaua’i 568 (tie breaker 786)
>> Ka La ‘Onohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e, Tracie and Keawe Lopes, Kahauiki, Oahu 565
>> Halau Hula Olana, Kumu Olana and Howard Ai, Pu‘uloa, Oahu 554

Wahine Auana
>> Keolalaulani Halau ‘Olapa O Laka, Aloha Dalire, Heeia, Oahu and Hilo, Hawaii 585
>> Hula Halau ‘O Kamuela, Kau‘ionalani Kamana‘o and Kunewa Mook, Kalihi & Waimanalo, Hawaii 583
>> Halau Mohala ‘Ilima, kumu Mapuana de Silva, Kailua, Oahu 582
>> Ka La ‘Onohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e, Tracie and Keawe Lopes, Kahauiki, Oahu 577
>> Halau Hula ‘O Kahikilaulani, Nahokuokalani Gaspang, Hilo, Hawaii 572

Wahine Overall
>> Halau Mohala ‘Ilima, kumu Mapuana de Silva, Kailua, Oahu 1152
>> Hula Halau ‘O Kamuela, Kau‘ionalani Kamana‘o and Kunewa Mook, Kalihi & Waimanalo, Oahu 1151
>> Ka La ‘Onohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e, Tracie and Keawe Lopes, Kahauiki, Oahu 1142

Kane Kahiko
>>Kawaili‘ula, Chinky M‘hoe, Kailua, Oahu 566
>>Halau Kekuaokala‘au‘ala‘iliahi, Kumu ‘Iliahi and Haunani Paredes, Wailuku, Maui 565 (tiebreaker 789)
>>Ke Kai O Kahiki, La‘akea Perry, Waianae, Oahu 565 (tiebreaker 787)
>>Halau Hula ‘O Kahikilaulani, Nahokuokalani Gaspang, Hilo, Hawaii 562

Kane Auana
>> Kawaili‘ula, Chinky M‘hoe, Kailua, Oahu 589
>> Halau I Ka Wekiu, Karl Veto Baker and Michael Casupang, Pauoa, Oahu 586
>> Halau Hula ‘O Kahikilaulani, Nahokuokalani Gaspang, Hilo, Hawaii 579
>> Halau Kekuaokala‘au‘ala‘iliahi, Kumu ‘Iliahi and Haunani Paredes, Wailuku, Maui 570

Kane Overall
>> Kawaili‘ula, Chinky M‘hoe, Kailua, Oahu 1155
>> Halau I Ka Wekiu, Karl Veto Baker and Michael Casupang, Pauoa, Oahu 1145
>> Halau Hula ‘O Kahikilaulani, Nahokuokalani Gaspang, Hilo, Hawaii 1141

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]]> https://www.hawaii.com/merrie-monarch-festival-history/ Tue, 02 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000 /2013/04/02/the-history-of-the-merrie-monarch/ The Merrie Monarch Festival honors King David Laʻamea Kalakaua, Hawaii’s last king, who reigned from 1874 to 1891. Kalakaua, nicknamed the “Merrie Monarch,” is credited with reviving Hawaiian cultural practices and arts that had been suppressed for many years by missionary teachings. During his reign, more than 300 ancient hulas were recovered, and Kalakaua supported...

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The wahine of Keolalaulani Halau ‘Olapa O Laka dance during the auana portion of the Merrie Monarch Festival competition. (Kumu Aloha Dalire; He’eia, O’ahu). Photo: Dennis Oda.

The Merrie Monarch Festival honors King David Laʻamea Kalakaua, Hawaii’s last king, who reigned from 1874 to 1891. Kalakaua, nicknamed the “Merrie Monarch,” is credited with reviving Hawaiian cultural practices and arts that had been suppressed for many years by missionary teachings.

During his reign, more than 300 ancient hulas were recovered, and Kalakaua supported the public performance of hula and advocated for a renewed sense of pride in everything Hawaiian — from medicine to chant and dance.

Because ancient Hawaiians had no written language, Hawaiian genealogy, religion, culture and history were passed down through the generations through hula and chant. It was also a way to acknowledge every feature of the natural world, from birds, trees and flowers to mountains, rivers, wind and rain.

King David Kalakaua, for Whom the Annual Merrie Monarch Festival is Named

Kalakaua himself was a talented musician, composer and creator of hula.

An avid traveler, he made history as the first Hawaiian monarch to visit the United States and the first monarch of any nation to circumnavigate the globe.

He loved luxury, grandeur and having a great time, earning him the nickname of the Merrie Monarch.

On his 50th birthday, Kalakaua celebrated with a Silver Jubilee, a two-week celebration of Hawaiian culture on the grounds of Iolani Palace, which he had built. Besides hula and chant, there was a parade through downtown Honolulu.

One of the gifts he received for his birthday was “Na Mele Aimoku,” a collection of 48 chants in his honor. Today, those mele remain a great source of knowledge.

The Merrie Monarch Festival aims to continue what Kalakaua started with its weeklong festival of music, crafts, art and hula, bringing back the spirit of the king’s Silver Jubilee.

Today, the festival continues to honor the king by selecting a “mo’i kane” (king) and “mo’i wahine” (queen) every year to portray the royal court, which presides over the competition. A large portrait of Kalakaua hangs in the hula venue during the event, and this year, the festival committee brought back the King Kalakaua beard look-alike contest, part of the fun in the celebration’s early years.

The king’s words are emblazoned on every Merrie Monarch Festival program and this year’s commemorative T-shirt: “Hula is the language of the heart and therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people.”

Read more about the Merrie Monarch Festival.

Merrie Monarch Festival Through the Years

» 1963
Festival was founded by Helene Hale, pictured at right, as a way to boost the economy in Hilo.

» 1964
Inaugural festival lasted four days and featured the King Kalakaua beard contest, barbershop quartet contest, and entertainment at the “Grogge Shoppe.”

» 1968
Dottie Thompson volunteered to be chairwoman of the Merrie Monarch Festival, bringing George Na’ope in to handle the court and pageantry and Albert Nahale’a to handle music.

» 1971
First hula competition took place at the Hilo Civic Auditorium, a one-night event. Jack Lord of the original “Hawaii Five-O” served as parade marshall, Hilo Hattie was honored.

» 1976
The kane (men’s) division was added. Robert Cazimero’s Halau Na Kamalei was the first kane to place at Merrie Monarch.

» 1979
Due to the popularity of the hula competition, the event was moved to the Tennis Stadium (then known as Ho’olulu Tennis Stadium)

» 1980
Waimapuna and Na Wai Eha ‘O Puna tied for overall kane division title; Hau’oli Hula Studio & Johnny Lum Ho Hula Studio tied for wahine division trophy.

» 1981
Live television coverage of Merrie Monarch began on KITV.

» 1988
The 25th annual Merrie Monarch Festival paid tribute to kumu hula Darrell Lupenui, founder of Waimapuna, who died in 1987.

» 1995
The Wednesday Night Extravaganza was renamed the Wednesday Night Hoike at Edith Kanaka’ole Tennis Stadium.

» 2005
Robert Cazimero’s all-male Halau Na Kamalei swept kane and overall title.

» 2009
Thompson and Na’ope, co-founders of the Merrie Monarch as it is known today, get a standing ovation at what would be their last appearance at the festival. Na’ope died in Hilo in October 2009. He was 81.

» 2010
Thompson died March 19, 2010. She was 88. Kumu hula Rae Fonseca died less than 24 hours after Thompson. He was 56. TV coverage moved to KFVE.

» 2013
The 50th Merrie Monarch Festival pays tribute to many of the original winners from the early 1970s, who will appear at the Hoike Wednesday night.

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