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Over the last 60 years, hula has changed — greatly thanks to the Merrie Monarch Festival.
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Over the last 60 years, hula has changed — greatly in thanks to the Merrie Monarch Festival.
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Running for the coveted title of Miss Aloha Hula is not for the faint of heart.
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Brown was among 12 contestants vying for the prestigious title on Thursday night in Hilo.
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The win was the culmination of stunning hula performances in the kahiko and ‘auana competitions.
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Halau compete on Hula 'Auana Night of the Merrie Monarch Festival.
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Excited keiki and kupuna lined the roadways as families came out to watch the parade.
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Get ready for the biggest hula competition on Earth!
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Get ready for the biggest hula competition on Earth!
Excited keiki and kupuna lined the roadways as families came out to watch the parade.
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This is a mele composed for the founders, guardians, and caretakers of Ulupō Nui. The name was given by Kailua’s current generation of poʻe aloha ʻāina to the newly restored lands that extend from Ulupō heiau to the banks of the once-and-future fishpond of Kawainui.
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Court dancer Emalia Kaihumua spent time away from Hawaiʻi while entertaining on the mainland. She deeply missed the peacefulness and beauty of the Islands. The pinching cold and fog abroad are
compared to a lover; however, as her only source of warmth was a fireplace, she is urged to return home.
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“Holoholo Wes’side” celebrates the landmarks along the Waiʻanae coast from Kalaeloa to Kaʻena. “Ka ʻIlima” is a tribute to Nettie Tiffany who resides at Lanikūhonua, ʻEwa, Oʻahu. “Kamokila” was
written for Kamokilakawai Campbell who named Lanikūhonua, the breathtaking place, where “... heaven touches the earth.”
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This is a kolohe or playful song that uses the ʻiʻiwi bird to seek out the best nectar of the lehua flowers, but he is unable to dally too long in one place. There is also a fisherman, who seeks the “kole maka onaona,” that “sweet-eyed fish” that got away.
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Interisland steamship travel was depended upon for transporting passengers and cargo to ports on neighbor islands. In 1879, Wilder Steamship Company added the Lehua to its fleet. This mele describes Maui’s notable places seen from her deck–the windward cliffs, Keʻanae and the bays of Piʻilani.
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Composed by Hula Master Johnny Lum Ho, this mele describes how the talented paniolo of Waimea skillfully mount wild bulls and ride bucking broncos until they break. Waimea cowboys show you how to lasso and tie the pipi keiki in record time. Hang onto your saddles as we take you to the rodeo of Waimea. UIHA!!!
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This is a composition by “Hawaiʻi’s Song Bird” Lena Machado. She penned this mele sometime in the 1930s, and it was originally recorded with Dick McIntire’s Harmony Hawaiians under the title “Hoʻoipo Hula.” The puana of the mele states “You and I are in the beauties of the Koʻolau, in the adorning of the Pōʻaihale rain.”
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The characteristic features of Koʻolaupoko on the island of Oʻahu are beautifully described in this 1930s mele. The song commemorates the arrival of electricity in Kāneʻohe, the installation of the
telegraph wire and the broken beds of coral at Heʻeia. There is a hint of a delightful love affair.
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“He Mele No Waimea” showcases different places of note in and around Waimea, Kauaʻi. “Nohili Ē draws from nature to express the beauty of love. “(This feeling) is unfamiliar to me, this love that is
happening.” The hālau’s entire performance tonight honors the island of Kauaʻi.
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Hula master Antone Kaʻōʻō, was called upon suddenly to perform for Queen Liliʻuokalani. He recalled an older mele entitled “He Inoa No Kīnaʻu” for inspiration. Kaʻōʻō renamed his version “Liliʻu Ē” and rededicated it to Liliʻuokalani. Often done as a hula kahiko, the wāhine instead choose to revisit this classic as a hula ʻauana.
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Taupōuri Tangarō honors the ʻohana Pai in this composition. He commemorates their long struggles with the Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park as they faced eviction from the land on which they resided since the 1700s. Taupōuri witnessed cultural protocols and felt their aloha.
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Hilo has been the home of the Merrie Monarch Festival for 60 years. Three mele in tonight’s performance showcase all of Hilo’s best and most memorable traits. Composers John Piʻilani Watkins,
Kehau Tamure and Lena Machado put into lyrics and melody their love and appreciation for this fair harbor city.
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The musical talents and skills of Prince William Pitt Leleiohoku II are recognized and honored in his “Adios Ke Aloha.” This mele describes an unreciprocated love wherein he poses the question, “Āhea
ʻoe e hoʻolono mai? When will you hear my gentle plea?”
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Papakōlea is known for its residential Hawaiian community that is clearly visible above Makiki. In addition to describing its physical landmarks and characteristics, the mele also suggests a lasting bond between lovers. The magnolia flower symbolizes a teasing sweetheart who inspired this mele.
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The late Kumu Hula Sam Naeʻole composed this mele for the Waimānalo community. The Makapuʻu cliffs, the whispering seas and surrounding mountains add to the beauty and enjoyment of residents. Famous indeed is Waimānalo for its families placed on Hawaiian homesteads–full of love and happiness.
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Hawaiʻi Island has three mountains of note: Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Hualālai. In this mele, Mauna Kea stands majestically, Mauna Loa holds the sacred woman Pele in its bosom and Hualālai is so
beautiful in the calm. Yes, “Hawaiʻi Nō E Ka ʻOi. Hawaiʻi indeed is the best.”
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Two prolific composers, Aunty Alice Namakelua and Lena Machado are honored in this kolohe presentation. Aunty Alice’s song “ʻAʻole Lā” teases a sweetheart, while Lena Machado’s “Kauoha Mai”
in the kaʻi and hoʻi reveals what takes place behind locked doors.
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Waipiʻo Valley on the island of Hawaiʻi is storied as the home of an ancient line of chiefs. It is recognized today for the acres of wetland taro cultivated by generations of farmers in the valley. In
tribute to Waipiʻo, Kainani Kahaunaele composed this mele with aloha for the quiet beauty and majesty of this place.
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In this playful mele, the message is not to quickly judge what you see and hear because there might be another interpretation. This song composed by Kekuhi Kanahele is filled with kaona, double meanings, and it will surely bring a smile to those who understand. The dancers will exit the stage with Aunty Edith Kanakaʻole’s beloved mele “Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai.”