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Merrie Monarch Festival Headlines

Merrie Monarch Festival

Merrie Monarch in the 1980s.

WATCH: Two respected kumu reflect on how Merrie Monarch changed hula

Updated: Apr. 22, 2023 at 2:50 PM HST
|
By Dillon Ancheta
Over the last 60 years, hula has changed — greatly thanks to the Merrie Monarch Festival.

News

Merrie Monarch Archives

Two respected kumu hula weigh in on how Merrie Monarch changed hula

Updated: Apr. 22, 2023 at 2:49 PM HST
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Over the last 60 years, hula has changed — greatly in thanks to the Merrie Monarch Festival.

Merrie Monarch Festival

Merrie Monarch Miss Aloha Hula

‘There’s no do-overs’: Here’s what it takes to win prestigious Miss Aloha Hula title

Updated: Apr. 17, 2023 at 10:21 AM HST
|
By Lacy Deniz
Running for the coveted title of Miss Aloha Hula is not for the faint of heart.

News

Agnes Renee Leihiwahiwaikapolionāmakua Thronas Brown - Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe - Tracie &...

Meet Miss Aloha Hula 2023: Agnes Renee Leihiwahiwaikapolionāmakua Brown

Updated: Apr. 17, 2023 at 10:20 AM HST
|
By Lacy Deniz
Brown was among 12 contestants vying for the prestigious title on Thursday night in Hilo.

News

Ka Lā ‘Ōnohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Oahu halau clinches top honors at Merrie Monarch Festival. Relive all their 2023 performances here

Updated: Apr. 16, 2023 at 4:50 PM HST
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By HNN Staff
The win was the culmination of stunning hula performances in the kahiko and ‘auana competitions.

Merrie Monarch Festival

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

PHOTOS: Hula 'Auana Competition 2023

Updated: Apr. 16, 2023 at 12:35 AM HST
Halau compete on Hula 'Auana Night of the Merrie Monarch Festival.

Merrie Monarch Festival

Merrie Monarch Royal Parade 2023

PHOTOS: Merrie Monarch Royal Parade wows crowds and showcases local talent in Hilo

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 5:17 PM HST
|
By Dillon Ancheta
Excited keiki and kupuna lined the roadways as families came out to watch the parade.

Local Headlines

Hula Hālau ʻO Kamuela - Wahine (2023 Hula Kahiko)

You can watch the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hawaiian. Here’s how

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 4:47 PM HST
|
By HNN Staff
Get ready for the biggest hula competition on Earth!

News

Kawaili’ulā (Kāne) - Chinky Māhoe - Photo by Bruce Omori

TONIGHT: Final night of the Merrie Monarch Festival features Hula ‘Auana competition

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 4:41 PM HST
|
By HNN Staff
Get ready for the biggest hula competition on Earth!

Merrie Monarch Festival/

Merrie Monarch Royal Parade 2023

2023 Merrie Monarch Royal Parade

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 3:26 PM HST
Excited keiki and kupuna lined the roadways as families came out to watch the parade.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM HST
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.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua - Kāne (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua - Kāne (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM HST
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!!!

Merrie Monarch Videos

60th Merrie Monarch Festival Hula ʻAuana

60th Merrie Monarch Festival Final Awards

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM HST
60th Merrie Monarch Festival Hula ʻAuana

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau Mōhala ʻIlima - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau Mōhala ʻIlima - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM HST
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.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau o ka Hanu Lehua - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau o ka Hanu Lehua - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM HST
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.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau Kiawekūpono O Ka Ua - Kāne (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau Kiawekūpono O Ka Ua - Kāne (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM HST
“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.”

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau Keolakapuokalani - Kāne (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau Keolakapuokalani - Kāne (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM HST
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.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Keʻala ʻO Kamailelauliʻiliʻi - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Keʻala ʻO Kamailelauliʻiliʻi - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM HST
“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.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Keolalaulani Hālau ʻŌlapa O Laka - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Keolalaulani Hālau ʻŌlapa O Laka - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM HST
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.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau Hula ʻO Kahikilaulani - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau Hula ʻO Kahikilaulani - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM HST
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.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Ka Lā ‘Ōnohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e - Kāne (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Ka Lā ‘Ōnohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e - Kāne (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM HST
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.”

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM HST
Kumu Hula Nāpua Greig pays tribute to her kumu, Uncle Johnny Lum Ho. This mele recalls the many uses that are derived from the hala tree. The fruit of the tree can be made into a fragrant lei and the lauhala (hala leaves) are woven into beautiful hats, mats, fans and other treasured items.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaehu - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaehu - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM HST
This mele was composed by Hiapokeikikāne K. Perreira after listening to the many stories that Kumu Hula Johnny Lum Ho shared with him. The mele is also affectionately known as “He Mele No UJ.” The song recalls Kumu Johnny’s ʻāina hānau, Kapaʻahu, his upbringing in Keaukaha, his love for Hilo and his unwavering faith in ke Akua.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniākea - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniākea - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM HST
In 1916, Vicki Iʻi Rodrigues’s grandmother, Katie Stevens Iʻi, composed this timeless mele. The mākāhala blossom is compared to a lover. “Come, let us pass the time away, in a close relationship.” Though there are many flowers, there is only one mākāhala that surpasses all and becomes my special someone.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau Nā Mamo O Puʻuanahulu - Kāne (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau Nā Mamo O Puʻuanahulu - Kāne (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM HST
It was always enjoyable watching Kawai Cockett and his mother “Mama Mahuiki” sing and gesture to “Nā ʻOno O Ka ʻĀina,” a lively song filled with kaona. The different ways of preparing the many types of fish are recalled, along with the kaʻukama kai, the sea cucumber. “Pāpaʻi Hula” documents the ways of catching and preparing delicious crabs found on Kalaʻau, Molokaʻi.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM HST
First published in 1917, this renowned Kauaʻi classic is credited to prolific composer Charles E. King. The melody is so well-loved that listeners can’t help but reminisce and often feel inspired to get up and hula. The lyrics suggest a romantic encounter on a swinging bridge in Hanalei Valley on a moonlit night.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau Hula Kauluokalā - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau Hula Kauluokalā - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM HST
“Lei Lokelani” was composed in 1922 by Charles E. King while traveling aboard the SS Maui. This mele was dedicated to “Girlie” Hart (Robinson) who later became a Republican senator from Oʻahu in the Hawaiʻi Territorial Legislature. The beauty of the hālau’s homeland, Maui, along with the lovely lokelani blossoms are extolled in these lyrics.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Ka Leo O Laka I Ka Hikina O Ka Lā - Kāne (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Ka Leo O Laka I Ka Hikina O Ka Lā - Kāne (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM HST
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.”

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau Lilia Makanoe - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau Lilia Makanoe - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM HST
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.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Ka Lā ‘Ōnohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Ka Lā ‘Ōnohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e - Wahine (2023 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 15, 2023 at 2:24 PM HST
Composed by renowned musician Bina Mossman, this mele honors a loved one who is likened to the special lei adorning her shoulders. The sweet fragrance of the lei embraces both lovers tightly. The memory of this beloved lei shall forever be cherished. “My story is for you my beloved lei – With me you shall forever be!”
This mele inoa for Kamehameha I pays tribute to Paka‘alana, Chief Līloaʻs ancient temple in...
WATCH: Performances from Kahiko night at the Merrie Monarch Festival
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