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Merrie Monarch Festival Headlines

News

Dedicated hula fans have lined up in Hilo for Merrie Monarch Festival's Ho'ike night

Scores line up overnight for Merrie Monarch Hoike tickets

Updated: Feb. 26, 2023 at 11:01 PM HST
|
By Caelan Hughes
Tickets are $5 each cash only, with a maximum of two for each buyer

News

2022: Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leināʻala - Photo by Bruce Omori

Here’s who will compete at Merrie Monarch 2023 (and who will pick the winners)

Updated: Feb. 23, 2023 at 3:15 PM HST
|
By Dillon Ancheta
The list of judges and participants has been announced.

Merrie Monarch Festival

Hālau Keolakapuokalani - Kāne (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Next year at Merrie Monarch, what’s old will be new again

Updated: Nov. 18, 2022 at 5:08 PM HST
|
By Keahi Tucker
As Merrie Monarch prepares to shake off all pandemic restrictions, Festival President Luana Kawelu is filled with gratitude.

News

Hālau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniākea - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Merrie Monarch Festival tickets will soon go on sale. Here’s how you can snag yours

Updated: Nov. 17, 2022 at 4:37 PM HST
|
By Keahi Tucker
Tickets will go on sale Dec. 1 ― old school style.

Merrie Monarch Festival

Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina'ala

Merrie Monarch Extra: Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina'ala sweeps awards at Merrie Monarch 2022

Updated: Apr. 26, 2022 at 4:09 PM HST
|
We spoke with Kumu Hula Leina'ala Pavao Jardin and her 'olapa minutes after their historic win at Merrie Monarch 2022.

Merrie Monarch Festival

Designer and Kumu Hula Kamohoalii

Merrie Monarch Extra: Kumu Hula and local fashion designer Micah Kamohoali'i joins us to talk Kahiko

Updated: Apr. 26, 2022 at 3:29 PM HST
|
Kumu Micah Kamohoali'i shares how he trains his 'olapa in the art of Kahiko. He also explained where he draws inspiration from for his successful fashion line.

Merrie Monarch Festival

Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina'ala

Merrie Monarch Extra: Preparing for kahiko, a Kaua'i halau shared insight on their performances

Updated: Apr. 26, 2022 at 2:43 PM HST
|
Kumu Hula Leina'ala Pavao Jardin shared mana'o on their mele and their journey to Merrie Monarch over the years.

Merrie Monarch Festival

Ho'ike Night 2022

Merrie Monarch Extra: Ho'ike night kicked off Merrie Monarch to the elation of excited hula lovers

Updated: Apr. 26, 2022 at 2:07 PM HST
|
This year, Ho'ike night was the only night at the stadium open for the public to attend. Tickets went fast, and these people were lucky enough to score some.

Merrie Monarch Festival

Talk Story: Hula is Life - The Art of Haku Mele

Talk Story: Hula is Life - The Art of Haku Mele

Updated: Apr. 24, 2022 at 6:42 PM HST
In a special episode of "Hula is Life," Talk Story's McKenna Maduli takes a look at the art of haku mele. Sheʻs joined by Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, Robi Kahakalau and Louis “Moon” Kauakahi.

Merrie Monarch Festival

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leināʻala - Wahine (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Kauai’s Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina’ala clinches top honors at Merrie Monarch Festival

Updated: Apr. 24, 2022 at 6:07 PM HST
|
By Dillon Ancheta
“It was all about gratitude this year, it was all about Ke Akua, all about love.”

News

Merrie Monarch 2022 Dillon Ancheta

Kauai’s Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina’ala clinches top honors at Merrie Monarch Festival

Updated: Apr. 24, 2022 at 5:00 PM HST
|
The wahine of Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina’ala made history this weekend, bringing home to Kauai the coveted Merrie Monarch Lokalia Montgomery Overall Award for the first time.

Merrie Monarch Festival

“Hawai‘iʻs Songbird,” Lena Machado, was a huge fan of Latin music, its rhythms and...

WATCH: Every performance from ‘Auana night at the Merrie Monarch Festival

Updated: Apr. 23, 2022 at 11:25 PM HST
|
By HNN Staff
The 2022 competition kicked off on Thursday night with the annual Miss Aloha Hula contest at the Edith Kanaka’ole Stadium in Hilo.

Merrie Monarch Festival

Hālau Nā Mamo O Puʻuanahulu - Kāne (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

PHOTO GALLERY: ‘Auana Competition at the 2022 Merrie Monarch Festival

Updated: Apr. 23, 2022 at 8:10 PM HST
|
By HNN Staff
The final night of competition Saturday at the Merrie Monarch Festival featured hula ‘auana, or contemporary hula.

Photo Gallery

Keolalaulani Hālau ‘Ōlapa O Laka - Keolalaulani Dalire - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

PHOTO GALLERY: Kahiko Competition at the 2022 Merrie Monarch Festival

Updated: Apr. 23, 2022 at 8:07 PM HST
|
By HNN Staff
Twenty-four halau took the stage at the Edith Kanakaole Stadium.

Photo Gallery

Hālau Kekuaokalā’au’ala’iliahi - Haunani & ‘Iliahi Paredes - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

PHOTO GALLERY: ‘Auana Competition at the 2022 Merrie Monarch Festival

Updated: Apr. 23, 2022 at 7:56 PM HST
The final night of competition Saturday at the Merrie Monarch Festival featured hula ‘auana, or contemporary hula.

Merrie Monarch Festival

Many line the streets of Hilo for the Merrie Monarch Festival Royal Parade.

Merrie Monarch Royal Parade makes grand comeback after 2-year hiatus

Updated: Apr. 23, 2022 at 5:20 PM HST
|
By Dillon Ancheta
"Itʻs just nice to feel people again, and to see the smiles on everybody. We love it.”

Merrie Monarch Festival

Merrie Monarch Royal Parade makes grand comeback after 2-year hiatus

Merrie Monarch Royal Parade makes grand comeback after 2-year hiatus

Updated: Apr. 23, 2022 at 5:00 PM HST
|
For the first time in two years, the Merrie Monarch Festival Royal Parade made a grand return to the streets of Hilo on Saturday.

Photo Gallery

Merrie Monarch Royal Parade

2022 Merrie Monarch Royal Parade

Updated: Apr. 23, 2022 at 3:24 PM HST
For the first time in two years, the Merrie Monarch Festival Royal Parade made a grand return to the streets of Hilo on Saturday.

Merrie Monarch Videos

“Nā Kuahiwi Kaulana” is a composition of the famed Kohala native and falsetto poet Bill...

Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe - Kāne (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 23, 2022 at 2:24 PM HST
“Nā Kuahiwi Kaulana” is a composition of the famed Kohala native and falsetto poet Bill Ali‘iloa Lincoln. The mele celebrates the extent of Lincolnʻs home – from the heights of Mauna Kea, Kaulana” with Bell Records [LKS 245] in 1947.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua - Kāne (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua - Kāne (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 23, 2022 at 2:24 PM HST
Written by Hula Master Johnny Lum Ho, this mele takes us on a bus ride around the island of Moloka‘i. It was composed for dear friend, Kumu Hula Moana Dudoit, who shows us the beauty of Moloka‘i from the seats of her bus as it travels up and down the roads of Mana‘e and Hālawa. Hold on to your seats and get ready because da bus coming!

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau Nā Mamo O Puʻuanahulu - Kāne (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau Nā Mamo O Puʻuanahulu - Kāne (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 23, 2022 at 2:24 PM HST
In September 2007, Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong composed this mele as a rallying call to unite. “Be honored always, oh beloved descendants of the land. The new dawn for our people of Hawai‘i is upon us...” The men dance to pay tribute to the kūpuna and the descendants of this land.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi - Kāne (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi - Kāne (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 23, 2022 at 2:24 PM HST
Kumu Paredes wrote this composition for ‘Ele‘io, the messenger of Chief Kaka‘alaneo, whose court was at Keka‘a on West Maui. At the request of his chief, who was ‘ono for ‘awa from Waiohue, ‘Ele‘io runs to the Ko‘olau side of the island. He encounters the beautiful, mysterious Kanikani‘ā‘ula, and is unable to complete his task.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi - Wahine (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi - Wahine (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 23, 2022 at 2:24 PM HST
This is a mele lovingly composed by Kumu Paredes for his Tūtū wahine, Mary Kaleleiki Lee. Affectionately known to her ‘ohana as Mele, she was born in Maunawili Valley, O‘ahu. She was raised there by her maternal grandfather, Samuel Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi Kaleleiki. Tūtū Mele shared many stories of her childhood growing up in Maunawili.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua - Wahine (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua - Wahine (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 23, 2022 at 2:24 PM HST
Initially intended for a single beloved blossom, through almost four decades, this mele aloha has transformed into the needle and thread that fashion a cherished lei of three generations of wāhine hula in Uncle Glenn Kelena Vasconcellosʻ ‘ohana. This mele aloha evokes Kelenaʻs affection and admiration for those who are precious to him.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Ka Lā ʻOnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe - Wahine (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Ka Lā ʻOnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe - Wahine (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 23, 2022 at 2:24 PM HST
“Kukunaokalā” is credited to Rosalie Flores, who was a renowned soloist and member of the Royal Hawaiian Glee Club, and to co-composer Johnny Noble. The sentiments venerate natural elements and celebrate the sunshine, rainbow, clouds and ocean as the distinctive apparel of our island home.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau Hula Lani Ola - Wahine (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau Hula Lani Ola - Wahine (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 23, 2022 at 2:24 PM HST
Late composer and pianist Momi Jones describes Kui (Kukui) Tree Dam located in the mountains above Lake Wilson in Wahiawā, O‘ahu. Here, kukui trees stand guard and “voices of birds are heard; sending sweet calls in the early morning.” It is at Kukui Tree Dam that the composer was courted by her husband.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Pua kenikeni is a fragrant flower that is celebrated by the people of Kāne‘ohe.

Keolalaulani Hālau ʻŌlapa O Laka - Wahine (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 23, 2022 at 2:24 PM HST
Pua kenikeni is a fragrant flower that is celebrated by the people of Kāne‘ohe. When the flower ages it changes from white to a deep golden color. “My lei of puakenikeni” you are “the one (that) I desire constantly.” Penned by Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, this mele is about a cherished pua kenikeni lei that is held in the heart.

Merrie Monarch Videos

“Hawai‘iʻs Songbird,” Lena Machado, was a huge fan of Latin music, its rhythms and...

Hālau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniākea - Wahine (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 23, 2022 at 2:24 PM HST
“Hawai‘iʻs Songbird,” Lena Machado, was a huge fan of Latin music, its rhythms and instrumentation. She wanted to “celebrate the way that two different cultures could respect and enjoy each other.” In 1937, she wrote the original version of “E Ku‘u Baby Hot Cha-Cha,” a song with a Latin feel but utilizing her typicallly Hawaiian poetic technique.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Hālau Hula Ke ʻOlu Makani O Mauna Loa - Wahine (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Hālau Hula Ke ʻOlu Makani O Mauna Loa - Wahine (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 23, 2022 at 2:24 PM HST
Ka Wahine Pele is honored in this mele composed by Eric Lee and Louis “Moon” Kauakahi. The natrual elements at the Crater and at the summit acknowledge two goddesses, Pele at Kīlauea and Poliahu at Mauna Kea. Though opposite and intense in personal characteristics, both are present today.

Merrie Monarch Videos

Like the glistening olivine crystals embedded on Diamond Head, the stars form a lei to adorn...

Kawailiʻulā - Wahine (2022 Hula ‘Auana)

Updated: Apr. 23, 2022 at 2:24 PM HST
Like the glistening olivine crystals embedded on Diamond Head, the stars form a lei to adorn Waikīkīʻs famous landmark. Composer Mary Pūla‘a Robins writes not only of her lei of stars but also of a lei with a single blossom and a yellow feather lei that is highly esteemed. Her words are affectionately written and hint at a romantic pairing.
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