Over the last 60 years, hula has changed — greatly in thanks to the Merrie Monarch Festival.
“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.
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.”
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!”
John K. Almeida’s composition honors the 1946 Lei Queen, Poʻomaikelani Kawānanakoa. It also celebrates the simple pleasure of wearing a lei of festive, softly scented plumeria. Whether worn or given away, a plumeria lei is a special part of Island life.
Emma Farden Sharpe, Maui’s beloved kumu hula and musician, composed this mele for ʻUlupalakua Ranch. She was asked to entertain but finding she had no song to praise the place, decided to compose this fun-loving mele on her way up to the ranch that evening. Her mele captures the beauty of the land and the expertise of ʻUlupalakua’s paniolo.