The Merrie Monarch Festival – Hilo, Hawaii

 

 

 

   Watch Miss Aloha Hula Competition Live

 

Thursday night, dozens of hula dancers showcase their talents for the title of Miss Aloha Hula. Watch the event live on KITV 4 and on the Web here. More Details

 

Friday, April 1, 2005

MISS ALOHA HULA COMPETITION

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Maile Emily Kau’ilaniona’puaehi’ipoiokeanuenueokeola Francisco of Halau Na Mamo O Pu’uanahulu (kumu hula William "Sonny" Kahakuleilehua Haunu’u Ching), of Honolulu, winner of last night’s Miss Aloha Hula competition, performed during the kahiko portion at the 42nd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival.

Sterling performances

 

Young women shine with dances in the kahiko and ‘auana categories

 

By Gary C.W. Chun
gchun@starbulletin.com

HILO >> Maile Emily Kau’ilanionapuaehi’ipoiokeanuenueokeola Francisco was the last performer in the Miss Aloha Hula competition last night.

 

When to watch

Today’s Hula Kahiko Group Competition begins at 6:30 p.m. on KITV.

Events around Hilo today

» 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Hawaiian arts and crafts show at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, and beginning at 9 a.m. at Hawaii Naniloa Hotel, Prince Kuhio Plaza, Wal-Mart, Hilo Shopping Center and Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
» 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Hawaiian Quilt Show at Wailoa Visitor Center
» 11 a.m.: Navy ship greeting at Hilo Harbor, Pier 1
» 6 p.m.: Merrie Monarch Festival hula kahiko competition begins at the Edith Kanaka’ole Tennis Stadium with entrance of Royal Court

 

But Francisco was first in the eyes of the judges as she brought home the third straight win for kumu hula Sonny Ching’s Halau Na Mamo O Pu’uanahulu of Honolulu.

Coming in second place was Jeri-Lynn Kealolahilahi Koko of Ka Leo o Laka i Ka Hikina o Ka La, who entered her first and — at age 25, the cutoff for competing for Miss Aloha Hula in the Merrie Monarch Festival — final attempt at the title.

And with two sterling performances in the hula kahiko and hula ‘auana categories, the daughter of Jerome Koko (who with his fellow Makaha Sons accompanied his daughter in song on "Ke Aloha") shone last evening at Edith Kanaka’ole Tennis Stadium.

With the glorious tones and close harmonies of the Sons behind her, Koko expressed with such aloha a mele meant as a gift for a couple just married. That aloha was extended to the audience packed into the stadium, who responded with equal warmth.

Koko’s smile and grace were also evident in her earlier hula kahiko in tribute to Kamehameha’s most sacred wife, "Hanau ‘o Keopuolani." She projected her oli with strength and was fluid and confident in her dance.

Also impressive last night during the Miss Aloha Hula competition was Rashanti Kiana ‘A’ali’i Ka’awaloa of Halau O Ke ‘Anuenue. Her dramatic hula kahiko, "He ‘Olelo Ho’oiki Aloha Na Pele," told how the village of Kalapana got its name.

Eighteen-year-old Pohaikau’ilani Nu’uhiwa of veteran Aloha Dalire’s Keolalaulani Halau ‘Olapa O Laka made a bold presentation of her hula kahiko in honor of the goddess Keaomelemele, backed by some of her fellow wahine on drums, including former Miss Aloha Hula Keola Dalire, and the elder Dalire herself in regal repose onstage.

Earlier in the evening, the international impact of the festival was manifest by the line of Japanese tourists, mainly women, waiting to enter the stadium two hours before it started, ready to jump into the best general-admission seats available. It seemed that many of the volunteer staff could speak some Japanese to help welcome visitors. And most of them came dressed elegantly and bedecked with leis. During the competition, a couple of women studied the dancing wahine intently, even using opera glasses and taking down notes.

Television co-host Paula Akana, working in that capacity for her 14th year, commented that one thing she has noticed over the years is that "the strength of the Hawaiian language is really evident, with so much more application. The use of the language is strong, and looking at the synchronizing of the dance in the group competition, the halau really come prepared."

The evening was made more pleasant by the coolness, despite the hot glare of the stage and television lights. May Holokai of Waianae was a returnee this year. "My grandson picked me up early so I could stand in line early and save some bleacher seats, just like for a Waianae football game.

"I like tonight and Saturday night (the ‘auana competition), where the kumu get up and take part in the festivities."

Holokai was part of an attentive, respectful and knowledgeable audience, the truest hula aficionados.

Merrie Monarch Festival
www.merriemonarchfestival.org/

 

…Gear Up To Watch Merrie Monarch Livestream

For the first time, TheHawaiiChannel.com will offer a livestream of the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival through the Windows Media Video system. In order to watch the Web livestream you will need the right media player. Go to the Windows Media Player link below to get the latest version.
Download: Windows Media Player Site

 

 

 

 

LIVE VIDEO: MERRIE MONARCH COVERAGE

E-MAIL: Tell Us Where You’re Watching From

LIST: Miss Aloha Participants

DISCUSSION: Post Your Thoughts

SLIDESHOW: 2004 Merrie Monarch Images

SECTION: Merrie Monarch Section