Last Thursday, Mahealani Mika Hirao-Solem bagged the title Miss Aloha Hula on the 47th Merrie Monarch Festival with 1,082 points and was recognized for her astounding confidence and gracefulness on stage.
Hirao-Solem of Oahu’s Hula Halau O Kamuela was also given citations for her beautiful costume and praise-worthy smile during her performance, Kaleleonalani He Inoa for her kahiko and Haahea Kaimana Hila for her auana under the direction of Na Kumu Hula Kauionalani Kamanao & Kunewa
Garnering a total of 1,074 points, Taysha-Lei Kapuauiokalehuamamomaeole De Sa of Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua got the second place under the direction of Kumu Hula Johnny Lum Ho with her performance, He Laau O Ka Wa Kahiko for her kahiko and Ko Olioli I Ka Ulu Kukui O Lanikaula for her auana.
Finishing third was Mahina Macfarlane of Ka La Onohi Mai O Haehae underthe tutelage of Na Kumu Hula Tracie & Keawe Lopes. She performed Hanohano Nuuanu I Ke Kawelu for her kahiko and Lei Pua Keniken for her auana which caused her 1,073 points and the third spot in the competition.
Getting the fourth place with 1,069 points was Oralani Koa of Halau Kealaokamaile under the guidance of Kumu Hula Kealii Reichel, performing Kuu Lei Awapuhi for her kahiko and I Waikapu Ke Aloha for her auana. She was also given the Hawaiian language award
Fifth place was Ashlyn Aulani Tavares of Halau Hula O Kahikilaulani who was under the guidance of the late Kumu Hula Rae K. Fonseca, who recently died suddenly last month. She performed Kaiulani for her kahiko and Kinoiki Kekaulike for her aunana. Judges awarded her 1,060 points.
Albeit the unfavorable weather in Hilo, thirteen contestants still took the stage on the first of three nights of hula competition, performing hula kahiko, hula auana and oli (chanting).
The stage was designed with two huge lauhala hats which were positioned overlooking the stage which symbolized as a tribute to George Naope and Dottie Thompson who spearheaded the revival of hula as an art through a festival, which is commonly known nowadays as, the Merrie Monarch Festival.
Cherissa Kane,the outgoing Miss Aloha Hula, also performed her final performance before handing the title over to the next hula champion.
The competition still continues Friday and Saturday nights at Edith Kanakaole Stadium.
Live coverage can be seen on TV channel KFVE-5. Sorry for the fans but tickets are now sold out for the said event.
Here’s the 47th annual Merrie Monarch Festival Schedule:
FRIDAY, APRIL 9
10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. — Hawaiian entertainment at Imiloa Astronomy Center
11 a.m. — Navy Greeting, Merahi, Tiffany Dela Cruz, Hilo Pier 1
11 a.m. — Kou Lima Nani E, kumu Iwalani Kalima, Civic Auditorium
Noon — Nae Mamo O Kaleinani, kumu Seiko Kaleinaniikawekiu Okamoto, at Naniloa Volcanoes Resort
1 p.m. — Haelau Haa Kea O Akalae, kumu Paul Neves, at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
* Group Hula Kahiko -Competition at the Edith Kanakaole Multipurpose Stadium
6 p.m. — Entrance of Royal Court
6:15 p.m. — National Anthem and Hawaii Ponoi by Karena Asejo
6:20 p.m. — Pule by Father George De Costa
6:25 p.m. — Introduction of judges
6:30 p.m. — Hula Kahiko Competition
SATURDAY, APRIL 10
10:30 a.m. — Royal Parade through downtown Hilo
Noon — Merahi, Tiffany Dela Cruz, at the Civic
* Group Hula Auana -Competition at Edith Kanakaole Multipurpose Stadium
6 p.m. — Entrance of Royal Court
6:15 p.m. — National Anthem and Hawaii Ponoi by Karena Asejo
6:20 p.m. — Pule by Father George De Costa
6:25 p.m. — Introduction of judges
6:30 p.m. — Hula Auana Competition, followed by presentation of awards
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