The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival concluded Saturday at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo with ‘auana (modern hula) performances from 20 hālau across the state of Hawai‘i and California.
Hālau have spent the past three nights showcasing their art in kahiko (ancient) and ‘auana (modern) hula numbers.
This year, the overall festival winner was Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela under the direction of Kumu Kunewa Mook and Kau’ionalani Kamana’o with 1,216 points. The O’ahu-based group dominated in both ancient and modern hula performances, taking first in kahiko and second in ‘auana.
Just two points behind, Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā’ala, under the direction of Kumu Leinā’ala Pavao Jardin, secured the second-place slot with 1,213 points. The Kaua’i-based group also took home the Miss Aloha Hula title with their soloist Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao on Thursday night.
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In their last year competing at the Merrie Monarch Festival, the kāne of Hālau Nā Kamalei O Līlīlehua, under the direction of Kumu Hula Robert Cazimero, took first place in both kahiko and ‘auana…