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Na Pualei O Likolehua, Kapalama, Oahu (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7 by Brad Ballesteros)

Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Contributing Editor

The merry was back Saturday night at the Merrie Monarch Festival.

The final night of competition at the world’s hula Olympics was a little lighter and filled with smiles. While the auana hula generally allows for more creativity and expression, the stage practically exploded with brightly colored costumes and even brighter smiles from the dancers.

When the results were finally read after midnight, the biggest smiles came from dancers, fans, family and friends of Ke Kai O Kahiki and Halau Kealaokamaile.

Halau Ke Kai O Kahiki, of Waianae, Oahu, is led by Kumu O’Brian Eselu, whose kane swept the kahiko and auana divisions to top all other halau this year.

With 1,162 points, Eselu also took home the Lokalia Montgomery Perpetual Trophy as the festival’s overall winner. It was Eselu’s second straight festival win.

Eselu said he had hoped to bring 10 dancers with him this year, but the tough training schedule and an injury meant he showed up in Hilo with six dancers, same as last year.

The kumu said he was not concerned about the drop-outs as he trains all his dancers to be strong and confident.

Still, the competition took its toll on Eselu. “I am so exhausted,” he said.

But will he be back next year? “Yes, yes, I’m coming back next year,” he said.

Halau Kealaokamaile, led by Kealii Reichel, earned top scores in the wahine kahiko and auana divisions. The Wailuku, Maui halau was four points clear with a total of 1,128.

Thursday night, Mahealani Mika Hirao-Solem won the Miss Aloha Hula crown. The 24-year-old dances with Hula Halau O Kamuela, of Oahu.

The 28 halau offered up a total of 69 performances over three nights to wow the sold-out crowd.

This year’s festival was filled with tributes and memories of George Naope and Dottie Thompson, long-time Merrie Monarch leaders. Both died within the last six months.

They were honored with two giant replica lauhala hats placed above one corner of the famous stage.

The crowd also paid its respects – in the form of great cheers – to Rae Fonseca, the kumu of Halua Hula O Kahikilaulani. Although he died suddenly last month, his halau did him proud, scoring a top four finish in the kane auana division.

While waiting for the results to be announced, the kumu, judges and most of the crowd joined in a special tribute dance to a song written by George Naope.

Judges this year were Pat Namaka Bacon, Nalani Kanakaole, Joan S. Lindsey, Kalena Silva, Alicia Smith, Leiana Woodside and Noenoelani Zuttermeister Lewis.

Full results of the 47th Merrie Monarch Festival

Overall – Wahine
1. Halau Kealaokamaile, Kumu Kealii Reichel, Wailuku, Maui – 1,128 points
2. Hula Halau O Kamuela, Na Kumu Kaui Kamanao and Kunewa Mook, Kalihi and Waimanalo, Oahu – 1,124 points
3. Halau Mohala Ilima, Kumu Mapuana de Silva, Kaohao, Oahu – 1,121 points

Overall – Kane
1. Ke Kai O Kahiki, Kumu O’Brian Eselu, Waianae, Oahu – 1,162 points
2. Kawailiula, Kumu Chinky Mahoe, Kailua, Oahu – 1,125 points
3. Halau Na Mamo O Puuanahulu, Kumu Sonny Ching, Kapahulu, Oahu – 1,117 points

Kahiko – Wahine
1. Halau Kealaokamaile, Kumu Kealii Reichel, Wailuku, Maui – 566 points
2. Hula Halau O Kamuela, Na Kumu Kaui Kamanao and Kunewa Mook, Kalihi and Waimanalo, Oahu – 563 points
3. Halau Na Mamo O Puuanahulu, Kumu Sonny Ching, Kapahulu, Oahu – 561 points
4. Halau Mohala Ilima, Kumu Mapuana de Silva, Kaohao, Oahu – 560 points
5. Na Pualei O Likolehua, Kumu Leinaala Kalama Heine, Kapalama, Oahu – 557 points

Kahiko – Kane
1. Ke Kai O Kahiki, Kumu O’Brian Eselu, Waianae, Oahu – 575 points
2. Kawailiula, Kumu Chinky Mahoe, Kailua, Oahu – 570 points
3. Ka Leo O Laka I Ka Hikina O Ka La, Kumu Kaleo Trinidad, Honolulu – 564 points
4. Halau I Ka Wekiu, Na Kumu Karl Veto Baker and Michael Casupang, Pauoa, Oahu – 556 points

Auana – Wahine (This category included three tie-breakers)
1. Halau Kealaokamaile, Kumu Kealii Reichel, Wailuku, Maui – 562 points
2. Halau Mohala Ilima, Kumu Mapuana de Silva, Kaohao, Oahu – 561 points (Tiebreaker)
3. Hula Halau O Kamuela, Na Kumu Kaui Kamanao and Kunewa Mook, Kalihi and Waimanalo, Oahu – 561 points (Tiebreaker)
4. Halau Hula Olana, Na kumu Olana and Howard Ai, Aiea, Oahu – 555 points
5. Na Pualei O Likolehua, Kumu Leinaala Kalama Heine, Kapalama, Oahu – 552 points (Tiebreaker)

Auana – Kane
1. Ke Kai O Kahiki, Kumu O’Brian Eselu, Waianae, Oahu – 587 points
2. Halau Na Mamo O Puuanahulu, Kumu Sonny Ching, Kapahulu, Oahu – 562 points
3. Halau I Ka Wekiu, Na Kumu Karl Veto Baker and Michael Casupang, Pauoa, Oahu – 560 points
4. Halau Hula O Kahikilaulani, the late Kumu Rae Fonseca, Hilo – 558 points

— Find out more:
Merrie Monarch: www.merriemonarch.com

Halau Ke Kiai A O Hula, Oahu (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7 by Brad Ballesteros)

Ka Pa Hula O Ka Lei Lehua, Honolulu, Oahu (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7 by Brad Ballesteros)

Halau Na Mamo O Kaala, Waianae, Oahu (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7 by Brad Ballesteros)

Beamer-Solomon Halau O Poohala, Waimea, Big Island (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7 by Brad Ballesteros)

Beamer-Solomon Halau O Poohala, Waimea, Big Island (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7 by Brad Ballesteros)

iPhone version of slideshow here
Photography by Baron Sekiya | Hawaii 24/7

47th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival Royal Parade results

PRINCESS:
First: Niihau, Laurie Lewis
Second: Lanai, Cindy Lou Moana Kaleohano
Third: Molokai, Renette Uilani Haili-Soares

UNIT:
First: Niihau
Second: Lanai
Third: Molokai

POOPER SCOOPERS:
First: Molokai
Second: Niihau
Third: Lanai

FLOATS:
First: Hui Okinawa -Kobudo Taiko
Second: Halau Hula O Kahikilaulani
Third: Leo Nahenahe O Pohai Kealoha

Halau Hula O Pukaikapuaukalani, Kailua & Waimanalo, Oahu (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7 by Brad Ballesteros)

Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Contributing Editor

Finally, it’s all about the dancing. After months of rehearsal and the sadness of losing a trio of leading hula figures, the Merrie Monarch Festival’s competition got down to the serious business Friday night in Hilo.

And somewhere, you just know George Naope, Dottie Thompson and Ray Fonseca were smiling down on the evening as 24 halau took their turn on the stage at Edith Kanakaole Multipurpose Stadium.

This year’s kahiko, or ancient, hula competition featured a knock-out succession of skilled and athletic dancers, perfectly turned out in colorful costumes, roused the sold-out crowd all night.

And there is more to come. The festival wraps up Saturday evening with the auana, or modern, hula competition. This typically proves to be the time for kumu to showcase their creativity and for dancers to show their best stuff.

It’s shaping up to be a tough year to be a judge.

Judges this year are Pat Namaka Bacon, Nalani Kanakaole, Joan S. Lindsey, Kalena Silva, Alicia Smith, Leiana Woodside and Noenoelani Zuttermeister Lewis.

Although tickets are sold out for the event, it can be seen live on TV channel KFVE-5, and at www.k5thehometeam.com

The 47th annual Merrie Monarch Festival Schedule

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

The King and Queen Du Wayne Waipa and Lisa Akana-Baltero. (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7 by Brad Ballesteros)

Halau O Lilinoe of Carson, Calif. (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7 by Brad Ballesteros)

Halau Ka Kiai A O Hula, Kalihi & Kapalama, Oahu (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7 by Brad Ballesteros)

Ka Pa Hula O Ka Lei Lehua, Honolulu, Oahu (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7 by Brad Ballesteros)

Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Contributing Editor

Mahealani Mika Hirao-Solem was crowned Miss Aloha Hula 2010 on Thursday at the Merrie Monarch Festival.

With 1,082 points, she was recognized for her confidence and comfortable manner on stage. Hirao-Solem, 24, of Oahu’s Hula Halau O Kamuela, also was praised for her immaculate costumes and bright smile.

Under the direction of Na Kumu Hula Kauionalani Kamanao & Kunewa Mook, she performed Kaleleonalani He Inoa for her kahiko and Haahea Kaimana Hila for her auana.

Taysha-Lei Kapuauiokalehuamamomaeole De Sa of Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua won second place. Under the direction of Kumu Hula Johnny Lum Ho, she performed He Laau O Ka Wa Kahiko for her kahiko and Ko Olioli I Ka Ulu Kukui O Lanikaula for her auana. Judges awarded her 1,074 points.

In third place was Mahina Macfarlane of Ka La Onohi Mai O Haehae. Under the direction of Na Kumu Hula Tracie & Keawe Lopes, she performed Hanohano Nuuanu I Ke Kawelu for her kahiko and Lei Pua Keniken for her auana. Judges awarded her 1,073 points.

Fourth place went to Oralani Koa of Halau Kealaokamaile. Under the direction of Kumu Hula Kealii Reichel, she performed Kuu Lei Awapuhi for her kahiko and I Waikapu Ke Aloha for her auana. Judges awarded her 1,069 points.

Koa also was earned the Hawaiian language award.

Fifth place was earned by Ashlyn Aulani Tavares of Halau Hula O Kahikilaulani. Kumu Hula Rae K. Fonseca, who died suddenly last month, prepared her to perform Kaiulani for her kahiko and Kinoiki Kekaulike for her aunana. Judges awarded her 1,060 points.

The mood might have been slightly more somber than in years past as the crowd, the halau and performers remembered the festival’s two late founders, the hula as usual was outstanding.

As the rain poured down in Hilo, the 13 women took the stage on the first of three nights of hula competition. Contestants performed hula kahiko, hula auana and oli (chanting).

Two huge lauhala hats were positioned overlooking the stage – a tribute to George Naope and Dottie Thompson. The duo spearheaded the revival of hula as an art form through the festival, which they championed since its earliest days.

Cherissa Kane, Miss Aloha Hula 2009, also presented her final performance before handing the title over to Hirao-Solem.

The competition continues Friday and Saturday nights at Edith Kanakaole Stadium.

Although tickets are sold out for the event, it can be seen live on TV channel KFVE-5, and at www.k5thehometeam.com

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

MEDIA RELEASE

The world’s premier festival celebrating hula – the Merrie Monarch Festival – now has a world-class Web site showcasing its culture, people and artistry for fans of hula worldwide.

The Merrie Monarch Festival begins this week with the legendary, sold-out hula competition taking place April 8-10 at Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium in Hilo. A link to the live television broadcast of the competition on KFVE-TV can be accessed via the Merrie Monarch Web site.

Funded by Hawaiian Airlines and developed by The Kukui Media Group and Design Logix, the new Web site is rich with captivating content, including vivid imagery in video and photos, plus historical and contemporary information to tell the story of the Merrie Monarch Festival and the people perpetuating Hawaii’s tradition of cultural expression through dance.

Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian’s president and CEO, commented, “Hawaiian Airlines is proud of its longstanding support for the Merrie Monarch Festival and we wanted to help the Festival expand its reach to fans of hula and Hawaii’s culture around the world. We are confident this new Web site will help inspire new generations of followers worldwide.”

Roland Yamamoto, the Web site’s producer, added, “Our intent was to create an engaging Web site that is true to the Merrie Monarch Festival and serves the hula community. By celebrating the hula, we feel that we are only following the vision of the Festival’s leader, the late Auntie Dottie Thompson.”

An impressive feature of the Merrie Monarch’s new Web site is an array of backstage videos showing the practice and discipline that goes into the art of hula.

New photos and videos will be added throughout the Festival week that will complement photos from past hula competitions, information about the Festival’s roots and past winners, and a selection of available Merrie Monarch products, such as the 2010 Festival DVD, T-shirts, posters, and programs.

— Find out more:
www.merriemonarch.com
HawaiianAirlines.com

A panoramic view of the 2006 Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. Click on image to enlarge. Photography by Baron Sekiya | Hawaii 24/7

Ho’olaulea (music festival)
Sunday, April 4th at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium. Free admission to hear some of our finest Hawaiian musicians.

Free Noon Entertainment
12 pm noon, daily at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort.

Arts and Crafts Fair
Wednesday, April 7th through Saturday, April 10th at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium. An annual favorite, the free event features local artists and craftsmen.

Hoʻike Performances
6:30 pm, Wednesday, April 7th at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium. A free exhibition night of hula, international performers, and music.

Miss Aloha Hula
6:00 pm, Thursday, April 8th at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium. Individual competition for the title of Miss Aloha Hula with contestants performing hula kahiko, hula ʻauana and oli (chanting).

Group Hula Kahiko
6:00 pm, Friday, April 9th at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium. Hula hālau perform ancient style dances.

Group Hula ʻAuana & Awards
6:00 pm, Saturday, April 10th at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium. Hula hālau perform modern style dances with an awards presentation for all group winners.

Merrie Monarch Royal Parade
10:30 am, Saturday, April 10th. The parade winds through downtown Hilo for one of the festival’s most entertaining and fun events for the entire family.

Event Locations

Edith Kanaka‘ole Tennis Stadium
350 Kalanikoa Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720

Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium
323 Manono Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
71 Banyan Drive
Hilo, Hawaii 96720

Naniloa Volcanoes Resort
93 Banyan Drive
Hilo, Hawaii 96720

More info – http://www.merriemonarch.com

MEDIA RELEASE

The Daughters of Hawaii and the Calabash Cousins present a free concert 4 p.m. Sunday, April 26 at Hulihee Palace to remember the late Prince Albert. 

Enjoy the voices of the Merrie Monarchs and performing arts by Kumu Hula Etua Lopes and his Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawaii. Bring a beach mat or chair as seating won’t be provided.

Concert goers are encouraged to take advantage of the free “chair check” conveniently located across from the palace and enjoy the Kokua Kailua Village Stroll from 1-6 p.m. 

During the Village Stroll, Alii Drive is turned into a pedestrian mall and musicians and artists take to the street in a fun and festive family atmosphere.  More than 30 merchants regularly participate; inquire at restaurants and merchants about special kamaaina pricing.

Kokua Kailua is in need of three to four volunteers to assist with closing and re-opening the road.  If you are able to assist, contact co-chairwomen Marie Aguilar at 334-0562 or Inde Coggin at 345-1048. 

Kokua Kailua is sponsored by four local business organizations, Hulihee Palace and KWXX Radio.

 The son of King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho) and Queen Emma, Prince Albert gave Hawaiians hope the Kamehameha line would continue. In 1859, at the age of one, Prince Albert was given the title of “Ka Haku O Hawaii-His Royal Highness the Prince of Hawaii” and officially named the heir to the throne. 

“Queen Victoria of England agreed to be Prince Albert’s godmother but the prince died from a short illness before he was baptized in the Anglican Church,” said Fanny Au Hoy, palace administrator. 

The Kauai community of Princeville is named after Prince Albert in honor of his family’s visit there in 1860.

Hulihee Palace has been closed for repairs since December 2007; the historic landmark suffered $1.5 million in damages from the October 2006 earthquake. It is expected to reopen this year. A Hulihee Restoration Fund has been set up and tax-deductible donations are appreciated.  

Mail donations to Hulihee Palace, 75-5718 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Find out more about the earthquake damage at www.daughtersofhawaii.org.

Caretakers of Hulihee Palace are the Daughters of Hawaii. The organization was founded in 1903 and opens membership to any woman who is directly descended from a person who lived in Hawaii prior to 1880. Helping the Daughters in its efforts since 1986 are the Calabash Cousins; membership is available to all. For info, call 329-9555.

 Additional palace concert dates for 2009:

* May 17: featuring Kumu Hula Etua Lopes and his Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawaii

46th annual Merrie Monarch 

April 16-18, Edith Kanakaole Stadium, Hilo

OVERALL HALAU WINNERS

1. Ke Kai O Kahiki, kumu hula O’Brian Eselu

2. Halau Na Mamo O Puuanahulu, kumu hula Sonny Ching

OVERALL (WAHINE) 

1. Halau Na Mamo O Puuanahulu, kumu hula Sonny Ching – 1,142 pts

2. Halau O Kamuela, kumu hula Kauionalani Kamanao and Kunewa Mook – 1,125 pts

3.Halau Hula O Kahikiulaulani, kumu hula Rae K. Fonseca  - 1,118 pts

OVERALL (KANE)

1. Ke Kai O Kahiki, kumu hula O’Brian Eselu – 1,151 pts

2. Halau Na Mamo O Puuanahulu, kumu hula Sonny Ching – 1,141 pts

3. Kawailiula, kumu hula Chinky Mahoe – 1,080 pts

KAHIKO RESULTS  (WAHINE)

1. Halau Na Mamo O Puuanahulu, kumu hula Sonny Ching – 564 pts

2. Halau Hula O Kahikiulaulani, kumu hula Rae K. Fonseca – 557 pts

3. Halau Mohala Ilima,  kumu hula  Mapuana de Silva –  544 pts

4. Halau O Kamuela, kumu hula Kauionalani Kamanao and Kunewa Mook – 542 pts

5. Halau Na Lei O Kaholoku, kumu hulaLeiahola Lim Amina and Nani Lim Yap – 535 pts

KAHIKO RESULTS  (KANE)

1. Ke Kai O Kahiki, kumu hula O’Brian Eselu – 567 pts

2. Halau Na Mamo O Puuanahulu, kumu hula Sonny Ching – 551 pts

3. Kawailiula, kumu hula Chinky Mahoe – 511 pts

4. Halau Hula O Kahikilaulani, kumu hula Rae K. Fonseca – 507 pts

AUANA RESULTS (KANE)

1. Halau Na Mamo O Puuanahulu, kumu hula Sonny Ching – 590 pts

2. Ke Kai O Kahiki, kumu hula O’Brian Eselu – 584 pts

3. Kawailiula, kumu hula Chinky Mahoe – 569 pts 

4. Halau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniakea, kumu hula Kapua Dalire-Moe – 551 pts

AUANA RESULTS  (WAHINE)

1. Halau O Kamuela, kumu hula Kauionalani Kamanao and Kunewa Mook, – 583 pts

2. Halau Na Mamo O Puuanahulu, kumu hula Sonny Ching- 578 pts

3. Ka La Onohi Mai O Haehae, kumu hula Keawe and Tracie Lopes - 568 pts

4. Halau Kealaokamaile, kumu hula Kealii Reichel – 567 pts 

5. Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka, kumu hula Napua Grieg and Kahulu Maluo-Huber – 566 pts

MISS ALOHA HULA 2009

1. Cherissa Henoheanapuaikawaokele Kane, Halau Kealaokamaile – 1,064 pts.

2. Cari Mae Kawailehua Kealoha, Hula Halau O Kamuela – 1,038 pts.

3. Kaholo Kahikipiilani Panui, Halau Na Mamo O Puuanahulu – 1,026 pts.

4. Pohaikau‘ilani Ann Nu‘uhiwa, Keolalaulani Halau Olapa O Laka – 1,017 pts.

5. Maria Kaiulani Kanehailua, Ka La Onohi Mai O Haehae – 1,005 pts.

Hawaiian Language Award:

Cherissa Henoheanapuaikawaokele Kane, Halau Kealaokamaile

Photography by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.com

View Larger Map

MEDIA RELEASE

Because of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival, a temporary one-way traffic pattern remains in effect on Kalanikoa Street in Hilo.

Traffic will be allowed to flow in the Puna or southerly direction on Kalanikoa Street between Kuawa Street and Pi‘ilani Street during the festival. The one-way traffic pattern is in effect daily from noon Wednesday, April 15, through 1 a.m. Sunday, April 19.

Right turns only will be allowed on Kalanikoa Street for all entries to ingress and egress the Ho‘olulu Complex.

Traffic will not be allowed to turn left (or in the easterly direction) onto Pi‘ilani Street from Kalanikoa Street. Traffic will only be allowed to turn right (or in the westerly direction) on Pi’ilani Street to egress Kalanikoa Street.

Regular two-way traffic will remain in effect on Manono, Kuawa and Pi‘ilani Streets.

After the festival is over, traffic will be allowed to flow in its normal two-way pattern.

Photography by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.com

A dancer with Free Church of Tonga, Katoa, Fukofuka and Polota dances at the Hawaii Naniloa Volcanoes Resort in Hilo during a free noon performance Wednesday. The Naniloa along with the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel will host free performances at noon and 1 p.m. during Merrie Monarch Festival week.

Merrie Monarch, the granddaddy of hula competitions, is slated for this week. Although the actual dancing isn’t until later in the week, a myriad other events are on the schedule in and around Hilo:

Monday – Saturday

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Hawaiian Quilt Show at Wailoa Center

Wednesday-Saturday – 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair

Monday, April 13

Noon – Halau O Kawananakoa, kumu Alberta Nicolas, Naniloa Volcanoes Resort

1 p.m. – Halau Hula O Hilo Hanakahi, kumu Pua Crumb, Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Tuesday, April 14

10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Hawaiian entertainment, Imiloa Astronomy Center

Noon – Unukupukupu, kumu Taupori Tangaro, Naniloa Volcanoes Resort

1 p.m. – Halau Kou Lima Nani E, kumu Iwalani Kalima, Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Wednesday, April 15

10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Hawaiian entertainment, Imiloa Astronomy Center

11 a.m. – Halau Kealii O Nalani, kumu Keali‘i Ceballos, Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium

Noon – Free Church of Tonga, Katoa, Fukofuka & Polota, Naniloa Volcanoes Resort

1 p.m. – Leo Nahenahe O Pohai Kealoha, Stan Kaina, Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

6 p.m.  - Merrie Monarch Hoike, Edith Kanakaole Stadium

6 p.m. – Entrance of Royal Court

6:15 p.m. – National Anthem and Hawaii Ponoi by Karena Asejo

6:25 p.m. – Pule by Father George De Costa

6:30 p.m. – Halau O Kekuhi, na kumu Pualani Kanakaole Kanahele and Nalani Kanakaole

7:30 p.m. – Tupulaga O Samoa Mo A Taeao, University of Hawaii at Hilo Samoan Club

8:30 p.m. – Nga Uri O Te Whanoa, Donna Mariana Grant

Thursday, April 16

10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Hawaiian entertainment, Imiloa Astronomy Center

11 a.m. – Unukupukupu, kumu Taupori Tangaro, Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium

Noon – Ke Ola Pono, kumu Rayce Bento, Naniloa Volcanoes Resort

1 p.m. – Free church of Tonga, Sione Katoa, Sunia Fukofuka, Tevita Polota, Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

6 p.m. Miss Aloha Hula Competition, Edith Kanakaole 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. – Miss Aloha Hula Competition (broadcast live on KITV), followed by presentation of awards

Friday, April 17

10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Hawaiian entertainment, Imiloa Astronomy Center

11 a.m. – Navy Greeting, Leo Nahenahe O Pohai Kealoha, kumu Stan Kaina, Hilo Pier 1

11 a.m. – Ke Ola Pono, kumu Rayce Bento, Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium

Noon – Halau O Kawananakoa, Alberta Nicolas, Naniloa Volcanoes Resort

1 p.m. – Halau Haa Kea O Akala, kumu Paul Neves, Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

6 p.m. – Group Hula Kahiko Competition, Edith Kanakaole 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 (broadcast live on KITV)

Saturday, April 18

10:30 a.m. – Royal Parade through downtown Hilo

Noon – Ke Ola Pono, kumu Rayce Bento, Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium

6 p.m. – Group Hula Auana Competition, Edith Kanakaole 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 (broadcast live on KITV), followed by introduction of kumu hula and presentation of awards

— Find out more:

Merrie Monarch Festival: www.merriemonarchfestival.org