Hawaii 24/7 Staff

Ka La Onohi Mai O Haehae jumped out to an early lead Thursday evening, with Kealohilani Tara Eliga Serrao winning the title of Miss Aloha Hula 2014.

On the first night of the 51st Merrie Monarch Festival, Serrao, 23, of Aiea, scored 1,142 points, capturing the coveted crown and also winning the Hawaiian Language Award.

Serrao, a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, won the title 20 years after her kumu Tracie Lopes

For kahiko, she performed “A Ka Lai Au I Mauliola,” a chant in honor of Princess Ruth Keelikolani. For the auana portion, she danced “Ke Ala Ka‘u I Honi” honoring Queen Liliuokalani.

A total of 13 dancers vied for the Miss Aloha Hula title.

The Merrie Monarch Festival continues with the group kahiko (ancient-style) hula competition Friday night and the group auana (modern-style) hula competition Saturday night, followed by the announcement of winners and awards.

The dance competition will be broadcast live on KFVE (Channel 5).

Miss Aloha Hula results:

1. Kealohilani Tara Eliga Serrao – 1,142 points
Ka La Onohi Mai O Haehae
Kumu Hula Tracie and Keawe Lopes

2. Kilioulaninuiamamaohoopiiwahinekapualokeokalaniakea Lai – 1,089
Keolalaulani Halau Olapa O Laka
Kumu Hula Aloha Dalire

3. Sarah Kapuahelani Sterling – 1,082
Halau Mohala Ilima
Kumu Hula Mapuana de Silva

4. Amber Kanoelani Rosenberg – 1,079
Halau Na Mamo O Puuanahulu
Kumu Hula William Kahakuleilehua Haunuu “Sonny” Ching & Lopaka Igarta-De Vera

5. Nicole Nalani Ishibashi – 1,076
Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leinaala
Kumu Hula Leinaala Pavao Jardin

— Find out more:
www.merriemonarch.com