Fulfilling its mission to preserve and perpetuate the art of hula, each year the Merrie Monarch Festival provides a stage for the world's finest hula hālau (schools) in order to showcase Hawaiʻi's unique cultural art of hula.
Here are highlights of the 5 top finishers in the 2014 Miss Aloha Hula competition, Hula Kahiko (Ancient) performance.
Winner, Hawaiian Language award: Keʻalohilani Tara Eliga Serrao
Hālau: Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe
1st Place: Keʻalohilani Tara Eliga Serrao
Hālau: Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe
“A Ka Laʻi Au I Mauliola”
Referred to as “Keanolani,” this mele inoa, name chant, is in honor of Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani (1826-1883). It comes from a set of nine mele, very much reminiscent of those composed for the aliʻi by a select group of
composers, in which all share similar opening and closing lines. This mele takes us to Puna, Hawaiʻi, making references to those pana ʻāina, noted places, associated with the eastern point–Haʻehaʻe, Hanakaʻulua, Kumukahi, Makanoni, Koʻokoʻolau, Waiakaʻea and Kawaikoʻolihilihi. The mele states, “I abide in the midst of the tranquility of Mauliola, where the sun rises at Haʻehaʻe.”
2nd Place: Kilioulaninuiamamaohoʻopiʻiwahinekapualokeokalaniakea Lai
Hālau: Keolalaulani Hālau ‘Ōlapa O Laka
Kumu Hula: Aloha Dalire
“ʻLele Ana ʻO Kaʻena”
Hiʻiakaikapoliopele, favorite younger sister of Pele, recounts the great flood of Kahulumanu. In a part of the chant she warns, “A cloud-pall shadows the ocean, a sure sign of a turbulent sea: Of a tide that will deluge the land.” Then, as the hot scorching sun beats down on the land, “It comes with the breath of the wind! And what is my gift in return? To my shame, it's only my voice.
3rd Place: Sarah Kapuahelani Sterling
Hālau: Hālau Mōhala ʻIlima
Kumu Hula: Māpuana de Silva
“Auhea Wale ‘Oe e Kahalakea”
Kahalakea is the less-remembered of the two mo‘o guardians of Kawainui Pond in Kailua, Oʻahu. She lived on the fringe of what is now known as Hāmākua Stream in a hala grove adjacent to the storied land of Waiʻauia.
She is called on to assist in the reclamation of this sacred place “i kuleleiwi ‘ole ai ka nohona,” so that life will not be one of bones scattered in the wind.
4th Place: Amber Kanoelani Rosenberg
Hālau: Hālau Nā Mamo O Puʻuanahulu
“Pehu Kaha Ka Limu O Hanalei”
Kawelo and Kauaoha were companions as children and both grew to be great warriors of Chief ʻAikanaka. Though Kawelo bested Kauahoa in his youth, Kauahoa has become a feared adversary whom Kawelo must face after killing the warrior Kahakaloa. Kawelo chants this mele to honor his opponent and to offer to settle differences as friends. Despite Kawelo's efforts, they fight and Kauahoa loses his life.
5th Place: Nicole Nalani Ishibashi
Hālau: Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala
Kumu Hula: Leināʻala Pavao Jardin
“Aia I Mānā Kō Lei Nani”
This mele is one of several mele hoʻoheno, songs of adoration, for Queen Kapiʻolani. She was a gracious and kind-hearted Aliʻi Wahine who traveled throughout her kingdom with a mission to improve the health and wellness of her people. Various features of Kauaʻi's natural beauty are mentioned in the mele as a tribute to the Queen.
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