HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) - Friday night’s Hula Kahiko competition brought the raw power and sacred beauty of ancient hula to Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium, as hālau from Hawaiʻi and the continent presented oli and hula rooted in genealogy, place, and moʻolelo.

Now in its 63rd year, Merrie Monarch remains the premier celebration of Hawaiian culture—and on Kahiko night, every step and every beat carries the weight of history.

Nā Pualei O Likolehua - Kumu Hula Niuliʻi Heine - Photo by Bruce Omori

Nā Pualei O Likolehua - Kumu Hula Niuliʻi Heine - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Nā Pualei O Likolehua - Kumu Hula Niuliʻi Heine - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Nā Pualei O Likolehua - Kumu Hula Niuliʻi Heine - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Nā Pualei O Likolehua - Kumu Hula Niuliʻi Heine - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau o ka Hanu Lehua - Kumu Hula Carlson Kamaka Kukona III (KĀNE) - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau o ka Hanu Lehua - Kumu Hula Carlson Kamaka Kukona III (KĀNE) - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau o ka Hanu Lehua - Kumu Hula Carlson Kamaka Kukona III (KĀNE) - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima - Nā Kumu Hula Vicky Hanakaʻulaniokamāmalu Holt Takamine & Jeff Kānekaiwilani Takamine - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima - Nā Kumu Hula Vicky Hanakaʻulaniokamāmalu Holt Takamine & Jeff Kānekaiwilani Takamine - Photo by Bruce Omori

Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima - Nā Kumu Hula Vicky Hanakaʻulaniokamāmalu Holt Takamine & Jeff Kānekaiwilani Takamine - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima - Nā Kumu Hula Vicky Hanakaʻulaniokamāmalu Holt Takamine & Jeff Kānekaiwilani Takamine - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau Hula Kauluokalā - Kumu Hula Uluwehi Guerrero - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau Hula Kauluokalā - Kumu Hula Uluwehi Guerrero - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Hula Kauluokalā - Kumu Hula Uluwehi Guerrero - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Hula Kauluokalā - Kumu Hula Uluwehi Guerrero - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Hula Kauluokalā - Kumu Hula Uluwehi Guerrero - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Hula Kauluokalā - Kumu Hula Uluwehi Guerrero - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Hula Kauluokalā - Kumu Hula Uluwehi Guerrero - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Hula Kauluokalā - Kumu Hula Uluwehi Guerrero - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Hula Kauluokalā - Kumu Hula Uluwehi Guerrero - Photo by Bruce Omori

Academy of Hawaiian Arts - Kumu Hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu (KĀNE) - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Academy of Hawaiian Arts - Kumu Hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu (KĀNE) - Photo by Bruce Omori

Academy of Hawaiian Arts - Kumu Hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu (KĀNE) - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Academy of Hawaiian Arts - Kumu Hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu (KĀNE) - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaehu - Nā Kumu Hula Kasie Puahala Kaleohano & Brandi Nohelani Barrett - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaehu - Nā Kumu Hula Kasie Puahala Kaleohano & Brandi Nohelani Barrett - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaehu - Nā Kumu Hula Kasie Puahala Kaleohano & Brandi Nohelani Barrett - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaehu - Nā Kumu Hula Kasie Puahala Kaleohano & Brandi Nohelani Barrett - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaehu - Nā Kumu Hula Kasie Puahala Kaleohano & Brandi Nohelani Barrett - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaehu - Nā Kumu Hula Kasie Puahala Kaleohano & Brandi Nohelani Barrett - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaehu - Nā Kumu Hula Kasie Puahala Kaleohano & Brandi Nohelani Barrett - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaehu - Nā Kumu Hula Kasie Puahala Kaleohano & Brandi Nohelani Barrett - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaehu - Nā Kumu Hula Kasie Puahala Kaleohano & Brandi Nohelani Barrett - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau o ka Hanu Lehua - Kumu Hula Carlson Kamaka Kukona III - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau o ka Hanu Lehua - Kumu Hula Carlson Kamaka Kukona III - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau o ka Hanu Lehua - Kumu Hula Carlson Kamaka Kukona III - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau o ka Hanu Lehua - Kumu Hula Carlson Kamaka Kukona III - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau o ka Hanu Lehua - Kumu Hula Carlson Kamaka Kukona III - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau o ka Hanu Lehua - Kumu Hula Carlson Kamaka Kukona III - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau o ka Hanu Lehua - Kumu Hula Carlson Kamaka Kukona III - Photo by Bruce Omori

Ke Kai O Kahiki - Kumu Hula La‘akea Perry (KANE) - Photo by Bruce Omori

Ke Kai O Kahiki - Kumu Hula La‘akea Perry (KANE) - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Ke Kai O Kahiki - Kumu Hula La‘akea Perry (KANE) - Photo by Bruce Omori

Ke Kai O Kahiki - Kumu Hula La‘akea Perry (KANE) - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Ke Kai O Kahiki - Kumu Hula La‘akea Perry (KANE) - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Ke Kai O Kahiki - Kumu Hula La‘akea Perry (KANE) - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Ke Kai O Kahiki - Kumu Hula La‘akea Perry (KANE) - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Academy of Hawaiian Arts - Kumu Hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu - Photo by Bruce Omori

Academy of Hawaiian Arts - Kumu Hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Academy of Hawaiian Arts - Kumu Hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu - Photo by Bruce Omori

Academy of Hawaiian Arts - Kumu Hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Academy of Hawaiian Arts - Kumu Hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Academy of Hawaiian Arts - Kumu Hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Academy of Hawaiian Arts - Kumu Hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Academy of Hawaiian Arts - Kumu Hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Academy of Hawaiian Arts - Kumu Hula Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau I Ka Wēkiu - Nā Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau I Ka Wēkiu - Nā Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau I Ka Wēkiu - Nā Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau I Ka Wēkiu - Nā Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau I Ka Wēkiu - Nā Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau I Ka Wēkiu - Nā Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau I Ka Wēkiu - Nā Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau I Ka Wēkiu - Nā Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau I Ka Wēkiu - Nā Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau Keolakapuokalani - Kumu Hula Drake Keolakapu Dudoit Delaforcé (KĀNE) - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Keolakapuokalani - Kumu Hula Drake Keolakapu Dudoit Delaforcé (KĀNE) - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Keolakapuokalani - Kumu Hula Drake Keolakapu Dudoit Delaforcé (KĀNE) - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Keolakapuokalani - Kumu Hula Drake Keolakapu Dudoit Delaforcé (KĀNE) - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Keolakapuokalani - Kumu Hula Drake Keolakapu Dudoit Delaforcé (KĀNE) - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau Keolakapuokalani - Kumu Hula Drake Keolakapu Dudoit Delaforcé (KĀNE) - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka - Kumu Hula Nāpua Silva - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka - Kumu Hula Nāpua Silva - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka - Kumu Hula Nāpua Silva - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka - Kumu Hula Nāpua Silva - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka - Kumu Hula Nāpua Silva - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau Lilia Makanoe - Kumu Hula Shelsea Lilia Ai - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Lilia Makanoe - Kumu Hula Shelsea Lilia Ai - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Lilia Makanoe - Kumu Hula Shelsea Lilia Ai - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Lilia Makanoe - Kumu Hula Shelsea Lilia Ai - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Lilia Makanoe - Kumu Hula Shelsea Lilia Ai - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Lilia Makanoe - Kumu Hula Shelsea Lilia Ai - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Lilia Makanoe - Kumu Hula Shelsea Lilia Ai - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau I Ka Wēkiu - Nā Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang (KĀNE) - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau I Ka Wēkiu - Nā Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang (KĀNE) - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau I Ka Wēkiu - Nā Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang (KĀNE) - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Na Pua Me Kealoha

Na Kumu Lilinoe & Pele Kaio

Carson, California & Waimea, Hawai‘i (Kāne)

“Hanohano E Ka Uka O Pihanakalani”

The mele honors the misty heights of Wailua, Kaua‘i, celebrated for its beauty, fragrance, and landscapes, and brought to life through the swift, gliding hula ‘ai holo style. Drawing from the mo‘olelo of Ka‘ililauokekoa, a love story set within these uplands, the mele evokes longing, allure, and the deep connections between people and place. We dedicate this presentation to Queen Emma whose leadership enriched her people’s lives.

Na Pualei o Likolehua

Ke Kumu Niuli‘i Heine

Kapālama, Kalihi, O‘ahu

“He Kai”

This chant recalls an eruption on Kanaloa, Kaho‘olawe. The flow caused the ocean of Kaiakahinali‘i to be turbulent with waves violently crashing, reaching the top of the volcano. This mele is said to have been composed by Komohoali‘i and Kahuilaokalani, brothers of Pelehonuamea. The interaction and interrelationship of these elemental forces together led to the creation of Kanaloa, Kaho‘olawe.

Ka Pā Hula Hawai‘i

Ke Kumu John Renken Kaha‘iali‘iokaiwi‘ulaokamehameha Topolinski

Nu‘uanu, Kona, O‘ahu (Kāne)

“Hula Kuʻi” / “Auhea Wale ‘Oe E Kauanoe”

This mele celebrates the chosen warriors that practiced the art of Lua, a traditional Hawaiian form of self-defense. It is a rousing call to arms to those loyal to Kamehameha I to meet on the field of battle and nobly defend their chief. Taken from the Joseph ‘Īlālā‘ole Collection, the words compare soldiers to forces of nature such as water, wind, and rain covering Kamehameha’s sacred lands.

Hālau ‘O Lilinoe

Nā Kumu Lilinoe & Pele Kaio

Carson, California & Waimea, Hawai‘i

“Kū I Wailua I Ka Pou Hale”

“Kū Wailua I Ka Pou Hale” evokes the winds and distinctive characteristics of Ka‘ū as a metaphor for a spirit flitting from place to place, embodying restless movement before balance is restored. In the epic ka‘ao of Pele, her sister Hiʻiaka journeys across the pae ʻāina with devotion, endurance, and transformation. It reflects the moment when Hi‘iaka compels the wandering spirit to return to the body.

Ka Pā Hula O Ka Lei Lehua

Ke Kumu Snowbird Puananiopaoakalani Bento

Honolulu, O‘ahu (Kāne)

“Hulihia Ke Ahi, Welawela Ka Honua”

The ‘āina is our kūpuna, our ali‘i, providing all we need to survive and thrive. With each passing generation, mankind proliferates, creating a need for more space, structures, and food, which harm the environment, exacerbating health issues and natural disasters. With current issues, we mustlook to the wisdom of our kūpuna and learn to live in balance with our finite resources.

Hālau Kala‘akeakauikawēkiu

Ke Kumu Kenneth Dean Alohapumehanaokalā Victor

Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i

“Holo Mai Pele”

This invocation of reverence for Pele recognizes her as a central figure in Hawaiian cosmogony with a genealogy reaching to primordial pō. Accordingly, Pele embodies the generative fire carried across the Pacific, the ancestral heat shaping islands from the underworld through the earth’s crust. Pele is the axis where elemental realms converge: fire and the waters of Namakaokahai where land, wind, and rain unite.

Ka Lā ‘Ōnohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e

Na Kumu Tracie & Keawe Lopes

Pū‘ahu‘ula, Ko‘olaupoko, O‘ahu

“Aia | Lehua Kō Wehi Nani”

This hula ‘ōlapa honors Princess Ka‘iulani as Kawēkiulani, “the royal height of the heavens.” She is celebrated as the flower bud of the island of Lehua, that bloomed in the peaceful calm of morning and revered on the sacred platform of Mano. The Makali‘i is seen amongst the billowy clouds, the red eyelash rays of the Sun, and the twin arc rainbows in the sky.

Hālau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniākea

Ke Kumu Kapua Dalire-Moe

Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu (Kāne)

“I He‘e‘ia”

This mele is a song to honor He‘e‘ia, O‘ahu. Composer Kawaikapuokalani Hewett recalls the wahi pana of the area entrusted to him from his grandmother Eva Wahineali‘i Rowan Kāna‘e who was raised in the district. He describes the natural features and recounts the many mo‘olelo attached to He‘e‘ia.

Ka Pā Hula O Ka Lei Lehua

Ke Kumu Snowbird Puananiopaoakalani Bento

Honolulu, O‘ahu

“Kū Ka Pahu Wailele I Luna”

“Kū Ka Pahu Wailele I Luna” recalls the awesome power of atmospheric storms. Inspired by the words of the Kumulipo, “Hānau ‘o Po‘elua i ke alo o Wākea, hānau ka pō‘ino, hānau ka pōmaika‘i,” these words describe the dualistic nature of storms. The union of Kāne’s sun and Kanaloa’s oceans dictates atmospheric movement, and while storms are destructive, they also cleanse the land for new life.

Hālau Nā Mamo O Pu‘uanahulu

Nā Kumu William Kahakuleilehua Haunu‘u “Sonny” Ching & Lopaka Igarta-De Vera

Kapahulu, O‘ahu

“Ka Wai Mūkīkī”

After Lohi‘au is destroyed by lava for the second time, Hi‘iaka no longer has good feelings toward her sister Pele. She thinks of Kaua‘i as her new home and leaves Kīlauea. She stops on O‘ahu at a place called Kou, home to the chiefess Pele‘ula. There, Hiʻiaka engages in a game of kilu.

Academy of Hawaiian Arts

Ke Kumu Mark Keali‘i Ho‘omalu

Oakland, California (Kāne)

“‘Nā Hana Nui A Māui”

This mele hula (kāne), composed by Kumu Hula Mark Keali‘i Ho‘omalu, honors the demigod Māui, the Hawaiian “Superman of Polynesia.” Renowned for his mischievous cunning and supernatural abilities, Māui is celebrated here through the mele’s recollection of his mythical feats.

Hālau I Ka Wēkiu

Nā Kumu Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang

Pauoa, O‘ahu

“Kai A‘o Māmala”

King David Kalākaua is honored in this mele inoa, “Kai A‘o Māmala.” He is referred to under the name Kaholomoku as he loved to travel. Māmala, the channel at the entrance of Honolulu Harbor is the focal point of this composition. It is a mele of place and also of love and longing.

Kawaiʻulaokalā

Ke Kumu Keli‘iho‘omalu Puchalski

‘Aiea & Kaiwi‘ula, O‘ahu

“Lele Ana ‘O Ka‘ena”

While enroute to Kaua‘i, Hi‘iaka acknowledges majestic Mt. Ka‘ala from Waialua on O‘ahu. She stops at Ka‘ena to marvel at all its splendor. As the koa‘e birds swoop down from the cliffs, the turbulent sea and intense heat create a myriad of illusions. This mele brings out the strength of the sea, the upright stones, and immense heat of Ka‘ena.

Hālau Na Mamo O Pu‘uanahulu

Nā Kumu William Kahakuleilehua Haunu‘u “Sonny” Ching & Lopaka Igarta-De Vera

Kapahulu, O‘ahu (Kane)

“ʻO Pana‘ewa” / “Hulihia Ka Mauna”

As Hi‘iaka enters the uplands of Pana‘ewa, a region of tall ʻōhi‘a and heavy rain, she senses the presence of the mo‘o guardian. After being taunted by him, she answers with the chant “ʻO Pana‘ewa.” In the battle that follows, Hiʻiaka overcomes Pana‘ewa, and in some traditions it is said that Hi‘iaka killed the mo‘o Pana‘ewa with a sharpened ‘ohe, bamboo, knife.

INTERMISSION

Hālau I Ka Wēkiu (Kāne) - Nā Kumu Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau I Ka Wēkiu (Kāne) - Nā Kumu Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau I Ka Wēkiu (Kāne) - Nā Kumu Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Academy of Hawaiian Arts - Ke Kumu Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu - Photo by Bruce Omori

Academy of Hawaiian Arts - Ke Kumu Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Academy of Hawaiian Arts - Ke Kumu Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu - Photo by Bruce Omori

Academy of Hawaiian Arts - Ke Kumu Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Academy of Hawaiian Arts - Ke Kumu Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu - Photo by Bruce Omori

Academy of Hawaiian Arts - Ke Kumu Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Academy of Hawaiian Arts - Ke Kumu Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu - Photo by Bruce Omori

Ke Kai O Kahiki (Kāne) - Ke Kumu La‘akea Perry - Photo by Bruce Omori

Ke Kai O Kahiki (Kāne) - Ke Kumu La‘akea Perry - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Ke Kai O Kahiki (Kāne) - Ke Kumu La‘akea Perry - Photo by Bruce Omori

Ke Kai O Kahiki (Kāne) - Ke Kumu La‘akea Perry - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Ke Kai O Kahiki (Kāne) - Ke Kumu La‘akea Perry - Photo by Bruce Omori

Ke Kai O Kahiki (Kāne) - Ke Kumu La‘akea Perry - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Ke Kai O Kahiki (Kāne) - Ke Kumu La‘akea Perry - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Keolalaulani Hālau ‘Ōlapa O Laka - Ke Kumu Keolalaulani Dalire - Photo by Bruce Omori

Keolalaulani Hālau ‘Ōlapa O Laka - Ke Kumu Keolalaulani Dalire - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Keolalaulani Hālau ‘Ōlapa O Laka - Ke Kumu Keolalaulani Dalire - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Keolalaulani Hālau ‘Ōlapa O Laka - Ke Kumu Keolalaulani Dalire - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Keolalaulani Hālau ‘Ōlapa O Laka - Ke Kumu Keolalaulani Dalire - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniākea - Ke Kumu Kapua Dalire-Moe - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniākea - Ke Kumu Kapua Dalire-Moe - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniākea - Ke Kumu Kapua Dalire-Moe - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniākea - Ke Kumu Kapua Dalire-Moe - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniākea - Ke Kumu Kapua Dalire-Moe - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala (Kāne) - Nā Kumu Leināʻala Pavao Jardin & Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala (Kāne) - Nā Kumu Leināʻala Pavao Jardin & Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala (Kāne) - Nā Kumu Leināʻala Pavao Jardin & Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala (Kāne) - Nā Kumu Leināʻala Pavao Jardin & Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala (Kāne) - Nā Kumu Leināʻala Pavao Jardin & Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka - Ke Kumu Nāpua Silva - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka - Ke Kumu Nāpua Silva - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka - Ke Kumu Nāpua Silva - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka - Ke Kumu Nāpua Silva - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka - Ke Kumu Nāpua Silva - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka - Ke Kumu Nāpua Silva - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka - Ke Kumu Nāpua Silva - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka - Ke Kumu Nāpua Silva - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau Mōhala ‘Ilima - Ke Kumu Māpuana de Silva - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Mōhala ‘Ilima - Ke Kumu Māpuana de Silva - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Mōhala ‘Ilima - Ke Kumu Māpuana de Silva - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Mōhala ‘Ilima - Ke Kumu Māpuana de Silva - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Mōhala ‘Ilima - Ke Kumu Māpuana de Silva - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau Mōhala ‘Ilima - Ke Kumu Māpuana de Silva - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Mōhala ‘Ilima - Ke Kumu Māpuana de Silva - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Kawai‘ulaokalā (Kāne) - Ke Kumu Keli‘iho‘omalu Puchalski - Photo by Bruce Omori

Kawai‘ulaokalā (Kāne) - Ke Kumu Keli‘iho‘omalu Puchalski - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Kawai‘ulaokalā (Kāne) - Ke Kumu Keli‘iho‘omalu Puchalski - Photo by Bruce Omori

Kawai‘ulaokalā (Kāne) - Ke Kumu Keli‘iho‘omalu Puchalski - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Kawai‘ulaokalā (Kāne) - Ke Kumu Keli‘iho‘omalu Puchalski - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi - Nā Kumu Haunani & ‘Iliahi Paredes - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi - Nā Kumu Haunani & ‘Iliahi Paredes - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi - Nā Kumu Haunani & ‘Iliahi Paredes - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi - Nā Kumu Haunani & ‘Iliahi Paredes - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi - Nā Kumu Haunani & ‘Iliahi Paredes - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi - Nā Kumu Haunani & ‘Iliahi Paredes - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi - Nā Kumu Haunani & ‘Iliahi Paredes - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau Hi‘iakaināmakalehua - Ke Kumu Robert Keano Ka‘upu IV - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Hi‘iakaināmakalehua - Ke Kumu Robert Keano Ka‘upu IV - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Hi‘iakaināmakalehua - Ke Kumu Robert Keano Ka‘upu IV - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Hi‘iakaināmakalehua - Ke Kumu Robert Keano Ka‘upu IV - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Hi‘iakaināmakalehua - Ke Kumu Robert Keano Ka‘upu IV - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau Hi‘iakaināmakalehua - Ke Kumu Robert Keano Ka‘upu IV - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Hi‘iakaināmakalehua - Ke Kumu Robert Keano Ka‘upu IV - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala - Nā Kumu Leināʻala Pavao Jardin & Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala - Nā Kumu Leināʻala Pavao Jardin & Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala - Nā Kumu Leināʻala Pavao Jardin & Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala - Nā Kumu Leināʻala Pavao Jardin & Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala - Nā Kumu Leināʻala Pavao Jardin & Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala - Nā Kumu Leināʻala Pavao Jardin & Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala - Nā Kumu Leināʻala Pavao Jardin & Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala - Nā Kumu Leināʻala Pavao Jardin & Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela - Nā Kumu Kunewa Mook & Kau‘ionālani Kamana‘o - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela - Nā Kumu Kunewa Mook & Kau‘ionālani Kamana‘o - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela - Nā Kumu Kunewa Mook & Kau‘ionālani Kamana‘o - Photo by Bruce Omori

Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela - Nā Kumu Kunewa Mook & Kau‘ionālani Kamana‘o - Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela - Nā Kumu Kunewa Mook & Kau‘ionālani Kamana‘o - Photo by Tracey Niimi

Hālau I Ka Wēkiu

Nā Kumu Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang

Pauoa, O‘ahu (Kāne)

“Kalākaua He Inoa”

The mele “Kalākaua He Inoa,” written for the last king of the Hawaiian monarchy, likens him to a flower that never wilts in the heat of the sun. An interpretation of this mele, as performed with kā lā‘au, honors the history and legacy of Hālau Nā Kamalei O Līlīlehua and its first mele kahiko performance at the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in 1976.

Academy of Hawaiian Arts

Ke Kumu Mark Keali‘i Ho‘omalu

Oakland, California

“He Inoa Pi’i Kuahiwi No Kaleleonālani”

In 1871, the renowned horse-riding “Queen Emalani” with 100 companions, set out from her Lāwaʻi estate on Kauaʻi and rode the paths above Waimea Canyon, visiting landmarks and vistas along the mountain trek. Poetic overtones of misty rains reflect the tragic loss of her beloved son and husband, while murmuring waters suggest solace in the merriment of music and hula presented by the royal entourage.

Ke Kai O Kahiki

Ke Kumu La‘akea Perry

Wai‘anae & Lā‘ie, O‘ahu (Kāne)

“Ke Akua Kuapu‘u O Halāliʻi”

The men of Ke Kai O Kahiki perform a mele entitled, “Ke Akua Kuapu‘u O Halāliʻi” contributed by Mrs. Kaoulionalani Kaai of (Waiākea) Hilo, Hawai‘i. In the mele, a young girl is bewitched and lured by Halāliʻi who sends the akua kuapu‘u to retrieve her. The akua kuapu‘u knocks throughout the night as the kahuna and parents protect the young girl because at daybreak, the spell is broken.

Keolalaulani Hālau ‘Ōlapa O Laka

Ke Kumu Keolalaulani Dalire

He‘eia, Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu

“ʻIno Ko‘olau”

In one version of this chant, the stormy rains of Ko‘olau mirror Hi‘iaka’s emotional burden as she searches for her beloved Lohi‘au. The mele traces Hi‘iaka’s physical and spiritual journey across Ko‘olau, where love is hidden, tested, and slowly revealed. The oli style kāhoahoa emphasizes that aloha and ‘ike are found through calling, listening, and answering.

Hālau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniākea

Ke Kumu Kapua Dalire-Moe

Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu

“He Nani Hā‘upu”

“He Nani Hā‘upu” is a mele about a majestic mountain on the island of Kaua‘i. The visual and natural beauty is described in the mele. “When you gaze down on Hulē‘ia,” it looks like a moena pāwehe, a patterned mat on Mokulē‘ia. Pua‘ena is magnified from above as this mele honors the island of Kaua‘i.

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala

Nā Kumu Leinā‘ala Pavao Jardin & Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao

Kalāheo, Kaua‘i (Kāne)

“Ka Pua Hau O Maleka”

This mele honors the beautiful and delicate hau flower of Maleka in rich imagery and kaona. In 1994, Kumu Hula Rae Fonseca and the kāne of Halau Hula ‘O Kahikilaulani graced the Merrie Monarch stage with a hula kuʻi to “Ka Pua Hau O Maleka.” This year, the kāne of Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala return to honor Kumu Rae’s enduring legacy.

Hālau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka

Ke Kumu Nāpua Silva

Waiohuli, Maui

“Pauahi ‘O Kalani”

Written by Queen Lili‘uokalani, “Pauahi ‘O Kalani” honors her hānai sister, Princess Bernice Pauahi, by extolling the ‘āina. The chiefly sentiments embedded within the lyrics remind us of the enduring legacy and kuleana of our ali‘i. Our adaptation of this staple mele encourages us to remain kūpa‘a in aloha and commit to excellence. “Kau i ka wēkiu! Beyond the highest peak!”

Halau Mōhala ʻIlima

Ke Kumu Māpuana de Silva

Ka‘ōhao, Oʻahu

“He Inoa No ‘Evelina”

Published in Ke Au Okoa on Oct. 22, 1866, this mele gives voice to a deeply felt yearning for a romantic, “aloha pili pa‘a” relationship with an unidentified ‘Evelina who, we suspect, was Eveline Townsend, then 17 and a protege of Lili‘u, who would soon marry C.B. Wilson and eventually become the sole lady-in-waiting for our imprisoned Queen.

Kawai‘ulaokalā

Ke Kumu Keli‘iho‘omalu Puchalski

‘Aiea & Kaiwi‘ula, Oʻahu (Kāne)

“Liuā Ke Kaha O Ka‘ena”

As Hiʻiaka passes through Waialua, she arrives at the most western point on the island of Oʻahu. There at Ka‘ena, she greets her brothers Kalaeoka‘ena and Pōhakuokaua‘i. She requests a canoe from them so that she may sail from O‘ahu to Kaua‘i across the Ka‘ie‘iewaho Channel. After several requests for a canoe were denied, Hi‘iaka, determined to reach Kaua‘i, builds one herself.

Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi

Nā Kumu Haunani & ‘Iliahi Paredes

Wailuku, Maui

“Mauliola”

Found in the private collection of Mary Kawena Pukui, this mele inoa honors Princess Ruth Keanolani Kanāhoahoa Ke‘elikōlani. Mauliola beckons our attention to the easternmost edge of Hawai‘i, to Puna, where each moming at Kumukahi, the sun breaks across the horizon. The highest ranking ali‘i of her age and a steadfast guardian of Hawaiian traditions, Princess Ke‘elikōlani held the governorship of Hawai’i Island from 1855 until 1874.

Hālau Hi‘iakaināmakalehua

Ke Kumu Robert Keano Ka‘upu IV

Niuhelewai, Kona, O‘ahu

“Kau Kaha‘ea Ke Ao Uahi I Luna”

Composed by Kekuhi Kanaka‘ole, this hulihia for Kama‘ehu a Kanaloa invokes a multitude of akua engaged in the creation of the submerged island still forming off the coast of Hawai‘i Island. The mele reveals Pelehonuamea as the master creator whose volcanic force shapes mountains and islands, just as a kālai wa‘a carves their canoe. Here, she assumes the role of the carver, the adze, and the canoe.

Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi

Nā Kumu Haunani & ‘Iliahi Paredes

Wailuku, Maui (Kāne)

“Pahua”

Pahua was a pet parrot belonging to King Kamehameha V and his sister Kamāmalu. One day, Pahua began squawking, “Hula! Hula! Hula!” Everybody tried to entertain him, only to be sent away with the command, “Hele ma kahi ‘ē!” Ka‘ehu, a Kaua‘i hula master, chanter, and haku mele, crafted this playful hula ma‘i for the parrot, who erupted with delight, crying, “Leʻale‘a! Le‘ale‘a!”

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala

Nā Kumu Leinā‘ala Pavao Jardin & Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao

Kalāheo, Kaua‘i

“Maika‘i Kaua‘i”

“Maika‘i Kauaʻi” is a traditional mele praising the incomparable beauty, peace, and natural splendor of Kauaʻi and honoring its landscapes, rains, and cultural heritage. The hālau performs in the Kaua‘i and Niʻihau hula alolua style where dancers mirror the choreography in each verse. The wāhine will honor their late Kumu Hula by presenting the award-winning oli she composed for her Miss Aloha Hula Kahiko in 1993.

Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela

Nā Kumu Kunewa Mook & Kau‘ionālani Kamana‘o

Kalihi & Waimānalo, O‘ahu

“A Hāmākua Au ‘Ike I Ka Pali”

This time-honored mele is associated with the ‘ūlili step, which is believed to resemble the foot movement of the ‘ūlili seabird, Honoring Hāmākua, Hawai‘i, this composition depicts the rising of sea spray against its jagged cliffs like that caused by a whale’s leap. The ensuing mist becomes pīkai, cleansing, for the land, traveling on the wind to anoint the ‘āina before returning to sea.

Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua

Ke Kumu Robert Keano Ka‘upu IV

Niuhelewai, Kona, O‘ahu (Kāne)

“Hulihia Ka ‘Āpapa Ka Unu Ko‘ako‘a O Ka Moana”

The ocean floor convulses, fire rises from deep within Haumea’s womb, and Kama‘ehu a Kanaloa emerges through heat, quake, and surging waters in this hulihia composed by Kaumaka‘iwa Kanaka‘ole. Volcanic power moves between submarine and terrestrial environments as Pelehonuamea breaks open sea and sky in a continuous act of creation. This mele affirms that life is born through fire, and regeneration and reconstruction are inevitable.