Showtime: Groups from Taiwan, New Zealand add international flavor to Ho‘ike

Thousands flocked Wednesday night to the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium for the Merrie Monarch Festival Ho‘ike, a free exhibition of hula and cultural dance from across the Pacific Basin.

Thousands flocked Wednesday night to the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium for the Merrie Monarch Festival Ho‘ike, a free exhibition of hula and cultural dance from across the Pacific Basin.

Hilo’s own Halau O Kekuhi, under the direction of kumu hula Nalani Kanaka‘ole, kicked off the entertainment with a hula honoring Hi‘iakaikapoliopele.

The Hawaiian Cultural Center Taiwan and Hula Halau O Lehua Taiwan, under the direction of Ann Fan, Rara Tian and Ching Yu, presented a program that included traditional Chinese dance, aboriginal Taiwanese dance and hula. Fan, who has lived on the Big Island, is a student of kumu hula Nani Lim Yap of Kohala.

Nonosina, a Polynesian dance studio in Anaheim, Calif., specializing in Tahitian dance, returned to the Merrie Monarch stage following a triumphant performance in the 2012 Ho‘ike. The troupe, under the direction of Tiana and Mevina Liufau, performed a program described by Tiana Liufau as “the best of Nonosina.”

The evening ended with Te Kapa Haka O Te Whanau A Apanui, the 2015 Te Matatini kapa haka national champions from Aotearoa (New Zealand), under the direction of Rikirangi Gage, Hone Wharepapa, Tamati Waaka and Puao Whauwhau.

The three-night Merrie Monarch Festival hula competition starts tonight with the Miss Aloha Hula solo competition. The group hula kahiko (ancient hula) competition is Friday night, and the group hula ‘auana (modern hula) competition is Saturday night.

Festivities begin each night at 6 p.m. with the entrance of the Merrie Monarch’s royal court.

Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.