Hula Halau ‘O Kamuela of Kalihi and Waimanalo, Oahu, took home the top honors at the 56th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival’s hula competition.
The halau, under the direction of na kumu hula Kau‘ionalani Kamana‘o and Kunewa Mook scored 1190 points in the combined wahine hula kahiko (women’s ancient hula) and wahine hula ‘auana (women’s modern hula).
In second place, with 1174 points, was Halau Na Mamo ‘O Pu‘uanahulu of Kapahulu, Oahu, under the direction of na kumu hula William Kahakuleilehua Haunu‘u “Sonny” Ching and Lopaka Igarta-De Vera.
In third place overall was Halau Kekuaokala‘au‘ala‘iliahi of Wailuku, Maui, under the direction of na kumu hula Haunani and ‘Iliahi Parades, with 1172 points.
The kane (men’s) overall winner, with 1163 points, was Ka Leo O Laka I Ka Hikina O Ka La of Honolulu, under the direction of kumu hula Kaleo Trinidad. The halau also took top honors in kane hula kahiko.
Taking second place in kane overall, with 1160 points, was Kawaili‘ula of Kailua and Manoa, Oahu, under the direction of kumu hula Chinky Mahoe.
Third place in kane overall, with 1157 points, went to Hilo’s Halau Hula ‘O Kahikilaulani, under the direction of kumu hula Nahokuokalani Gaspang. The hometown favorites also took the top spot in kane hula ‘auana.
This story will be updated with all results, and a festival wrap-up story will appear in Monday’s edition of the Tribune-Herald.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
