2013 Merrie Monarch Winners- Hula ʻAuana (Wahine Division)

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 2013 Hula ʻAuana (modern), Wahine (female) Division
1st Place: Keolalaulani Hālau ʻŌlapa O Laka
Kumu Hula: Aloha Dalire
“ʻIlima Beauty”
This performance honors Kumu Hula Mary Keolalaulani McCabe Wong, mother of Aloha Dalire. The pua ʻilima is a delicate blossom she cherished; it is a royal adornment strung with loving care and is regal to behold.
“The esteemed lei placed near the heart held affectionately with love.”
2nd Place: Hula Hālau ʻO Kamuela
Nā Kumu Hula: Kauʻionālani Kamanaʻo & Kunewa Mook
“He Mele Aloha No Puna”
In a mythical era, Pele and her clan set off into unknown seas in search of a new home. When they came ashore, they decided to settle in the beautiful and hospitable land of Puna.
The composer of this mele makes a similar journey to this famous home of the fire goddess, and the words express the wonderful experience.
3rd Place: Hālau Mōhala ʻIlima
Kumu Hula: Māpuana de Silva
“Ninipo Hoʻonipo”
The original “Ninipo” appears in Liliʻuokalani’s Buke Mele Hawaii over the notation “Liliʻu, Hilo, 1876.” The song describes a woman’s escape from the restrictions of Hilo, her passage through the tangle of Panaʻewa, her lover’s assignation at Moeawakea, and their immersion in the sea of Hāʻena.
Hilo and Panaʻewa may well be metaphors of the unhappy marriage to which Liliʻu was bound; Moeawakea and Hāʻena may well be metaphors of the fulfillment for which she yearned.
4th Place: Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe
Nā Kumu Hula: Tracie & Keawe Lopes
“Kaʻiulani”
This mele for Princess Kaʻiulani speaks metaphorically of her royal status. Kaʻiulani is likened to the ʻilima and lehua blossoms which are highly prized and glorious in bloom. Noted also are the “crown pin” and “the feather cape,” royal regalia reserved for nobility.
Kaʻiulani’s home, ʻĀinahau, was located in Waikīkī. In this lovely mele, she is referred to as “The Diamond Lei of ʻĀinahau.” Kaʻiulani is also likened to a pearl necklace for the people of Hawaiʻi to cherish.
5th Place: Hālau Hula ʻO Kahikilaulani
Kumu Hula: Nāhōkūokalani Gaspang
“Charles E. King Medley”
Charles E. King is one of the most influential composers of Hawaiian music, earning the respected and endearing title of “Father of Hawaiian Composers.” Featured this evening is an upbeat medley of his songs relating thoughts of deep affection and teasing ways, as well as of strong attachment and love for this land.
“Beautiful without equal, my Hawaiʻi… you are the pearl of the Pacific… very proud am I of you…”
=====SOCIAL MEDIA=====
UA-cam / @themerriemonarchfestival
Instagram / merriemonarchfestival
Facebook / themerriemonarchfestival
=====MORE INFO=====
website www.merriemona...
shop www.merriemona... or [phone]