Finale of 2012 Merrie Monarch Fesitval

A week of Merrie Monarch Festivities concluded Saturday, April 14 with an exciting ʻauana hula competition and awards ceremony.

The audience reveled in the beauty and grace of Miss Aloha Hula on Thursday, enjoyed traditional hula kahiko on Friday, and will see modern or ʻauana hula tonight at 6 p.m. at the Edith Kanakaʻole Tennis Stadium.

The winners of the group kahiko and the night’s ʻauana performances will be given their awards at the end of the night. Hula ʻauana is the modern style of hula that allows more musicality with guitars, ukuleles and unfettered costuming. There are less rigid rules in ʻauana, which allow for greater creative expression.

The perpetuation of hula whether in kahiko or ʻauana form, continues to be a part of King David Kalakaua’s legacy. When Western contact tried to extinguish native Hawaiian identity, language, belief and dance, this farsighted king cultivated his own dancers to maintain and pass on this integral cultural component.

The night begins at 6 p.m., and will extend into the morrow. For access to the night’s performances, the elation, tears and heartfelt congratulations to all participants, turn to KFVE from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. If you are a lucky ticket holder, enjoy the show at Edith Kanakaʻole Tennis Stadium located at 350 Kalanikoa Street in Hilo.