Maui Dancer Wins Miss Aloha Hula 2013

Manalani Mili Hokoana English of Maui captured the title of Ms. Aloha Hula 2013 Thursday night.

Dancing with Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka o Uka under the direction of Nā kumu hula Nāpua Grieg and Kahulu Maluo, she scored 1,057 points.

She also won the Hawaiian language award.

Her voice expressed strength as her hula kahiko chant ʻAuhea Wale ʻOe E Ka Ua Noe described the slow-moving rain in kaona or hidden meaning of the intimacy of love between a man and a woman.

For the ʻauana or modern portion of the competition, she danced a favorite mele or song composed by Larry Kimura, with music by Eddie Kamae, entitled E Pili Mai. The composer added two verses to the song which English performed to last night.

The musicians that accompanied her dance melted the hearts as the men sang her kaʻi or opening song joined in by Kumu Nāpua graciously transitioning into E Pili Mai. The performance was outstanding as Manalani commanded the attention of all who watched.

A dancer for Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka o Uka since the age of 9, Manalani is now 24 years old. A previous competitor for Miss Aloha Hua, she took first runner-up in 2011.

This year she captures the title making Maui Island proud!

Miss Aloha Hula Results:

• Manalani Mili Hokoana English, Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka, 1057 points
• Sloane Makana West, Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, 1042 points
• Jasmine Kaleihiwa Dunlap, Hula Hālau ʻo Kamuela, 1041 points
• Chalei Mālianāpuaonāhala Puʻulei McKee, Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe, 1039 points
• Whitney Piʻilani Baldwin Schneider-Furuya, Hālau I Ka Wēkiu, 1033 points

The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival continues tonight with the Hula Kahiko group competition.