Maui dancer captures title of Miss Aloha Hula at 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival

Faith Lynn Kealohapauʻole Paredes of Wailuku, Maui, captured the Miss Aloha Hula title with stunning kahiko and ‘auana performances Thursday on the iconic stage in the Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium in Hilo on the first night of the 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival’s hula competition.

The festival kicked off Sunday with the Ho‘olaule‘a. Cultural events and activities celebrating Hawai‘i’s hula and arts have continued throughout the week. The festival’s culmination is the three-day hula competition at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multipurpose Stadium.

On Thursday, 13 women competed for the title of Miss Aloha Hula where they showcased kahiko (ancient) and ‘auana (modern) hula.

Paredes, with Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, under the direction of Kumu Haunani and ʻIliahi Paredes, secured the win with a total of 1,161 points. Paredes also captured the Hawaiian Language Award.

The first runner-up was Keoe Momilani Michiko Hoe with Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua from Kona, Oʻahu, under the direction of Kumu Hula Robert Ke‘ano Ka‘upu IV with 1,156 points.

The second runner-up was Lahela Hoʻokela Medina Maio with Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe, under the direction of Kumu Hula Tracie and Keawe Lopes, from Pūʻahuʻula, Koʻolaupoko, Oʻahu, with 1,134 points.

The third runner-up was Leimana Kaleinamanu Purdy with Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka, under the direction of Kumu Hula Nāpua Silva, from Waiohuli, Maui, with 1,115 points.

The fourth runner-up was Jelacia Naomi Waiauokalaniākea Peralta with Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala, under the direction of Kumu Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao, from Kalāheo, Kaua‘i, with 1,098 points.

Group performances by 19 hālau will start Friday night with kahiko. The competition will culminate on Saturday with ‘auana performances.

Hawai‘i News Now – KFVE, the festival’s official broadcaster, carries the competition events live on-air and online each night, as well as special coverage during newscasts and on streaming platforms and social media.