#merrie monarch hula competition

The hālau’s score was 1,201.

Under the direction of Kumu Hula Tracie and Keawe Lopes from Halau ‘Ōnohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e, from Pū‘ahu‘ula, Ko‘olaupoko, O‘ahu, the winner received an overall score of 1,164. She also captured the Hawaiian Language award.

Twenty-two hālau hula are participating this year. Hālau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaehu, under the direction of Kumu Hula Kasie Puahala Kaleohano & Brandi Nohelani Barrett, is the only Big Island group participating in this year’s competition.

Wāhine and kāne dancers from 23 hālau took the stage Friday on the first night of group competition at Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium in Hilo on the Big Island.

The Merrie Monarch hula competition kicked off Thursday night with Miss Aloha Hula at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium in Hilo.