Lei contest to be held during Merrie Monarch
(l-r) Paul Ewing (only his feet and hands showing), his father, Bryan Ewing, Evie Del Campo (9), her brother, Brady Del Campo (5), Lynn Nakada, Gerry Crespo and Brianne Nakasone sew lei.
HILO, Hawaii >> A lei-making contest will be held in Hilo during the Merrie Monarch Festival next month.
The contest celebrates native species, Hawaiian culture and sustainable picking practices on Hawaii Island.
Organizers say lei will be judged on craftsmanship, creativeness of design, uniqueness of material and the complexity or effort.
There are three main categories: kahiko or traditional style lei, auana or contemporary lei and lei hulu or feather lei.
Entries will be displayed at the Wailoa Arts and Cultural Center from April 19-25.
Kauluwehi 2014 is sponsored by multiple divisions of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Three Mountain Alliance and the Wailoa Arts and Cultural Center.
Organizers are inviting amateurs and professional to enter.
