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DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARADVERTISER.COM
Kayli Ka’iulani Carr of Halau Hi‘iakainamakalehua. Carr won the title of Miss Aloha Hula at the 53rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival.
HILO >> Kayli Ka‘iulani Carr of Halau Hi‘iakainamakalehua received the highest score from judges on Thursday night, winning the title of Miss Aloha Hula at the 53rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival.
With a total score of 1,134, she soared above the other dancers with an 11-point lead. Brylyn Noelani Aiwohi of Halau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leina‘ala won the Hawaiian Language Award.
Carr, 25, is a Kamehameha Schools graduate who grew up in Makaha and works as a professional dancer at Chief’s Luau at Sea Life Park.
“It felt awesome, wonderful,” Carr said after winning. “I really just tried to be in the moment. I mean, it’s only 14 minutes and you work so hard. You work for four months to get to this point. I didn’t want it to pass me by too quickly.”
Her kumu, Robert Ke‘ano Ka‘upu IV and Lono Padilla, said she worked really hard and grew during the process of preparing for the solo competition.
A total of 12 dancers vied for the Miss Aloha Hula title Thursday night at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium. Last year’s Miss Aloha Hula was Jasmine Kaleihiwa Dunlap of Hula Halau ‘o Kamuela.
The Merrie Monarch Festival continues with the group kahiko (ancient-style) hula competition Friday night and the group auana (modern-style) hula competition Saturday night, followed by the announcement of winners and awards.
Miss Aloha Hula results:
>> Kayli Ka‘iulani Carr, Halau Hi‘iakainamakalehua, 1,134
>> Brylyn Noelani Aiwohi, Halau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leina‘ala, 1,123
>> Ecstasy Jetta Laverne Kamakalikolehua Ligon, Ka La ‘Onohi Mai o Ha‘eha‘e, 1,107
>> ʻAulani Kameaʻiʻomakamae Latorre-Holt, Hula Halau ‘o Kamuela, 1,105
>> Kayshlyn Keauliʻimailani Victoria De Sa, Halau o Ka Ua Kani Lehua, 1,090
Kudos to all the young ladies and men for participating in the festival to insure its success. Special Aloha to the winner Kayli! For me her prominent Kanaka eyebrows assured me that she was local.
“Kayli Ka‘iulani Carr crowned Miss Aloha Hula 2016” When did they start giving crowns out to the winners?
Ever heard of euphemism?
A euphemism is a word you use which is milder than what you really want to say because it’s too crass, or harsh, or just plain embarrassing. Why is a euphemism necessary here?
Monday a new NCAA basketball champion will be crowned. Wonder what kind of jewels will be in their crown? And then their is the Triple Crown. My point is, there were a lot of beautiful Hula performed last night. Should focus on that. Kahiko night tonight. No crowns tonight, though.
She was awesome. Congrats!
Wished they used a little more flattering photograph. She has a beautiful smile.
Her oli was freaky.
Yep…that’s what hula is all about. competition and politics.
Well deserved. Absolutely beautiful performance. First runner-up was fabulous as well. So proud to be kanaka maoli! Maika’i Loa!!!
There are millions of Hula dancers around the world (not an exaggeration) in thousands of Halau Hula. For one week Hilo is Mecca.
I thought the judges actually got it right this year! Congratulations to them all – each of them beautiful and unique!
She is much Hawaiian as a pumpkin is like a grape.
Your negative attitude with no Aloha is what is wrong with this state and people like you.
So you know her geneology? Didn’t think so. Go back to the mainland. You are obviously not happy here. Why are you punishing yourself by staying? Take Alice with you.
Wonderful tradition, beautiful people, there shouldn’t be any negative comments from anyone toward this hula competition! Congratulation to all for your participation and hard work! Mahalo from the heart!!