Eldredge wins Miss Aloha Hula title

HILO >> In a close, double tiebreaker, Kelina Kyoko Ke‘ano‘ilehua Tiffany Eldredge of Halau Hi‘iakainamakalehua pulled ahead to win the Miss Aloha Hula title on Thursday night.

With a mere 0.2 lead over second place finisher Julyen Machiko Kaloke Kaluna of Hula Halau ‘O Kamuela, she became Miss Aloha Hula 2017. Both dancers scored 1075 points and a tiebreaker of 1499 points. Eldredge received 18.6 points in the double tiebreaker, while Kaluna received 18.4 points.

Eldredge also won the Hawaiian Language Award.

It was Halau Hi‘iakainamakalehua’s second Miss Aloha Hula win in a row, following Kayli Ka‘iulani Carr’s win last year.

A total of 10 dancers vied for the Miss Aloha Hula title Thursday night at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium. Last year’s Miss Aloha Hula was Kayli Ka‘iulani Carr of Halau Hi‘iakainamakalehua.

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:

>> Kelina Kyoko Ke‘ano‘ilehua Tiffany Eldredge, Halau Hi‘iakainamakalehua, 1075, 1499, 18.6

>> Julyen Machiko Kaloke Kaluna, Hula Halau ‘O Kamuela, 1075, 1499, 18.4

>> Chelei Kameleonalani Kahalewai, Kawaili‘ula, 1024

>> Amanda Hiwalei Aliser, Halau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leina‘ala, 1015

>> Miriam Anuhea Kamakanaokealoha Hokoana Arakawa, Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka, 1006