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Merrie Monarch Festival continues in Hilo with kahiko

Kahiko performances were held during the Merrie Monarch Festival at Edith Kanakaole Stadium on Friday in Hilo.

By Robbyn Peck / Special to the Star-Advertiser

April 26, 2025

Hawaii PhotosMerrie Monarch Festival

1/27
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Halau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinã‘ala, under the direction of Kumu Leinã'ala Pavao Jardin, performs "He Mele No Ka Hale Kukui O Kilauea." Mrs. Wahinekeöuli Pa, born and raised in Kalalau, Kaua'i in the mid 1800s, was devoted to hula and composing mele her whole life. She witnessed the construction of the Kilauea Lighthouse on Kaua'i, a beacon of technology that caused many to marvel at its bright lights. In this mele, the wondrous colors, lights and machinery of the Kilauea Lighthouse are celebrated.
2/27
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Halau Kekuaokalã'au'ala iliahi, under the direction of Kumu Haunani and 'Tiahi Paredes, performs "Ulei Pahu I Ta Motu." Hula Master Keahi Luahine preserved this Kaua'i drum dance which she taught to Mary Kawena Pukui and Pat Namaka Bacon in 1934. With its five hela and one ki'i step sequence, the dance was difficult to master and led to changes which were easier to perform. However, Tutu Kawena and Aunty Pat remained faithful to the original choreography and tonight we honor Luahine's tradition.
3/27
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Hula Halau 'O Kamuela, under the direction of Kumu Kunewa Mook and Kauionalani Kamana'o, performs "Ho'oipo I Mololani Ka Ua 'Apuakea." Honoring Queen Emma, William L. K. Moehonua composed this mele ho‘oipoipo to celebrate Ko‘olaupoko, O'ahu, as a cherished lover. Moehonua was a military leader, politician and a haku mele for the ali‘i. Through recalling the 'ãina's intimate features- from the sacred sands of Mololani to Lanihuli's cloud-kissed cliffs kawelu grass carries whispers of hinano entwined by the gentle touch of wind and rain.
4/27
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Halau Hula Ka Lehua Tuahine, under the direction of Kumu Kailihiwa Vaughan-Darval, performs"No Luna I Ka Hale Kai No Kama'alewa." Hi‘iaka's supernatural powers to see and hear at great distances are featured in this traditional mele. The mele hula is set on the northern shore of Kaua'i where Hi'iaka gazes out and sees Puna's lehua forests and she hears Kea au's rustling pebbles on Hawaii Island. This hula is one of many that has been passed down from the lineage of Kumu Hula Mã'iki Aiu.
5/27
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Kawai ulaokala, under the direction of Kumu Keli‘iho‘omalu Puchalski, perofrms "Ke Kaua A Kaiwi'ula." A battle ensues on O'ahu between two chiefs, Kahahana and Kahekili. When Kahekili's request for the land of Kualoa was denied by O'ahu chief Kahahana, this urged Kahekili into war. Aiding Kahekili was a warrior chief from Hawaii Island, Kahahawai, whose men fought the O'ahu warriors at the plains of Kaiwi"ula. It was said that the slain bodies were used to dam the Niuhelewai Stream.
6/27
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Halau Mõhala Hima, under the direction of Kumu Mapuana de Silva, performs "He Inoa Pi't Kuahiwi No Kaleleonalani." It is the last paukù of a mele inoa composed by Mrs. R. K. Kaohu and published in Ke Au Okoa on April 13, 1871, in commemoration of Queen Emma's huaka'i from Waimea to Wai‘ale'ale. As with the more than two-dozen mele composed for this ascent, this one celebrates Emma's triumph over the 'oneanea of both the "Aipõ trail and personal loss.
7/27
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Hãlau Hula O Kauhionamauna, under the direction of Kumu Theresa Kauhionamauna Ramento Tehiva, performs "Ka'iulani I 'Ainahau." W. P. Kalanikapuaenui Silva penned this mele ho‘ohanohano to pay tribute to Princess Ka'iulani, a most cherished and admired royal heir to the Hawaiian throne. She was the only natural child of Princess Miriam Likelike and her husband Archibald Cleghorn of Scotland. Kaiulani's radiant beauty and gentle character are compared to the many exotic blossoms found in her garden at her residence, 'Ainahau in Waikiki.
8/27
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Halau I Ka Wekiu, under the direction of Kumu Karl Veto Baker and Michael Lanakila Casupang, performs "Kuu Wahine O Na Lehua." After years away from each other, Halemano and the attractive Kamalaläwalu see each other at the same event and their feelings of love rise to the surface. Halemano cannot take his eyes off of Kamalaläwalu during a kilu game and he is mesmerized by her unparalleled beauty. While chanting at the game, Halemano recalls when they were so happy together and deeply in love.
9/27
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Hãlau Nã Lei Kaumaka O Uka, under the direction of Kumu Nãpua Silva, performs "Auhea Wale Ana 'De E Ka Ua Hò eha 'ili." In 1877, composer Nakulala wrote two mele inoa, this chant being the lesser known of the two. Both mele stress the duality of all things while honoring places found in Maui Komohana, West Maui, as well as winds and rains found there. These features sustain the kupa of Maui and reminds us of the "ukana o ke aloha," a responsibility of aloha.
10/27
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Hãlau Kekuaokalã'au'ala'iliahi, under the direction of Kumu Haunani and 'Iliahi Paredes, performs "Puhi Ka Makani O Ke Kuahiwi." Taken from the mele collection of Mary Kawena Pukui and Patience Namaka Bacon, this mele captures sights, sounds and scents encountered from uka to kai. Kapi‘olani Napelakapuokaka'e, Queen Consort of David Kalakaua is commemorated in this hula 'olapa which details wind, birdsong and forest fragrance. A striking rainbow appears for all to behold as a metaphor for her royal status and grace.
11/27
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Ke Kai O Kahiki, under the direction of Kumu La'akea Perry, performs "Eia Ho'i 'O Ka Lani." King Kaläkaua and his contributions to the Hawaiian Kingdom are featured in this mele inoa or name chant. He journeyed abroad to meet with foreign leaders and to discuss a reciprocity treaty that benefitted both the Hawaiian economy as well as a relationship with America. The islands from Hawaii to Lehua pay fitting tribute to the Heavenly One, Kalakaua, whose name will live on.
12/27
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Academy of Hawaiian Arts, under the direction of Kumu Mark Keali'i Ho‘omalu, performs "Ku'e Hao O Ka Lanakila." "Iron Pistons Of The Lanakila Train" is a mele published in Buke Mele Lahui 1895. This tribute to Her Late Majesty Queen Lili'uokalani, recalls noted train depots, ahupua‘a and land features along the O'ahu Railway line from Moanalua to Wai‘anae. This mele suggests that Her Majesty was actually imprisoned at that time andthat the noted ahupua' a indicated areas of loialike, where royalists supported her.
13/27
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Halau Hiiakainamakalehua, under the direction of Kumu Robert Keano Ka'upu IV and Lono Padill, performs "Aia I Ka 'Opua Ko Lei Nani." Composed for the coronation of King David Kaläkaua and Queen Kapi‘olani, this mele comes from a set of chants honoring the royal occasion. The lyrics compare nature's elements of light and water to the shine and sparkle of the gold and jewels in Kapi'olani's crown. Such atmospheric phenomenon also attest to the Queen's chiefly rank and her great mana.
14/27
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Academy of Hawaiian Arts, under the direction of Kumu Mark Keali'i Ho‘omalu, performs "Holo Mai Pele." The chant "Pele Travels Forth" recounts the arrival of Hawaii's renowned divinity, Pelehonuamea. The mele was recited since the 1800s as it appears in Hawaiian newspapers of that time. Today, this epic has been reinspired by the awesome displays of renowned Halau o Kekuhi. Pele's voyage is recorded in chant as she and a crew of divinities sail from Kahiki to Hawaii.
15/27
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Halau I Ka Wekiu, under the direction of Kumu Karl Veto Baker and Michael Lanakila Casupang, performs "Holo "O Laenihi." Halemano often dreamt of the beautiful Kamalalwalu and he became consumed by thoughts of her both day and night. He refused to eat, eventually growing ill and dying. This mele relates the story of his sister Lanihi's journey from O'ahu to Hawaii Island in search of Kamalalawalu, the one who surfed on wave crests and who captivated her brother Halemano's heart.
16/27
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Halau Ka Liko Pua O Kalaniakea, under the direction of Kumu Kapua Dalire-Moe, performs "Lonoikamakahiki Ke Ali'i." A large feathered standard or kahili is a royal symbol which was often named and treated with reverence. The ali'i Lonoikamakahiki had a kähili called Hãwai iloa that accompanied him both on land and at sea. When kähili were held upright, all prostrated. At sea, the sight of a kähili aboard the royal canoe was awe-inspiring and deserving of the same respect.
17/27
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Hãlau Hula 'O Kahikilaulani, under the direction of Kumu Nahokuokalani Gaspang, performs "He 'Aina Maika'i A'o Waipi'o." Waipi‘o Valley and its waterfall, Hi‘ilawe, are places of vast beauty and peace. "The mist of the mountains greets me.." from the cliffs and ridges to the fertile plains, the beauty of Waipi'o can be seen and admired. Waipi‘o's glory is revealed - "Here is where love is firmly held for the nation of a Native people."
18/27
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Hãlau Hula 'O Kahikilaulani, under the direction of Kumu Nahokuokalani Gaspang, performs "He 'Aina Maika'i A'o Waipi'o." Waipi o Valley and its waterfall, Hi`ilawe, are places of vast beauty and peace. "The mist of the mountain greets me.." from the cliffs and ridges to the fertile plains, the beauty of Waipi'o can be seen and admired. Waipi o's glory is revealed - "Here is where love is firmly held for the nation of a Native people."
19/27
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Keolalaulani Halau 'Õlapa O Laka, under the direction of Kumu Keolalaulani Dalire and Regina Maka'ika'i Igarashi Pascua, performs "Kapukapuakea." The chant "Kapukapuakea" honors the ancestral voices, sacred places and the divine connections between the heavens and earth. The words invoke the imagery of cool winds, calm seas and celestial prophecies, each woven together to celebrate renewal, love and unity. Through the poetic verses, we acknowledge the wisdom of kupuna and revered landscapes that perpetuate the Hawaiian spirit and identity.
20/27
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Hãlau o ka Hanu Lehua, under the direction of Kumu Carlson Kamaka Kukona III, performs "E Kuini E Kapi'olani." Tribute is paid in this mele to Queen Kapi‘olani and to the royal "ho'oulu lahui" tour that she made throughout the islands to encourage the increase of the Hawaiian race. Honoring her ali'i bloodline, the composition notes "You are like the fire that arches to the heights of heaven's crest." Kaumuali‘i, Kapi'olani's maternal grandfather, is also acknowledged in this chant.
21/27
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Pua Ali'i 'Ilima, under the direction of Kumu Vicky Hanaka'ulaniokamamalu Holt Takamine and Jeffrey Kanekaiwilani Takamine, performs "E Aha 'Ia Ana Maunakea." This mele inoa is one of several written to commemorate Queen Emma's huaka'i from Mana to Maunakea in 1881. The lyrics express appreciation for the expansive view from the heights of Maunakea to the seas of Puna. Although shrouded in a fine mist, the views from Maunakea's slopes to Kilauea's fiery pits and 'Ola'a's lehua forests can sometimes be seen.
22/27
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Kawai ulaokala, under the direction of Kumu Keliiho omalu Puchalski, performs "He Mele No Hi'iakaikapoliopele." In preparation for her epic journey, Hi iakaikapoliopele is presented with this mele inoa. Pele chants to Kauilanuimäkēhaikalani to instill power into Hi'iaka's pãu. Kilauea is ablaze as Hi'iaka is honored in the forms of lightning, earthquake and a skirt of fire. Hi‘iaka is instilled with mana and protection from her kupuna and her 'ohana as they ready her for the journey that lies ahead.
23/27
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Halau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinã'ala, under the direction of Kumu Leinã'ala Pavao Jardin, perform "Ka Nalu Ke'e O Makaiwa." Over three decades ago, the late Kumu Hula Rae Fonseca of Halau Hula 'O Kahikilaulani created this hula as a Merrie Monarch Competition number. Makaiwa is a surf break in the bay of Wailua and it was once reserved exclusively for the ali'i of Kaua'i.
24/27
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Hãlau Hiiakainamakalehua, under the direction of Kumu Robert Keano Ka'upu IV and Lono Padilla, perform "E O Kahekilinui." Composed to honor Maui's paramount chief, Kahekilinui ahumanu, this mele praises his formidable abilities both as a skilled warrior and as an esteemed leader. Through strategic familial alliances, Kahekili wielded influence across Hawaii Pae 'Aina, establishing his dominance and revered status. His commanding presence and his strong, impactful rule are metaphorically likened to thunderous heavens and the deep rumbling of rocks on the earth.
25/27
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Ka Pa Hula O Ka Lei Lehua, under the direction of Kumu Snowbird Puananiopaoakalani Bento, perform "Aloha Kapolei I Ka La Loa O Makali'i."
26/27
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Halau Hula Keali'i O Nalani, led by Kumu Keali i Ceballos of Los Angeles, perform "Aia I Hawaii Kô Lei Ali'i."
27/27
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Halau Ka Liko Pua 0 Kalaniakea, led by Kumu Kapua Dalire-Moe of Heeia, perform "Eia La 0 Manu-o-Kaae."
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