Merrie Monarch 2007

[Lei Liko]

Ahh...Merrie Monarch (http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/merriemonarch/2930079/detail.html). For me, it's like Christmas all over again.

Merrie Monarch will be held on April 12-14 this year, and since KITV's already posted the list of participating Miss Aloha Hula contestants and halau, I figured I'd start this thread.

Miss Aloha Hula Contestants (http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/merriemonarch/11275014/detail.html)
Competing Kane Halau (http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/merriemonarch/8036919/detail.html)
Competing Wahine Halau (http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/merriemonarch/7973972/detail.html)

Pay close attention to the list of Wahine Halau. No, that's not a typo. Kapua Dalire-Moe's halau will be competing against her mother's halau. Is this the first time in MM history that a child kumu will be competing against his/her parent kumu? I'm so very excited to see Kapua's halau compete. Sources (who'll kill me if I cite them) have said that Aloha's halau has suffered both creatively and competitively since Kapua left to start her own halau and judging from recent MM performances...I can't help but agree. I've seen members of Kapua's halau perform at various events, and I'm so happy that they were invited this year to compete.

I mean no disrespect at all to the older, more seasoned kumu hula -- but I always look forward to halau led by the new kumu hula: Kaleo, Snowbird, Kau`i, and Manu come to mind. Pay close attention to Kamaka Kukona's Halau O Ka Hanu Lehua. They're competing for the first time, and hopefully he'll be able to bring his wahine next year.

Absent from competition again this year (set to return next year) is Halau Na Mamo O Pu`uanahulu, but they will perform Wednesday evening during the free exhibition.

Na Lei O Kaholoku is also on break this year. :(

As of now, I don't think I'll be able to make it again this year because of work, but I'm crossing my fingers that divine intervention will allow me to hop on that plane Wednesday afternoon!

To say I'm anxious and excited about MM07 would be an understatement!!!

[Kory K]

You could be like my gf. After dancing for years and years she can't stop going. She doesn't dance competitively anymore but she loves to go shopping at all of the craft fairs. She watches it from the hotel cause she says it's more comfortable than sitting on those seats for hours. :P

[achow]

I will also be watching the Merrie Monarch 2007 competition again this year from the couch.

[1stwahine]

I'll be watching Antonio's Ohana dancing again under Kumu Hula Kapiolani Ha'o "Halau Ke Kia 'i A O Hula."

Kumu Kapiolani completed her Hula training and was graduated to Kumu Hula Palapala under her Kumu, Master Kumu George L. Na'ope in March of 1979. She has also had the opportunity to learn from Kumu Hula Kamulea Nae'ole and Kumu Hula Frank Kawaiikapu'okapu'okalani Hewitt.

Antonio's uncle and aunty are Kumus.

Izzy's brother, a teacher at Aiea High School is now a Kumu.
Kumu Isaac-Davey Wailani Avilla will be dancing.

His sister, Kumu Isis-Davelyn Kapiolani Avilla (whose named after her aunt).

Auntie Lynn

[Lei K]

One day I hope to get to see the competition live but for now I'll be watching it from the comfort of my desk chair, online. *Sigh*

Auntie, that is so very special for Antonio to be able to watch his 'ohana out there doing their thing. Hula is definitely in his blood.

Hula is in my blood when it comes to my Laie/Kahuku 'ohana and I would definitely love to devote time to study and especially would love my sons to learn. Sadly there's no halau anywhere near me anymore. I do believe the closest one is a significant drive. :(

[1stwahine]

Auntie, that is so very special for Antonio to be able to watch his 'ohana out there doing their thing. Hula is definitely in his blood.

Antonio's daddy also danced since he was little and at many MM Competitions. When his brother and sister became Kumus, I teased him. "What happened to you? How come you not one Kumu?" He replied "I one Kumu! I Kumu of my own HALE!!!!":p

HAHAHAHAHAHA

Auntie Lynn

[Lei K]

I Kumu of my own HALE!!!!"

And that's the most important thing! :p

I tease my kane that I'm ali'i nui of our hale. I have a vast 1500 sq ft kingdom filled with all kinds of treasures like legos and toy trucks. :rolleyes: LOL!

[alohabear]

The shirts are ugly( then again I've never seen a nice one). Gold this with the same stupid lei.

[Bard]

Speaking of shirts and such... I didn't care too much for the 2007 poster, but the last few years' have been incredible. See here (http://www.namakua.com/Search.bok?category=Merrie+Monarch+Posters). We got to stop in his shop while in Hilo and buy some cards of them. Apparently a print of the 2003 poster goes for $200 now!

Thanks for the streaming link, looking forward to watching :)

[kiwidiva]

I'll be there to see it and breathe it all in!

Thank goodness for Halau Mohala Ilima who were able to give me 2 of their "extra" tickets!!

I really was all set to go with airfares, accoms, a rental car and NO Merrie Monarch tickets!!!

Now... I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

I watched it on TV last year and vowed that I wouldn't miss out in '07. My faves (apart from Mapuana who has been so kind) are the young'uns - especially Snowbird & Kaleo. I'm looking forward to seeing what they have come up with this year.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE KUMU & DANCERS.

[Miulang]

Speaking of shirts and such... I didn't care too much for the 2007 poster, but the last few years' have been incredible. See here (http://www.namakua.com/Search.bok?category=Merrie+Monarch+Posters). We got to stop in his shop while in Hilo and buy some cards of them. Apparently a print of the 2003 poster goes for $200 now!

Thanks for the streaming link, looking forward to watching :)
When I was on Maui the last 2 weeks, I stopped at the place I usually can find MM festival shirts and posters and bought a t-shirt (you're right: this year's t-shirt is a pretty gawd awful yellow). I didn't buy the poster this year, but I do have the one from 2005 with Hopo'e and Hi'iaka. I understand that the Festival has convinced Makua to do another series of Hawaiian legends beginning with 2008. I'll definitely be buying copies then! They're only $10 for the current year; the lady at the shop said the print I have was going for about $150 on eBay...as if I would ever sell it!:p

Miulang

[Bard]

Oooo... I'll definitely be checking that out. Is he doing the posters for Merrie Monarch, or just as a thing on his own?

[Miulang]

Oooo... I'll definitely be checking that out. Is he doing the posters for Merrie Monarch, or just as a thing on his own?
Apparently MM commissioned Makua to continue his series on Hawaiian legends specifically for the Festival. His artwork truly is amazing...I bought last year's poster too, but it has disappeared from my possession somehow (major sadness):(

Miulang

[mikaela]

i cant wait!! i too will be watching on my computer, but i'm still mad excited about it all. last year, i was able to record the live stream (because i knew i'd fall asleep! lol), so i'm gonna do the same this year.

it's my dream to dance on that stage...my mom and i went to hilo to see the mm in person back in 2005 and i got chicken skin just thinking about dancing on that stage. *shivers* one day!! :-)

[timkona]

I will be taking my daughter on Friday night. I cannot wait to experience this event "in person".

Who else will go from HT.....let's meet up, and put faces on names.

PM me if you plan to attend Friday night.

[Bard]

Aww man, wish I could be there this year. Maybe next year! It'll be the internet stream for us.

[Kory K]

everyone watching?

[tutusue]

everyone watching?
You betcha! Well, I'm a little late!

[Pomai]

Caught the first 5 (kahiko) contestants of last night's Miss Aloha Hula competition. Bummers that Johnny Lum Ho (Halau Ka Ua Kani Lehua) is out this year.

Just learned from mom last night that my (late) dad played a part in founding the Merrie Monarch. While dad was Chief of Economic Development for the City & County of Hilo under then-mayor Shun Kimura, the two of them thought up and started the Merrie Monarch Festival.

In the beginning, the Merrie Monarch Festival wasn't a Hula event, but simply a county fair (like the 50th State Fair), held at Mo'oheau Park, with community booths and carnival attractions, intended to promote local business and bring more attraction and excitement to Hilo town.

George Na'ope and Dottie Thompson, who worked for the C&C of Hilo's recreations department, came in later and began the transformation of the Merrie Monarch Festival into a Hula event.

[Lei Liko]

Aloha to HT from Waiakea Uka!

Divine intervention worked again this year as I find myself updating from my friend's couch.

After the kahiko portion of the Miss Aloha Hula competition, I knew that it was a free for all. I didn't see a contestant I didn't like, and although I had two favorites (both of whom placed) -- I really think that it was Keonilei's kahiko that blew everyone out of the water.

When the list of contestants was announced, I saw right away that Kaleo Trinidad and Snowbird Bento decided not to run a Miss Aloha Hula contestant. Totally forgot that Aureana (Hula Halau o Kamuela) is Tatiana's (Ka Leo O Laka I Ka Hikina O Ka La) youngest sister. Awesome to see respect between the different halau.

Upon reading the program, I saw that Mapuana DeSilva's girl's mele auana was "Na Pua Lei Ilima". I hoped that Jerry Santos was performing it. It's just not the same otherwise. Sure enough, I got my wish. Brought back lots of memories and that song always always gives me chicken skin.

Aureana's "Mai Italia Kou Lei Nani" was also a favorite and she was so perfect. When I saw her walk up to the stage, I couldn't help but think "OMG! IMELDA!!!" but her costume was definitely in keeping with her Queen Kapiolani theme. Always a treat to hear Lopaka Kanakaole sing.

TimKona, wish I was going to Kahiko tonight but I have something else to go to. :( I know I'm missing the best part, but you guys have fun for me. From what I remember from the night at La Mariana, your daughter's an absolute darling. Have fun tonight!

Busy day today! Thank goodness it's payday. Sig Zane, here I come!

[koloagirl]

Aloha from Kaua'i!

Just a correction to the competing halau's information first posted -- they have
"Na Hula 'O Kaohikukapulani" as being from O'ahu -- Aunty Kapu and her halau are from right here on beautiful Kaua'i! :)

All I can say is "Thank God for TIVO!" -- I'm watching last night's competition as I type this!

And yes, the shirts are ugly, but I still had my friend buy me a tank and a bag! What can I say? :rolleyes:

[Pomai]

Kahiko's on as I type! (Arguably) the best night of the competition, IMO. :)

[Kory K]

Good to see lots of young halau tonight. Anyone waiting to hear Mark Kealii Ho`omalu chant?

[tutusue]

Good to see lots of young halau tonight. Anyone waiting to hear Mark Kealii Ho`omalu chant?
His halau is up next. Can't wait. He always blows me away...in spite of his 'reputation'.

[tutusue]

DAYAM!
Ho`omalu rocks my soul!

[Lei K]

DAYAM!
Ho`omalu rocks my soul!

I loved it!

[tutusue]

[...]TimKona, wish I was going to Kahiko tonight but I have something else to go to. :( I know I'm missing the best part, but you guys have fun for me. From what I remember from the night at La Mariana, your daughter's an absolute darling. Have fun tonight![...]
Tim...please post your daughter's reaction! IIRC, she's 5 so she'll have a different take on it than the ol' folks. I gave my 8 yr. old nephew (the special needs little guy) a dvd of last years keiki hula contest. He's mesmerized by it.

[craigwatanabe]

I just drove by and it's a friggin madhouse down there tonight.

[Bard]

Been watching from here. The video stream is awesome, but I bet it's twice as good in person. The Ho`omalu performance was fantastic. It's been one great performance after another, though with the second half probably scheduled to start at midnight for me, I probably don't have the energy to watch it all :)

It's been pretty funny to watch the "unofficial" feed though -- if you left it running when they took a break for news a while ago, the camera was still rolling and feeding to the internet as they coached a girl for an interview and chatted :)

[Kory K]

Are you ready for the second half of Kahiko night? Anyone planning on staying up really late to watch until the end?

[Keanu]

Are you ready for the second half of Kahiko night? Anyone planning on staying up really late to watch until the end?


I am. I much prefer to watch the Kane during the Kahiko portion and the Wahine during the Auwana portion. Btw, I think I just saw Tim tumbling down the bleachers. Tim was that you?

[tutusue]

Are you ready for the second half of Kahiko night? Anyone planning on staying up really late to watch until the end?
Unfortunately...no! The memory foam mattress topper is chanting my name...tu...tu...tu...tu!

I was just perusing Ho`omalu's web page (http://www.mkhproductions.com/flash/mkh_hifi.html) when the men of Na Pua Me Ke Aloha were dancing. I muted the tv's sound and the Ho`omalu chant on the web site and the halau's dancing were perfectly in synch. Awesome!

Kahiko's my favorite night. Kane hula kahiko is the favorite part of my favorite night!

[Pua'i Mana'o]

just got back. Sat for as long as I could. Tomorrow I will bring a better cushion.

As always, beautiful hula. Still, its a Maiki fest, if you ask me. All the same hula genealogy, with the exception of the halau from the mainland. Hilo needs to step back into the game.

Ho'omalu did it different, but neither his men nor his ladies were fully ready. Between enough off-beat and kupe'e falling off (deductions for that), I don't think he will place as high as he'd wish. Still, what a crowd pleaser.

bus' ass this week, but all is good. This is my second favorite week of the year (just after Haili VB). Craft fairs aren't doing as well as they usually do, which is a bummer.

[CranBeree]

can someone tell me if Kaui Dalire ever made Miss Aloha Hula? if so what year?

tried to google, but no luck.

[Kory K]

Kaui won Miss Aloha Hula in 1992, a year after Kapua.

http://www.merriemonarchfestival.org/past_winners_1990s.html

[Lei Liko]

Kaui won Miss Aloha Hula in 1992, a year after Kapua.

http://www.merriemonarchfestival.org/past_winners_1990s.html

Don't forget youngest sister, Keola, in 1999. When Keola did her farewell hula in 2000, all 3 Dalire girls plus mom were on stage. That was one of my most favorite MM moments.

Watched kahiko on TV last night with a bunch of auana musicians (who shall not be named for fear of embarassment and retaliation) who I imagine are not feeling too good this morning. But it's tradition -- every kahiko night they get together for a nice watering session! It's like we never left the AB.

Was nice to see Wekiu kane back in the grind. I was wondering how come my friend was growing out his hair. I was going to say something a few months ago about he looks better with shorter hair....but now I know why he grew it out!

Pua'i Mana'o brought up Maiki Aiu Lake, and it got me thinking about a hula family tree that appeared in the Star Bulletin over ten years ago. A search brought up this:

http://starbulletin.com/96/04/08/features/story1.html

...but the illustration's too tiny for me to read. Does anyone have a copy of it in full size or know where I can find one? With all the new and young kumu these days, I think it'd be nice to read up on that again.

[oggboy]

It`s nice when Mark Keliihoomalu brings his troupe to preform. I just trip cause his style is so different from everybody. I like the way he chants, big time...... Just watching everyones reaction while his troupe preforms, unreal. Of course last nite had some mistake that going cost them but it`s good to see him back at Merry Monarch.:) OGGBOY

[tutusue]

Ho`omalu is edgy and controversial. That's what I like about him. Sometimes I think I'm in the minority! Kinda reminds me of a decade or so ago, watching Robert Cazimero's halau dance to Prince's "7" at the Hawaii Theatre. OMG...unbelievable. The theater was packed. Everyone was going crazy. While I greatly admire traditional hula I also love seeing it taken to a whole, different level.

Hula = chickenskin!

[Kory K]

Tutu Sue, I guess you loved his little fishing hula tonight too. I actually hope he places with that one.

[CranBeree]

Kaui won Miss Aloha Hula in 1992, a year after Kapua.

http://www.merriemonarchfestival.org/past_winners_1990s.html



thanks Kory K.

[tutusue]

Tutu Sue, I guess you loved his little fishing hula tonight too. I actually hope he places with that one.
I liked it a lot! Whimsical, for lack of a better word. Still, his kahiko brings tears to my eyes.

[Serenity]

http://www.kalena.com/merriemonarch/2007/index.html

Man....

The dancers are really awesome tonight!!! :)

Makes me wish that I ws actually there to watch it person. :)

Click on the website & cick on the mos recent ones.

I think they have videos aswell.

Aloha, gang =) .

Happy Weekend.

[Pua'i Mana'o]

I was so happy for Veto Baker. His kane were stellar. The hula this year was quality! I thought Kalaniakea came out of the gate in an outstanding first year. The newbies of the last few years have lost a bit of their freshman favor; Snowbird and Manu Boyd folks didn't place. But that is how it goes.

[Pua'i Mana'o]

Ho`omalu is edgy and controversial. That's what I like about him. Sometimes I think I'm in the minority! Kinda reminds me of a decade or so ago, watching Robert Cazimero's halau dance to Prince's "7" at the Hawaii Theatre. OMG...unbelievable. The theater was packed. Everyone was going crazy. While I greatly admire traditional hula I also love seeing it taken to a whole, different level.

Hula = chickenskin!

Hoomalu IS theatre; his troup is quite entertaining, but he does moves that aren't hula. He belongs on Wed night (free night; entertainment, not competition). For one thing, he had 2-3 dancers on both his kane and wahine dancers who are not ready for competitive hula; their lack of timing and preparing was evident at the most crucial time: during the dance. Kupe'e falls off? Hewa; points deducted, and in Hawaiian mana'o it speaks to ill preparation.

Most importantly, the play should be in the hands, but the feet must always speak to the hula steps. Far too much of his hula evoked a cringing "what the heck move is that? What are those dancers doing stepping with their legs so far apart, and for each pauku?" from our part of the peanut gallery. For example, Johnny Lum Ho's halau was always on the cutting edge, but his dancers never parted from traditional hula steps. If they ground their feet in hula, their foundation is hula. And that is the kuleana of the judges to notice and grade each halau accordingly. Further, it is in those feet movements that showcase the style of hula that is passed on from kumu hula to haumana. Front uwehe vs a wide uwehe is one of the easiest examples to point out, but it exists for all. Hula steps and their style are important (which is how I could tell there's a whole lotta Maiki going on ;) )

In other venues, Ho'omalu rocks. He just isn't disciplined enough to choreograph for a hula competition.

[Laua`e]

Ho`omalu is edgy and controversial. That's what I like about him. Sometimes I think I'm in the minority! Kinda reminds me of a decade or so ago, watching Robert Cazimero's halau dance to Prince's "7" at the Hawaii Theatre. OMG...unbelievable. The theater was packed. Everyone was going crazy. While I greatly admire traditional hula I also love seeing it taken to a whole, different level.

Hula = chickenskin!

I was one of the lucky ones to see Robert's rendition of Prince's "7", and thought it was spectacular! I sat there, in awe - literally, my mouth hanging open. Then, when I returned to see Patrick Makuakane's "Natives are Restless", I was again reminded of Patrick's lineage (as he comes from Robert Cazimero.) Innovative, creative, challenging, and rhytmically moving...:)

[Lei Liko]

I was so happy for Veto Baker. His kane were stellar. The hula this year was quality! I thought Kalaniakea came out of the gate in an outstanding first year. The newbies of the last few years have lost a bit of their freshman favor; Snowbird and Manu Boyd folks didn't place. But that is how it goes.

Snowbird's kane continues to do well and placed in all categories, so I'm not sure where you get the whole didn't place bit. Her wahine, to my knowledge, hasn't placed at all since entering MM.

Manu's girls also scored well in the wahine auana.

The judges seem to love all of Kaleo's gang. I don't know how he does it every year -- preparing for Merrie Monarch in addition to heading the Kamehameha Schools Song Contest Ho`ike!

I know I'll probably get crap for saying this, but I've never been a big fan of Mapuana DeSilva's style and will admit that I usually take a bathroom break whenever they're on (sorry, being honest)...but when I saw that they were doing Pohai Kealoha, I made sure I stuck around, and I'm glad I did.

Congratulations to Halau I Ka Wekiu! I attended their fundraiser last February and Ho`ike on Easter Sunday and noticed that they were "different" from what I've been used to. Glad to know that whatever it was worked in their favor with the judges.

This year was definitely a quality year and filled with lots of good performances. Unfortunately there's simply not enough awards to give out. Just because they don't walk off the stage with an ipu heke, ukulele, or pahu doesn't mean they've lost anything at all or they're undeserving, especially when the final scores were as close as they were.

[Pua'i Mana'o]

Snowbird's kane continues to do well and placed in all categories, so I'm not sure where you get the whole didn't place bit. Her wahine, to my knowledge, hasn't placed at all since entering MM.

Manu's girls also scored well in the wahine auana.

The judges seem to love all of Kaleo's gang. I don't know how he does it every year -- preparing for Merrie Monarch in addition to heading the Kamehameha Schools Song Contest Ho`ike!

I know I'll probably get crap for saying this, but I've never been a big fan of Mapuana DeSilva's style and will admit that I usually take a bathroom break whenever they're on (sorry, being honest)...but when I saw that they were doing Pohai Kealoha, I made sure I stuck around, and I'm glad I did.

Congratulations to Halau I Ka Wekiu! I attended their fundraiser last February and Ho`ike on Easter Sunday and noticed that they were "different" from what I've been used to. Glad to know that whatever it was worked in their favor with the judges.

This year was definitely a quality year and filled with lots of good performances. Unfortunately there's simply not enough awards to give out. Just because they don't walk off the stage with an ipu heke, ukulele, or pahu doesn't mean they've lost anything at all or they're undeserving, especially when the final scores were as close as they were.

confession time: I had *no business* logging on to the computer after not sleeping the night before.

[Lei Liko]

confession time: I had *no business* logging on to the computer after not sleeping the night before.

LOL I think over half of us are guilty of that! :D

[Leo Lakio]

Thanks for the local takes on this year's MM, everybody. It's one thing to enjoy it online from off-Island, but to get the historical and personal perspectives from so many of you really adds to the experience for me.

[Lei Liko]

Thanks for the local takes on this year's MM, everybody. It's one thing to enjoy it online from off-Island, but to get the historical and personal perspectives from so many of you really adds to the experience for me.

Not a problem, LL. Merrie Monarch is like my Christmas/New Year's/Birthday rolled into one! :p

[tutusue]

Thanks for the local takes on this year's MM, everybody. It's one thing to enjoy it online from off-Island, but to get the historical and personal perspectives from so many of you really adds to the experience for me.
Yah! What Leo said. I absolutely love hearing about it from our resident HT pros. IIRC, didn't Lei Liko pop into HT with her MM wisdom either right before or during last year's MM? :confused: I just remember being totally captured by her posts.

[Lei Liko]

Yah! What Leo said. I absolutely love hearing about it from our resident HT pros. IIRC, didn't Lei Liko pop into HT with her MM wisdom either right before or during last year's MM? :confused: I just remember being totally captured by her posts.

Haha, I wouldn't necessarily call it "wisdom," tutu. But yes -- I decided to un-lurk around this time last year! ;)

Now that MM is over I'm hoping to see the friends who have been MIA since March!

[Laua`e]

Snowbird's kane continues to do well and placed in all categories, so I'm not sure where you get the whole didn't place bit. Her wahine, to my knowledge, hasn't placed at all since entering MM.

Manu's girls also scored well in the wahine auana.

The judges seem to love all of Kaleo's gang. I don't know how he does it every year -- preparing for Merrie Monarch in addition to heading the Kamehameha Schools Song Contest Ho`ike!

I know I'll probably get crap for saying this, but I've never been a big fan of Mapuana DeSilva's style and will admit that I usually take a bathroom break whenever they're on (sorry, being honest)...but when I saw that they were doing Pohai Kealoha, I made sure I stuck around, and I'm glad I did.

Congratulations to Halau I Ka Wekiu! I attended their fundraiser last February and Ho`ike on Easter Sunday and noticed that they were "different" from what I've been used to. Glad to know that whatever it was worked in their favor with the judges.

This year was definitely a quality year and filled with lots of good performances. Unfortunately there's simply not enough awards to give out. Just because they don't walk off the stage with an ipu heke, ukulele, or pahu doesn't mean they've lost anything at all or they're undeserving, especially when the final scores were as close as they were.


`Ae...ho`omaika`i ana, Halau I Ka Wekiu! They were fabulous! Although I didn't care for the long hair, they were great! I think Michael Casupang and Veto did a wonderful job preparing their students for MM this year! Their foot movements were clean, crisp, and sharp...and they were graceful yet maintained their manliness! It seemed to me that they put great effort in their training this year. Hope they have a blast in Japan!

You're also right about the many fine performances this year. It seems to me that there aren't enough award places for all the wahine halau especially. There are sooo many that work so hard and do great jobs but don't get the recognition and validation of an award.

And congratulations to Snowbird and her halau (also Kapua Dalire's for a wonderful 1st time showing!!!) Snowbird is such a spiritual young woman, and her maturity and loving nature shines through her students.

As for Halau Mohala `Ilima...all I can say is WOW! She's come a long way!! I'm not sure, but I'm thinking it's Kahikina and Kapalaiula's influences in the choreography as well as costuming that has brought their halau again to the forefront. Job well done...beautiful!

[Lei Liko]

`Ae...ho`omaika`i ana, Halau I Ka Wekiu! They were fabulous! Although I didn't care for the long hair, they were great! I think Michael Casupang and Veto did a wonderful job preparing their students for MM this year! Their foot movements were clean, crisp, and sharp...and they were graceful yet maintained their manliness! It seemed to me that they put great effort in their training this year. Hope they have a blast in Japan!

On the Halau I Ka Wekiu (http://www.halauikawekiu.com/cpg132/thumbnails.php?album=8) website, you can vote for your favorite Lohi`au. tutusue, get your bib ready because methinks you gonna be droolin'!

Props to `Aukai for updating the website so soon. Happy reading...it's pretty interesting stuff.

Can't wait to see their CBS Early Show segment!

[tutusue]

On the Halau I Ka Wekiu (http://www.halauikawekiu.com/cpg132/thumbnails.php?album=8) website, you can vote for your favorite Lohi`au. tutusue, get your bib ready because methinks you gonna be droolin'![...]
Heh. One meeting at La Mariana and you already know me too well!!!

Hmmm...what's a "sexual" ad doing on that page, anyway? So inappropriate.

[kiwidiva]

I know... I'm late adding my 2 cents to this thread but I think I'm still recovering from sunstroke from traipsing around the volcano the day after MM wrapped up.

I absolutely LOVED being at the festival in person. Sure, it was uncomfortable sitting there for so long with nothing to lean against but being able to soak up the atmosphere of the place was totally worth it.

I sat with the Halau Mohala Ilima supporters and I really wanted to get up and go crazy cheering for them but the others were so subdued - they really are a class act, both on and off the stage. Laua'e, I too could see a lot of influence from the younger Da Silvas.

Highlights of the festival for me (in no particular order):

The Craft Fairs
Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu's kahiko chants - I LOVE his voice!
Academy of Hawaiian Arts' fishing pole 'auana - one guy from Florida sitting behind me had the best quote after that one... "that was the weirdest thing I've ever seen!"
Natalie A'i Kamau'u's vocal talents - she is AWESOME!!
The kane of Ka Leo O Laka I Ka Hikina O Ka La - Hmmmm... 'nuff said!!!
Halau Mohala Ilima's second overall placing for wahine - I am so proud of their accomplishment.


A Japanese halau that was staying at the same place as me alluded to the possibility that they may be invited to compete in future years. Could that really happen? How would the traditionalists feel about that?? I mean, groups from Las Vegas & California are one thing but Japan??? I lived in Japan for 7 years and I know how much they love hula. Just sitting at the festival, at times I kinda felt like I was back in Japan again.

[Leo Lakio]

I know... I'm late adding my 2 cents to this thread 2 cents like that - welcome ANYtime. Thanks for another "insider" report.

[Pua'i Mana'o]

A Japanese halau that was staying at the same place as me alluded to the possibility that they may be invited to compete in future years. Could that really happen? How would the traditionalists feel about that?? I mean, groups from Las Vegas & California are one thing but Japan??? I lived in Japan for 7 years and I know how much they love hula. Just sitting at the festival, at times I kinda felt like I was back in Japan again.

At least one kumu hula from CA is not an ethnic Hawaiian, and he has been invited several times to compete in the competition. Because of that, I don't know what the deal is at allowing him but ho'ole to the halau from Japan, especially when you ask any Japanese dancer who her kumu is, 9/10 will say somebody like "Johnny Rum Ho".

How do I feel about that? Well...

[Laua`e]

At least one kumu hula from CA is not an ethnic Hawaiian, and he has been invited several times to compete in the competition. Because of that, I don't know what the deal is at allowing him but ho'ole to the halau from Japan, especially when you ask any Japanese dancer who her kumu is, 9/10 will say somebody like "Johnny Rum Ho".

How do I feel about that? Well...

The question of Japan halau competing in MM has been around for a while and as far as I know, Aunty Dotty has said that Merrie Monarch was meant for the people of Hawai`i,and no Japan halau would be allowed to compete. Mainland halau were always invited. They do continue to allow Japan halau to perform for Ho`ike night, which is meant for cultural sharing.

hope that helps a bit...
mahalo!

[Pua'i Mana'o]

The question of Japan halau competing in MM has been around for a while and as far as I know, Aunty Dotty has said that Merrie Monarch was meant for the people of Hawai`i,and no Japan halau would be allowed to compete. Mainland halau were always invited. They do continue to allow Japan halau to perform for Ho`ike night, which is meant for cultural sharing.

hope that helps a bit...
mahalo!

we get it that the MM is for the people of Hawai'i, and those halau from CA and LV, while (of course) they aren't from Hawai'i, Kaio, Ho'omalu, etc are at least Hawaiian. Ceballos isn't Hawaiian, and his halau isn't based in Hawaii, so why would he be allowed to compete when other halau outside of the Hawaii, alaka'i 'ia by non-kanaks like the Japanese cannot?

Therein lies the question.

[Kaona]

This was our first year attending the Merrie Monarch Festival. We are also new to living in Kona. My husband has always had it taped for him or watched while here on business. We thought the entire festival was wonderful and have been reading these posts for some history and insight.

As a newcomer I was hoping someone could let me know why one of my favorite Wahine groups did not even place. I thought that Halau Hula Olana did well in both Auana and Kahiko.

Thoughts?

[Lei Liko]

This was our first year attending the Merrie Monarch Festival. We are also new to living in Kona. My husband has always had it taped for him or watched while here on business. We thought the entire festival was wonderful and have been reading these posts for some history and insight.

As a newcomer I was hoping someone could let me know why one of my favorite Wahine groups did not even place. I thought that Halau Hula Olana did well in both Auana and Kahiko.

Thoughts?

A lot of great performances and not enough awards to give out. That would be the pono thing to say about why your favorite halau didn't place.

But you know that I always like to add $0.02.

Sometimes it is hula politics. Some judges probably favor certain kumu over others. Not saying that those who placed aren't deserving, but there's always gonna be somebody out there who'll cry "JUICED!" because their halau didn't win.

Halau Hula Olana is a good, strong halau. However, this needs to be said and you can take it however you want.

Someone needs to tell na kumu to tone down the facial theatrics. One can convey the onaona emotion without looking like you're having a freaking convulsion. I simply can't stand it, and I know of many other seasoned dancers who feel the same way.

If people make it a point to call attention on how they like to overdo stuff, then maybe that's why they didn't fare well with the judges.

Yeah, I said it. Somebody had to.

[Kaona]

Thank you for your honest response. That's why we like this forum. What's interesting for me is that I could not see their faces. So maybe if the judges didn't see their faces they might have placed! ;)

[kiwidiva]

And now Waikiki is hosting an annual hula convention to allow tourists to participate in hula rather than just watch it like they do now.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070425/NEWS/704250402/1001

[Lei Liko]

And now Waikiki is hosting an annual hula convention to allow tourists to participate in hula rather than just watch it like they do now.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070425/NEWS/704250402/1001

How awesome to see kumu like Maelia and Kaleo, who are already busy with their own haumana, eager to share their knowledge with visitors. :)

[Miulang]

Since Merrie Monarch is restricted to halau primarily based in Hawai'i, and because there are so many halau outside of the US now, Moku O Keawe (http://www.mokuokeawe.org/)was created so that halau from Europe and Asia (specifically Japan) as well as those from CONUS can also compete for cash prizes and a Tiffany crystal bowl.

Here's a story in Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/2007/03/13/hawaii-hula-dancing-forbeslife-cx_sh_0313dance_slide_10.html?thisSpeed=15000) about the festival, which was held in November at the Waikoloa Resort.

Miulang

[Lei Liko]

Okay, I didn't know where the heck to post this, but since it kinda is Merrie Monarch related (eh, he was flying ITO-HNL right after MM), I'm leaving it here:

Lopaka Kanaka`ole singing on board his AQ flight over the PA system after much coaxing from FAs (http://youtube.com/watch?v=WVmUOT_xpjw)

Video's kinda blurry because footage was taken from what looked like J's digital camera. What's funny is that I saw them that exact same night at the bar and couldn't believe it when I saw it the first time.

Anyway, the images are blurry, but that voice is oh, so unmistakable. Enjoy.

[kiwidiva]

That was AWESOME! :) I wish I had been on that flight...

Mahalo for posting it!!