“Hula is the language of the heart… therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people.”
– King David Kalākaua
Aloha nui to all the kumu hula, dancers and musicians who shared their talents at this year’s Merrie Monarch Festival!
Special congratulations to the new Miss Aloha Hula Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao who also won the ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Award presented each year by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA). Pavao is a haumana of Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala under Kumu Hula Leināʻala Pavao Jardin.
Congratulations also go out to Kāne Overall Winner Hālau Nā Kamalei o Likolehua under the direction of Kumu Hula Robert Cazimero and Wāhine Overall Winner Hālau ʻo Kamuela under the direction of Nā Kumu Hula Kunewa Mook and Kauʻionālani Kamanaʻo.
In addition to the brilliant hula performances, the week-long celebration included mākeke with the finest Hawaiian and locally made products, the annual Merrie Monarch Festival Royal Parade in downtown Hilo, and more.
OHA trustees, leaders and Hilo-based staff and their ʻohana enjoyed marching in the parade and hosting an open house and blessing at OHA’s new Hilo Office in the Puainako Town Center that week, celebrating with hula, music and meaʻai.
