A Feast of 'Auna Hula

In modern Hula 'Auana, the sky can be the limit, whether the song is about surfing, motorcycles, or lost love.

Although there were many wonderful traditional performances, one piece of choreography that stood out was Kumu Hula (teacher) Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu's wahine piece about fishing.

With five gallon plastic buckets and bamboo rods, his halau enchanted the crowd with humor and bamboo syncopation.

The men similarly let out the stops with aloha shirts, motorcycle songs, and dancing a reenactment of great canoe voyages. Shown here is a tribute by one halau to King David Kalakaua, who restored hula to a prominent place Hawaiian culture after it had been banned by missionary influence.

It was a shame that the judges had to pick a winner, but the dancers and audience had a great time in the sharing of hula and aloha.

Merrie Monarch - Kahiko!

The Merrie Monarch Festival, held every April, is in full swing in Hilo. The competition in Kahiko, or ancient style of hula, was held last night. Kahiko uses only chants and ipu drumming, unlike the 'Auana (modern) style which uses songs and instruments.


The kahiko style is vigorous, especially for the men! The crowd erupted as each halau chanted in unison and stamped their feet and made the stage shake.


The precision was amazing as different hula halau danced and used sticks, ipus, rocks, and feathers in their storytelling. The costumes themselves, leis and other adornments, are deeply tied to ancient Hawaiian culture, crafts and life.


If you have never been to Merrie Monarch, make a point of planning your visit to Kalani during Merrie Monarch week. It is an unforgettable experience, and will forever change your understanding of Hawaiian culture.

Tonight is the Hula 'Auana competition. Stay tuned for 'Auana pictures and news!