Fulfilling its mission to preserve and perpetuate the art of hula, each year the Merrie Monarch Festival provides a stage for the world’s finest hula hālau (schools) in order to showcase Hawaiʻi’s unique cultural art of hula.
Here are highlights of the 4 top finishers in the 2013 Hula Kahiko (ancient), Kāne (male) Division.

1st Place: Kawailiʻulā
Kumu Hula: Chinky Māhoe

“O Kīlauea Noho Lulu”
In Kīlauea, Pele’s deep sleep is disturbed and she is lured from her home by the haunting drum beat of a dance performance at Hāʻena, Kauaʻi. She travels from island to island, drawn by the sound of Lohiau’s drumming.
Appearing as a beautiful woman adorned with forest greenery, Pele approaches Lohiau and they soon become lovers.

2nd Place: Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi
Nā Kumu Hula: ʻIliahi & Haunani Paredes

“Mālie ʻO Maui”
The dancers offer “Mālie ʻO Maui,” an athletic and bombastic hula from the repertoire of the late Kumu Hula O’Brian Eselu. Kumu ʻIliahi performed this mele at the Merrie Monarch Festival over 20 years ago.
It begins with a Maui adage, “When Maui is calm, Kaihuakalā Hill can easily be seen.” Many say that Hāna is not experienced unless one has set eyes on Kaihuakalā.

3rd Place: Ke Kai O Kahiki
Kumu Hula: Laʻakea Perry

“Kauō Pū Ka ʻIwa Kala Paheʻe”
The islands of Kaula and Lehua are featured in this mele hula. Storm winds and rains sweep the cliffs and wreak havoc with the flight of the ʻiwa bird. Amid the fierce elements, there is love that stirs in the prince and princess while they sleep.

4th Place: Hālau Hula ʻO Kahikilaulani
Kumu Hula: Nāhōkūokalani Gaspang

“Nā Nalu O Hawaiʻi”
Many famous surf spots along the coast of Hawaiʻi are named in this mele. It was said that in ancient times, entire villages left their homes and work when the call “Ua piʻi mai ka nalu!” or “Surf’s up!” was heard.
Villagers arrived at the shore and surfers would encourage great swells to roll in by saying, “Kū mai, kū mai ka nalu - The surf looms forth.”


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