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The Merrie Monarch Ho’ike — in pictures

Thursday, April 13, 2023 12:05 am

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Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Halau O Kekuhi is the first performance to kick of the 60th annual Merrie Monarch Festival at Ho'ike at Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

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Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Kumu hula Johnny Lum Ho's haumana pay tribute to him during Wednesday night's Merrie Monarch Ho'ike at Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

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Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Audience members perform a favorite dance from kumu hula Johnny Lum Ho as his haumana pay tribute to him during Wednesday night's Merrie Monarch Ho'ike at Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

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Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Audience members cheer as kumu hula Johnny Lum Ho's haumana pay tribute to him during Wednesday night's Merrie Monarch Ho'ike at Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

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Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Dancers prepare to take the stage during the final performance of Ho'ike, which was a tribute to kumu hula Johnny Lum Ho from his haumana on Wednesday night's Merrie Monarch Ho'ike.

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Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Audiences cheer for the halau as they dance during the 60th annual Merrie Monarch Ho'ike at Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

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Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Kane with Na Kamalei O Lililehua perform during the 60th annual Merrie Monarch Ho'ike at Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

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Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Kimo Kahoano performs a hula during Ho'ike with Na Kamalei O Lililehua at Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

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Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Kane with Na Kamalei O Lililehua perform during the 60th annual Merrie Monarch Ho'ike at Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

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Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Former Miss Aloha Hula Regina Makaikai Igarashi performs a hula during Ho'ike with Na Kamalei O Lililehua at Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

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Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Kane with Na Kamalei O Lililehua perform during the 60th annual Merrie Monarch Ho'ike at Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

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Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Kane with Na Kamalei O Lililehua perform during the 60th annual Merrie Monarch Ho'ike at Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

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Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Kane with Na Kamalei O Lililehua perform during the 60th annual Merrie Monarch Ho'ike at Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

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Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Kane with Na Kamalei O Lililehua perform during the 60th annual Merrie Monarch Ho'ike at Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

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Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Kane with Na Kamalei O Lililehua perform during the 60th annual Merrie Monarch Ho'ike at Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

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A sold out crowd celebrated the beginning of the 60thAnnual Merrie Monarch Festival with a fun-filled Ho‘ike at Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo on Wednesday night.

Halau O Kekuhi, under kumu hula Nalani Kanaka‘ole, opened the Ho‘ike, followed by Halau Na Kamalei O Lililehua, under kumu hula Robert Cazimero.

The night was closed with a meaningful tribute kumu hula Johnny Lum Ho by his haumana.