Kahiko night features 23 halau, 28 ancient hula performances

The 60th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival hula competition kicked into high gear Friday evening at Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo with group hula kahiko (ancient hula) performances.

There were 28 performances by 23 halau —19 performances by wahine (women) groups and nine by kane (men).

Four of the performances were by three halau representing Hawaii Island.

Two of the halau are from Hilo. Halau Hula ‘O Kahikilaulani, under the direction of kumu hula Nahokuokalani Gaspang, had kahiko performances by both kane and wahine, and Halau Ka Lehua Pua Kamaehu, under the direction of na kumu hula Kasie Puahala Kaleohano and Brandi Nohelani Barrett, performed in the women’s group competition.

Gaspang’s kane performed “He Aloha No Na Pua,” a mele inoa (name chant) dedicated to King David Kalakaua, the Merrie Monarch, and her wahine performed “He Inoa No Kina‘u,” a mele honoring John William Pitt Kina‘u, the son of William Pitt Leleiohoku I and Princess Ruth Ke‘elikolani.

The third Big Island halau to dance were the wahine of Halau Kala‘akeakauikawekiu of Kailua-Kona, under the direction of kumu hula Kenneth Dean Alohapumehanaokala Victor.

They performed “He Lei No Kamiki Me Maka‘iole,” a contemporary account by kumu hula Devin Kamealoha Forrest of the how the supernatural brothers Kamiki and Maka‘iole learned the art of aku fishing.

No awards were given out Friday night. However, judging for group kahiko, ‘auana and overall performances and the awards ceremonies will follow tonight’s group hula ‘auana competition, which starts at 6 p.m. at Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium.

‘Auana night will feature the same 23 halau dancing 28 group modern hula performances in the same order as Friday night’s kahiko performances.

Today is the final day of the 60th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival, and the events leading up to tonight’s hula finale are:

9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts and Crafts Fair at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium

10:30 a.m.: Royal Parade through downtown Hilo

Noon: Ke Ola Pono No Na Kupuna Alu Like Pahoa, kumu hula Haunani Medeiros, at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium

Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.