Highlights of the 4 top finishers in the 2015 Hula ʻAuana (modern), Kāne (male) Division.
1st Place: Hālau Nā Kamalei O Līlīlehua
Kumu Hula: Robert Uluwehionāpuaikawēkiuokalani Cazimero
“Lē‘ahi”
This much-evolved song, a tribute to Diamond Head, was first published in 1895 in Buke Mele Lāhui under the title “Daimana Hila.” Attributed to Wehiwehi, the text and musical form of “Lē‘ahi” were influenced 40 years later by Johnny Noble and Mary Robins. The jovial interjection “Uheʻuhene” was added years later, giving it the familiar form popularized by musicians such as The Surfers, The Invitations, Gabby Pahinui and others.
2nd Place: Hālau Hula ʻO Kahikilaulani
Kumu Hula: Nāhōkūokalani Gaspang
“Kauoha Mai”
This risqué song describes an encounter of the most mischievous kind. Written by Aunty Lena Machado in the 1930s about a dear friend of hers, it is the story of a hopeful love that was lost. A playful vocal and an upbeat musical melody hide the pain and sadness that such a betrayal can bring. “I ka laka a paʻa, kauoha mai ʻeā. The door was locked but you invited me over!”
3rd Place: Ka Leo O Laka I Ka Hikina O Ka Lā
Kumu Hula: Kaleo Trinidad
“Hoʻoheno Kēia No Beauty (Beauty Hula)”
The Dean of Hawaiian Music, John Kameaaloha Almeida, spent a lifetime composing mele about the beautiful flowers and sweethearts spanning both his life and musical career. As romantic tributes to the lovely women he met, flowers and their attributes represented the alluring characteristics of his sweethearts. “Hoʻoheno Kēia No Beauty” is in loving praise of his “Miulana blossom” who made her home in Mānoa Valley, adorned by the Tuahine rain.
4th Place: Hālau Nā Mamo O Puʻuanahulu
Nā Kumu Hula: William Kahakuleilehua Haunuʻu “Sonny” Ching & Lōpaka Igarta-De Vera
“Anapau”
Mele maʻi or procreation chants were written in the hopes that royal bloodlines would continue to grow and flourish with future generations of descendants. Maʻi were given names that were descriptive, humorous and often of an exaggerated nature. “‘Anapau” can be translated as “frisky” and is the name given to the maʻi of Liliʻuokalani. Originally done in chant form, the mele uses the antics and imagery of horseback riding to take us on a frisky frolic.
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The Merrie Monarch Festival
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. The 3-day competition is broadcast statewide from Hilo, Hawai’i, with millions following worldwide via live streaming and social media