The Merrie Monarch Ho'olaulea (music festival) was held in Hilo's Civic Auditorium on Easter day. Below are some highlights of the event.
Kumu (teacher) Johnny Lum Ho's Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua
Johnny Lum Ho brings energy and creativity to hula and his multi-dimensional presentation of colors and movement are a delight. Here are some videos showing the hula of his halau.
Johnny Lum Ho's program started with a Tahitian dance.
Hula with "ipu" gourd drums
Keiki Hula
Children start hula at a young age - a young girl performed a solo hula showing her talent with fantastic music.
In this video the keiki are performing with rocks to keep their timing. Adoring parents and relatives are watching and cheering.
Solo Hula - "Da Bus" - A young boy performs a solo hula
Hula performed with decorated shakers.
Hula performed with bamboo sticks to keep time.
Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua and Japanese visitors - perform hula
Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua and Japanese visitors - perform a beautiful Easter hula praising the Lord. Johnny Lum Ho sings.
Halau Ke Olu Makani O Maunaloa
The music and beauty of the dancers from this halau are more accomplished every year. Here are some videos showing their hula and delightful music with Ben Kahili on the guitar.
Ben Kahili a great slack key guitarist shows his talent.
The finale of the program included singing mele and hula.
Hawaii Community College's Ha'akumalae Kekuhi Keali'ikanaka'oleohaililani and Manaiakalani Kalua
The Kumu directing the Hawaii Community College in Hilo are innovative in sharing Hawaiian culture with their students. Enjoy these videos of their incredible presentation on Easter day.
This is a video of the program start.
The students performed hula and invited the audience to join. The Kumu danced for the crowd. The end of the video shows the exit of the dancers and the end of their program.
Waiakea High School's Ka Leo Wai - Kumu Kawika Urakami and band
This was the first time Waiakea High School participated at the Merrie Monarch Music Festival. The student band and hula dancers gave the crowd some great entertainment.
Below, seniors from Waiakea High School show off their hula and singing.