During Merrie Monarch week hula demonstrations are around Hilo town. Every day there are Hula demonstrations in the hotels on Banyon drive. Below is a collection of photos and videos of Halau (Hula schools) and their Kumus (teachers) performing during the week of Merrie Monarch in Hilo.
Tuesday April 14:
Kumu Taupori Tangaro and his Unukupukupu Halau from Hawaii Community College performed at the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort. The hotel lobby was packed.
Following the Unukupukupu, faculty and employees from UHH and Hawaii Comunity College, dressed in bright red dresses, sang and danced hula.
Before the next show, we had a 5.1 earthquake centered under the volcano. Perhaps the Pele chants caused the earth to move.
A Halau from Las Vegas performed in the lobby of the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
A talented Kumu and her husband, son and friend sang and Hawaiians living in Las Vegas danced hula.
Monday April 13:
Kumu Alberta Nicolas's Halau O Kawananakoa performed at the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort
Kumu Pua Crumb's Halau Hula O Hilo Hanakahi performed in the lobby of the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel