Highlights of the 5 top finishers in the 2015 Hula Kahiko (ancient), Kāne (male) Division.

1st Place: Ka Leo O Laka I Ka Hikina O Ka Lā
Kumu Hula: Kaleo Trinidad

“He Inoa No Keōpūolani”
Keōpūolani, Kamehameha’s most sacred wife, descended from the highest line of Maui aliʻi. Kekuʻiapoʻiwa Liliha was her mother and Kiwala‘ō of Hawaiʻi Island lineage her chiefly father. Her kapu was so great that she was considered an akua, deity. She was destined to bear the next two successors to Kamehameha Nui, and her status would play a pivotal role in the dramatic changes that would impact the society of Hawaiʻi.

2nd Place: Hālau Nā Kamalei O Līlīlehua
Kumu Hula: Robert Uluwehionāpuaikawēkiuokalani Cazimero

“Ka ʻAha Kilu Leʻaleʻa I Kaʻakopua”
At Kaʻakopua in lower Nuʻuanu, Peleʻula, a high chiefess of Kou, hosts a festive kilu tournament. Among invited guests to this elite event are Wahinepōʻaimoku, Wahineʻōmaʻo and Kauakahiapaoa. Arriving later that evening is Lohiʻauipo, whose life has been restored again, this time by Kānemilohae from Polapola, eldest brother of Peleʻaihonuamea. After a grand feast the following day, the royal party sails through the billow of Kaʻieʻie to their seasprayveiled destination, Hāʻena.

3rd Place: Hālau Hula ʻO Kahikilaulani
Kumu Hula: Nāhōkūokalani Gaspang

“He ʻĀina Maikaʻi Aʻo Waipiʻo”
Waipiʻo Valley on the island of Hawaiʻi is a place of great beauty and peace. This mele was written to honor Kamehameha Nui and the lifeflowing waters of Hiʻilawe. “From the mountain ridges to the plains the beauty of Waipiʻo is seen.” “Here is where there is a love firmly held for the nation of a native people.”

3rd Place: Kawailiʻulā
Kumu Hula: Chinky Māhoe

“He Lei No Kalanikuhihewa”
Ruling Chief Kākuhihewa reunited the once fragmented island of Oʻahu under one rule. This deed is compared to the coming together of Waipuhia Falls and its companion, the Pōʻaihale rain. Lanihuli stands proud over the Koʻolau as the pua ʻāhihi blooms profusely in the mist. Descended from a long line of prominent Oʻahu chiefs, Kākuhihewa is remembered and honored with the many characteristics of nature that can be found throughout Nuʻuanu.

4th Place: Nā Mamo O Puʻuanahulu
Nā Kumu Hula: William Kahakuleilehua Haunuʻu “Sonny” Ching & Lōpaka IgartaDe Vera

“Pau Puna”
When Hiʻiaka and Lohiʻau return to Kīlauea from Kauaʻi, Hiʻiaka knows that Pele believes that Hiʻiaka and Lohiʻau had become lovers and that Pele is angry with her. Hiʻiaka instructs Lohiʻau on the order of the chants that he should chant to appease Peleʻs wrath. Instead, he follows the instructions of his “hula gods” from Kauaʻi, thus breaking proper protocols of respect for addressing Pele, protocols that Hiʻiaka knows well.“Pau Puna” is one such chant offered by Lohiʻau.

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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 3day competition is broadcast statewide from Hilo, Hawai’i, with millions following worldwide via live streaming and social media.