2014 Merrie Monarch Winners- Hula ʻAuana (Wahine Division)

Highlights of the 5 top finishers in the 2014 Hula ʻAuana (modern), Wahine (female) Division.

1st Place: Hula Hālau ʻO Kamuela
Nā Kumu Hula: Kauʻionālani Kamanaʻo & Kunewa Mook

“Koali”
Located in Hāna, Koali is cherished for its breaking surf and its shoreline heady with the fragrance of līpoa seaweed.
The moon rises and reveals the hazy splendor of cliffs as the scent of līpoa continues to fill the air. Amidst all of this
beauty, there also are references to a house with a rose garden, lovely maidenhair fern, and the proud streaming of a
Hawaiian flag–such a lovely setting “...regal in the calm.”

2nd Place: Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe
Nā Kumu Hula: Tracie & Keawe Lopes

“Ku‘u Home Aloha”
This mele ho‘oheno is the composition of noted composer Bina Mossman (1893-1990). She composed this mele
for her beloved home of the Ko‘olau mountain area. Her home was located on Kāne‘ohe Bay Drive, Pū‘ahu‘ula,
Ko‘olaupoko, O‘ahu. Mossman shares that her home is situated “...in the comfort of the Ko‘olau.”
The picturesque scenery she portrays is that her home is gloriously verdant and ever-present is the arching
rainbow as a gentle breeze blows.

3rd Place: Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka
Kumu Hula: Nāpua Greig

“I Waikapū Ke Aloha”
Kamakoa Lindsey-Asing set to music this traditional chant commemorating the four waters of Maui, Nā Wai ‘Ehā.
The words also exalt the famous winds of these Maui districts and include allusions of affection. “You were in
Lahaina / With the Kuaʻula wind / Amid the shelter of the breadfruit trees of Lele / Gently pinching.”

4th Place: Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala
Kumu Hula: Leināʻala Pavao Jardin

“Kauai Medley: Hanohano Hanalei / Nā Hala O Naue / Nani Waiʻaleʻale”
The district of Hanalei is the common theme woven into these Kauaʻi songs. Recalled is Mt. Nāmolokama standing
majestically, the famous heavy rains of Hanalei and the waters of Mt. Waiʻaleʻale that nourish many areas of Kaua‘i.
This Hālau lovingly honors the late Kumu Hula Kuʻulei Punua of Kauaʻi. These songs were the highlight of her hula
show for more than 50 years. Aunty Kuʻulei’s legacy lives on through her many students.

5th Place: Hālau Hula Olana
Nā Kumu Hula: Olana & Howard Ai

“Uhiwai”
Composer and musician Nathan Aweau wrote this touching song to celebrate his parents’ 50th wedding anniversary.
“Uhiwai” is a metaphor which likens a heavy mist to their affection for one another. “Where are you, mist of love?
Love is calling. You are truly a gift, so beautiful indeed.”


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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.