2014 Merrie Monarch Winners- Hula Kahiko (Kāne Division)

Highlights of the 4 top finishers in the 2014 Hula Kahiko (ancient), Kāne (male) Division.

1st Place: Kawailiʻulā
Kumu Hula: Chinky Māhoe

“Kalaunuiʻōhua”
Kalaunuiʻōhua was a chief of Hawai‘i who possessed a strong warrior spirit. He wished to conquer and unite the
islands of Hawai‘i. As he crossed over the Alenuihāhā, Pailolo, Kaiwi and Kaʻieʻie Waho channels,
he faced different challenges, for the currents and wave patterns made sailing difficult.

2nd Place: Ka Leo O Laka I Ka Hikina O Ka Lā
Kumu Hula: Kaleo Trinidad

“Aia I Niʻihau Kuʻu Pāwehe”
Master chanter and Kumu Hula Kamuela Akoni Mika is said to have composed this mele and choreographed its
dance movements. He chose to use kā lāʻau, pairs of dance sticks, to relate details of the fine, soft pāwehe mat for
which Niʻihau is known. In describing Niʻihau, many of the island’s special features are given–the sugar cane of
Halāliʻi, Kaʻula Island surrounded by birds, the gusty Mikioi wind, sea spray and pouring rain.

3rd Place: Hālau Nā Mamo O Puʻuanahulu
Nā Kumu Hula: William Kahakuleilehua Haunuʻu “Sonny” Ching & Lōpaka Igarta-De Vera

“He Mele Maʻi No Kekaleka”
Namakahelu, the great hula master and chanter of Moanalua, gifted this mele maʻi, procreation chant, to Douglas
Damon, the youngest son of Samuel Mills Damon. Such procreation chants encouraged the perpetuation of
bloodlines. This mele maʻi was composed shortly after Douglas’ birth in 1890, to honor him and his family.
In the chant he is referred to both as Kekaleka (Douglas) and “Huki ka ulua” (pull in the ulua fish).

4th Place: Hālau I Ka Wēkiu
Nā Kumu Hula: Karl Veto Baker & Michael Lanakila Casupang

“E Ka Liko Hou O Uka”
This name chant written for Miriam Kapili Likelike Kekāuluohi includes countless moments of love and affection.
She is also referred to in this mele by the name Kaliko, the newly formed leaf buds of the ‘ōhi‘a lehua. This mele
is imbued with kaona, hidden meaning, by the composer, and Princess Likelike is compared to the beautiful natural
elements on the island of Hawai‘i.

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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.