Hula Halau O Kamuela kahiko performance from 2002 Merrie Monarch Hula Competition. The vibrant colors of red and the lush green ti skirt. Always a treat to see. First place kahiko winners. video by alina885 | Ae Luv Hula

The kahiko competition has begun! Taking the stage for the first time – the men of Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala, under the direction of Kumu Hula Leinaʻala Pavao Jardin, perform a hula kuolo and use the ipu heke to create the beautiful imagery of Mt. Haʻupu on Kauaʻi as well as Mokulēʻia and Halemano on Oʻahu. As a tribute to Queen Kapiʻolani, granddaughter of Kauaʻi's King Kaumualiʻi, this mele sews beautiful imagery of Kauaʻi and Oʻahu together as a reverant depiction of her lofty status

Who's excited for Merrie Monarch this year? Which friends and hālau are you excited to watch? ʻAʻa i ka hula, waiho i ka hilahila ma ka hale.” Dare to dance, leave all shame at home. This ʻōlelo noʻeau does not only pertain to hula and dancing, but to all aspects of life. It means to be fearless, even if you’re scared. Throughout the years, we have seen hālau after hālau conquer their fears and dance hula at Edith Kanakaʻole stadium for the Merrie Monarch festival, which is less than a week away