Halau Kalaakeakauikawekiu of Kailua-Kona under the direction of Kumu Hula Kenneth “Aloha ” Victor dominated at the E Malama Mau I Ka Hula Festival, garnering first place in the elementary age group division, first place in the intermediate age group division, first place tie in the high school age group division and second place in the kaikamahine solo division.
The hula competition is produced by Luana Kawelu of the Merrie Monarch Festival. This competition invites all elementary, intermediate and high school aged dancers on Hawaii Island halau to share their hula.
Judges were Peter Day, Glen Vasconcellos and Puanani Crumb. Emcee was Kaea Lyons of Kapa FM.
Keiki wahine soloist winners were: third place, Jazmyn Medeiros of Hula Halau O Kahikilaulani; second place, Kaiya Bannister of Halau Kalaakeakauikawekiu; first place, Kaoiwi Jeong of Hula Halau Ka Ua Kani Lehua.
Keiki kane soloist winners were: second place, Ty Silva with Hula Halau O Uluhaimalama; first place, Paikea Kealoha-Oana of Hula Halau Ka Ua Kani Lehua.
The elementary division winners were: third place, Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua; second place, Halau Hula O Kahikilaulani; first place, Halau Kalaakeakauikawekiu.
In the intermediate division, third place went to Na Lei Liko o Olaa, Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua took second place and Halau Kalaakeakauikawekiu was awarded first.
In the high school division, Halau Hula O Kahikilaulani and Halau Na Pua O Uluhaimalama tied for third place, Ohuohukeauikalikolehu took second place, Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua and Halau Kalaakeakauikawekiu tied for first place.