Tyra Kaimuloa-Bates of Halau Kalaakeakauikawekiu under the direction of Kumu Hula Kenneth “Aloha ” Victor placed first runner up in the Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula Competition held July 20-23 on Oahu.
Deemed the “Merrie Monarch for children,” the competition hosts more than 25 of the best halau in the state and Japan over three days of hula.
Kaimuloa-Bates is the daughter of Wayne and Barbra Kaimuloa-Bates of Keauhou. She has been a student of Halau Kalaakeakauikawekiu since she was 3 years old.
At the competition, she danced a song written by Manu Boyd titled “Hanohano Helumoa.” A song that speaks of the healing and tranquil Helumoa in Waikiki where kings and queens lived, a legendary rooster appeared, thousands of coconut trees were planted and where Bernice Pauahi Bishop signed her will for the foundation of Kamehameha Schools.
Kumu Hula Kenneth ” Aloha ” Victor celebrates the halau’s 10 year anniversary with a “Ten Years of Aloha” celebration on Aug. 13 at the Makaeo Events Pavilion at Old Kona Airport Sean Naauao, Robi Kahakalau, Chad Takatsugi, Lorna Lim, Kainani Kahauanele, Ikaika Blackburn, Kaumakaiwa Kanakaoe and Natalie Ai Kamuu.
Tickets are $30 and include a Hawaiian food plate meal. Contact any halau member for tickets or call 989-4616.