Merrie Monarch names 2018 judges, participating halau

HOLLYN JOHNSON/Tribune-Herald Ka Pa Hula O Kauanoe O Wa‘ahila of Oahu performs their ‘auana routine during the 54th Annual Merrie Monarch competition at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo.
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HONOLULU — Merrie Monarch Festival organizers in Hilo have announced online the judges and participating halau for this year’s competition.

Judges for the 55th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival will be Cy Bridges, Maelia Loebenstein-Carter, Ainsley Halemanu, Nalani Kanakaole, Mae Kamamalu Klein, Piilani Lua and Kalena Silva, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Thursday.

A total of 29 groups — 20 wahine and nine kane — are set to compete at the Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium this year. The halau are from Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii Island along with California and Washington.

The festival runs April 1-7, with the hula competition set for April 5-7.

Info: Visit www.merriemonarch.com