Mahoe, Kawaili‘ula big winners at Merrie Monarch

Kawaili’ula, under the direction of kumu hula Chinky Mahoe, performs in the kane group hula kahiko competition June 25 at Edith Kanaka’ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo. The Oahu halau accomplished a clean sweep of all kane competition categories and is the 2021 Merrie Monarch Festival’s overall champion.

Hula Halau Ke ‘Olu Makani O Mauna Loa of Volcano under the direction of kumu hula Meleana Manuel dances hula kahiko June 25 at Edith Kanaka’ole Stadium in Hilo. It was the first year in hula’s most prestigious competition for the halau. (Merrie Monarch Festival photos/Cody Yamaguchi)

Left: Halau Kala’akeakauikawekiu of Kailua-Kona under the direction of kumu hula Kenneth Dean Alohapumehanaokala Victor dances hula kahiko June 25 at Edith Kanaka’ole Stadium in Hilo. (Merrie Monarch Festival photo/Bruce Omori)

Above: Kawaili’ula, under the direction of kumu hula Chinky Mahoe, performs in the kane group hula ‘auana competition June 25 at Edith Kanaka’ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo. The Oahu halau accomplished a clean sweep of all kane competition categories and is the 2021 Merrie Monarch Festival’s overall champion. (Merrie Monarch Festival photo/Cody Yamaguchi)

Here are the results of the 58th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival’s hula competition: