Here’s a look back at the highlights and winners of Hawaii’s beloved hula festival, Merrie Monarch 2021, which made a roaring return with added protocols in place. Dillon Ancheta recaps this year’s festival. #HNN #MerrieMonarch | Hawaii News Now

Founded by Edith Kanaʻole, treasured Hawaiian composer, dancer, scholar, teacher and the person for whom the Merrie Monarch stadium is named, Hālau o Kekuhi is celebrated for their mastery of the hula ʻaihaʻa. A tradition that spans over two decades, Hālau o Kekuhi's opening hula at the Merrie Monarch hōʻike night is a highly anticipated performance of the annual festival. While it may be a different experience this year away from the electric atmosphere of a packed Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium, it

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

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