Upcoming Merrie Monarch details released
The halau participating in the 51st annual Merrie Monarch Festival, Miss Aloha Hula entries and judges have been posted online at www.merriemonarch.com.
Thirteen dancers are expected to vie for the Miss Aloha Hula title on Thursday evening, April 24. A total of 23 halau, including three from California, are expected to compete in the kahiko and auana portions April 25 and 26 at the Edith Kanaka’ole Stadium in Hilo.
This year’s judges are Cy M. Bridges, Nalani Kanaka’ole, Noenoelani Zuttermeister Lewis, Keali’i Reichel, Kalena Silva, Alicia Smith and Vicky Holt Takamine.
The festival, which takes place from April 20 to 26 in Hilo this year, celebrates the traditions of hula and honors King David Kalakaua.