On the first night of the 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival’s hula competition, 21-year-old Faith Lynn Kealohapauʻole Paredes of Wailuku, Maui, captured the Miss Aloha Hula title with stunning kahiko (anciet) and ‘auana (modern) performances Thursday on the iconic stage in the Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium in Hilo.
Paredes, with Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, and under the direction of Kumu Haunani and ʻIliahi Paredes, secured the win with 1,161 points in the competiton of 13 dancers. Paredes also captured the Hawaiian Language Award.
Paredes graduated from Kamehameha Schools and now attends Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. In 2015, she won the title of Miss Keiki Hula.
Jelacia Naomi Waiauokalaniākea Peralta of Kauaʻi, under the direction of Kumu Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao, placed as a sololist.
Judges scored the dancers on several elements, including kaʻi (opening chant and procession onto the stage); interpretation and expression; posture and precision; hand gestures; foot and body movement; hoʻi (closing chant and dance while leaving stage); authenticity of costume and adornments; grooming; and overall performance.
The first runner-up was Keoe Momilani Michiko Hoe with Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua from Kona, Oʻahu, under the direction of Kumu Hula Robert Ke‘ano Ka‘upu IV with 1,156 points.
The second runner-up was Lahela Hoʻokela Medina Maio with Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe, under the direction of Kumu Hula Tracie and Keawe Lopes, from Pūʻahuʻula, Koʻolaupoko, Oʻahu, with 1,134 points.
The third runner-up was Leimana Kaleinamanu Purdy with Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka, under the direction of Kumu Hula Nāpua Silva, from Waiohuli, Maui, with 1,115 points.
The fourth runner-up was Jelacia Naomi Waiauokalaniākea Peralta with Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala, under the direction of Kumu Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao, from Kalāheo, Kaua‘i, with 1,098 points.
Group performances by 19 hālau will start Friday night with kahiko. The competition will culminate on Saturday with ‘auana performances.
Hawai‘i News Now – KFVE, the festival’s official broadcaster, carries the competition events live on-air and online each night, as well as special coverage during newscasts and on streaming platforms and social media.
