Maui’s Kyleigh and Kālōi Win 2015 Hula O Nā Keiki Titles
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Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
The 25th Anniversary edition of Hula O Nā Keiki wrapped up this weekend with two dancers from Maui Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, under the direction of Nā Kumu ʻIliahi & Haunani Paredes taking top honors.
Kyleigh Marie Hokuao Manual-Sagon and Kālōi Kalalena Lauleneke Combo Montalvo won the wahine and kāne overall titles respectively in this year’s event.
Kekuhi Kanae Kanahele Kealiʻikanakaʻoleohaililani. Image by Wendy Osher.
Special to this year’s event were two mele composed by Kekuhi Kanae Kanahele Kealiʻikanakaʻoleohaililani, an eight generation kumu hula of Hālau O Kekuhi on Hawaiʻi Island.
The companion hulas, ʻOni a Paʻa E Nā Pōkiʻi and ʻO Haleakalā Kuʻu Kuahiwi were composed as Mele Helu ʻĀina, and are meant to work together to connect people to their landscape, specifically Haleakalā on Maui. According to Kealiʻikanakaʻoleohaililani’s explanation, the mele call out to the names of the “kupuna” wahi pana or ancestral sacred places by name, and internalizes those names as part of one’s own family. The intention of the mele is “to empower.”
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Also special to this year’s event, were the handmade kīhei garments crafted out of kapa by judge Kaponoʻai Molitau, a kumu of Nā Hanona Kulike ʻO Piʻilani and small business owner at Native Intelligence in Wailuku. The coveted awards went to four top performing keiki for their delivery and pronunciation of chants during the kahiko oli portion of the competition.
In addition to traditional awards issued at the annual event, special awards were also created this year in celebration of the event’s 25th anniversary. The recipient of the Akoni Akana perpetual award for the kumu that best demonstrate poʻokela or excellence was Nā Kumu ʻIliahi & Haunani Paredes for their leadership of Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi.
The event also issued two scholarships as part of the 25th anniversary celebration to an ʻōpio kāne and an ʻōpio wahine to further their education in hula. The kāne award went to Teva Medeiros of Hālonaikeohokapalai, Kumu Pōmaikaʻi Krueger and the wahine award went to Haruno Terayama of Hālau Nāpualikolokelani, Kumu Junko Wong. Event representatives noted that the monetary award, unlike other scholarships could be used for huakaʻi (travel), hālau dues or classes to further their hula education.
Kyleigh Marie Hokuao Manual-Sagon, Halau Kekuaokalaaualailiahi, Na Kumu Iliahi & Haunani Paredes. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Kyleigh Marie Hokuao Manual-Sagon, a senior at Seabury Hall on Maui won the overall wahine title. The 17-year-old entered the competition in the ʻŌpio division and performed her ʻauana selection to Hawaiʻi Calls and Sweet Leilani.
Kyleigh shared that hula is the easiest way for her to share her feelings and that her passion came from watching her mom dance on the Merrie Monarch stage.
In addition to her overall title, Kyleigh also earned first place in the overall wahine ʻŌpio division, first place in the wahine ʻŌpio oli competition and the interview award.
Kālōi Kalalena Lauleneke Combo Montalvo, Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, Nā Kumu ʻIliahi & Haunani Paredes. Photo by Wendy Osher.
In the kāne division, 16-year-old Kālōi Kalalena Lauleneke Combo Montalvo, also of Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi took the top award at this year’s event as the overall kāne winner. Kālōi, who is a junior at HP Baldwin High School, dedicated his performance to his ʻohana and his kumu for their life lessons.
Montalvo, who entered the competition in the ʻŌpio division, also took home awards for first place in the ʻŌpio kāne hula, second place in the ʻŌpio kāne oli, and an award for his costume and adornments in his ʻŌpio kāne kahiko performance.
2015 Hula O Nā Keiki winners:
Overall Wahine Award
Kyleigh Marie Hokuao Manual-Sagon, Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, Nā Kumu ʻIliahi & Haunani Paredes
Overall Kāne Award
Kālōi Kalalena Lauleneke Combo Montalvo, Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, Nā Kumu ʻIliahi & Haunani Paredes
ʻŌpio Wahine Hula
- Kyleigh Marie Hokuao Manual-Sagon, Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, Nā Kumu ʻIliahi & Haunani Paredes
- Haruno Terayama, Hālau Nāpualikolokelani, Kumu Junko Wong
- Breena Ako, Hālonaikeohokapalai, Kumu Pōmaikaʻi Krueger
ʻŌpio Kāne Hula
- Kālōi Kalalena Lauleneke Combo Montalvo, Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, Nā Kumu ʻIliahi & Haunani Paredes
- Teva Medeiros, Hālonaikeohokapalai, Kumu Pōmaikaʻi Krueger
Keiki Wahine Hula
- Amedee Kauakohemālamalama Conley-Kapoi, Keʻala Kahinano O Puna, Kumu Joy Keōpūolani Salvador
- Saige Maria Hoʻokamalani Holkup, Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio, Kumu Joan Lindsey
- Amor Kaulumauowaiʻaleʻale Villa Rapoza, Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio, Kumu Joan Lindsey
Keiki Kāne Hula
- Cole Napuʻupaheʻe Leong, Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio, Kumu Joan Lindsey
- Damon Makoa Clark, Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio, Kumu Joan Lindsey
Overall Music
The Music Award: Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi. Song: Hawaii Calls, Sweet Leilani; Hula Town, My Wahine & Me
OLI AWARDS
ʻŌpio Wahine Oli
- Kyleigh Marie Hokuao Manuel-Sagon, Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, Nā Kumu ʻIliahi & Haunani Paredes
- Haruno Terayama, Hālau Nāpualikolokelani, Kumu Junko Wong
- Breena Ako, Hālonaikeohokapalai, Kumu Pōmaikaʻi Krueger
ʻŌpio Kāne Oli
- Teva Medeiros, Hālonaikeohokapalai, Kumu Pōmaikaʻi Krueger
- Kālōi Kalalena Lauleneke Combo Montalvo, Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, Nā Kumu ʻIliahi & Haunani Paredes
Keiki Wahine Oli
- Amedee Kauakohemālamalama Conley-Kapoi, Keʻala Kahinano O Puna, Kumu Joy Keōpūolani Salvador
- Haylee Kukunaokalā Kawai, Ka Pā Nani ʻO Līlīnoe, Līlīnoe Lindsey
- Saige Maria Hoʻokamalani Holkup, Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio, Kumu Joan Lindsey
Keiki Kāne Oli
- Damon Makoa Clark, Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio, Kumu Joan Lindsey
- Cole Napuʻupaheʻe Leong, Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio, Kumu Joan Lindsey
PALUA AWARDS
ʻŌpio Pālua: Teva Medeiros & Breena Ako, Hālonaikeohokapalai, Kumu Pōmaikaʻi Krueger
Keiki Pālua: Damon Makoa Clark & Demi Māhealani Clark, Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio, Kumu Joan Lindsey
COSTUME & ADORNMENT AWARDS
Keiki Kahiko: Saige Maria Hoʻokamalani Holkup, Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio, Kumu Joan Lindsey
ʻŌpio Kahiko: Kālōi Kalalena Lauleneke Combo Montalvo, Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, Nā Kumu ʻIliahi & Haunani Paredes
Keiki ʻAuana: Amedee Kauakohemālamalama Conley-Kapoi, Keʻala Kahinano O Puna, Kumu Joy Keōpūolani Salvador
ʻŌpio ʻAuana: Haruno Terayama, Hālau Nāpualikolokelani, Kumu Junko Wong
Keiki Pālua: Damon Makoa Clark & Demi Māhealani Clark, Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio, Kumu Joan Lindsey
ʻŌpio Pālua: Teva Medeiros & Breena Ako, Hālonaikeohokapalai, Kumu Pōmaikaʻi Krueger
INTERVIEW AWARDS
Keiki Interview: Amedee Kauakohemālamalama Conley-Kapoi, Keʻala Kahinano O Puna, Kumu Joy Keōpūolani Salvador
ʻŌpio Interview: Kyleigh Marie Hokuao Manuel-Sagon, Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, Nā Kumu ʻIliahi & Haunani Paredes
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Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Hula o Nā Keiki competition, 2015. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Teva Medeiros & Breena Ako, Hālonaikeohokapalai, Kumu Pōmaikaʻi Krueger. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Crimson Nāleialohapauʻʻolekauanoe Kikue Yee. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Kālōi Kalalena Lauleneke Combo Montalvo, Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, Nā Kumu ʻIliahi & Haunani Paredes Photo by Wendy Osher.
Kālōi Kalalena Lauleneke Combo Montalvo, Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, Nā Kumu ʻIliahi & Haunani Paredes Photo by Wendy Osher.
Haruno Terayama, Halau Napualikolokelani, Kumu Junko Wong. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Damon Makoa Clark & Demi Mahealani Clark, Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio, Kumu Joan Lindsey . Photo by Wendy Osher.
Damon Makoa Clark & Demi Mahealani Clark, Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio, Kumu Joan Lindsey . Photo by Wendy Osher.
Teva Medeiros, Halonaikeohokapalai, Kumu Pomaikai Krueger. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Teva Medeiros, Halonaikeohokapalai, Kumu Pomaikai Krueger. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Amor Kaulumauowaialeale Villa Rapoza, Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio, Kumu Joan Lindsey. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Kyleigh Marie Hokuao Manual-Sagon, Halau Kekuaokalaaualailiahi, Na Kumu Iliahi & Haunani Paredes. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Saige Maria Hookamalani Holkup, Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio, Kumu Joan Lindsey. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Breena Ako, Halonaikeohokapalai, Kumu Pomaikai Krueger. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Cole Napuupahee Leong, Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio, Kumu Joan Lindsey, Photo by Wendy Osher.
Rumi Uilani Aoki, Halau Keawahou from Niigata Japan. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Amedee Kauakohemalamalama Conley-Kapoi, Keala Kahinano O Puna, Kumu Joy Keopuolani Salvador. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Damon Makoa Clark, Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio, Kumu Joan Lindsey . Photo by Wendy Osher.
Rumi Uilani Aoki, Halau Keawahou from Niigata Japan. Photo credit: Richard Pata.
Damon Makoa Clark & Demi Mahealani Clark, Joan S. Lindsey Hula Studio, Kumu Joan Lindsey . Photo credit: Richard Pata.
Breena Ako, Halonaikeohokapalai, Kumu Pomaikai Krueger. Photo credit: Richard Pata.
Breena Ako, Halonaikeohokapalai, Kumu Pomaikai Krueger. Photo credit: Richard Pata.
Kyleigh Marie Hokuao Manual-Sagon, Halau Kekuaokalaaualailiahi, Na Kumu Iliahi & Haunani Paredes
Kyleigh Marie Hokuao Manual-Sagon, Halau Kekuaokalaaualailiahi, Na Kumu Iliahi & Haunani Paredes
Kyleigh Marie Hokuao Manual-Sagon, Halau Kekuaokalaaualailiahi, Na Kumu Iliahi & Haunani Paredes
Kyleigh Marie Hokuao Manual-Sagon, Halau Kekuaokalaaualailiahi, Na Kumu Iliahi & Haunani Paredes
Kaloi Kalalena Lauleneke Combo Montalvo, Halau Kekuaokalaaualailiahi, Na Kumu Iliahi & Haunani Paredes. Photo credit: Richard Pata.
Kaloi Kalalena Lauleneke Combo Montalvo, Halau Kekuaokalaaualailiahi, Na Kumu Iliahi & Haunani Paredes. Photo credit: Richard Pata.
Kaloi Kalalena Lauleneke Combo Montalvo, Halau Kekuaokalaaualailiahi, Na Kumu Iliahi & Haunani Paredes. Photo credit: Richard Pata.
Kaloi Kalalena Lauleneke Combo Montalvo, Halau Kekuaokalaaualailiahi, Na Kumu Iliahi & Haunani Paredes. Photo credit: Richard Pata.
Kaloi Kalalena Lauleneke Combo Montalvo, Halau Kekuaokalaaualailiahi, Na Kumu Iliahi & Haunani Paredes. Photo credit: Richard Pata.
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