WATCH: The 2023 Merrie Monarch Festival Winning Performances
See some of the best performances from the 60th Merrie Monarch Contest here.
It was a fantastic weekend of hula on Hawaiʻi Island. The 60th Merrie Monarch Festival showcased some of the best hula halau (hula schools) from around Hawaiʻi, with Ka Lā ‘Ōnohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e under the direction of Nā Kumu Hula Tracie & Keawe Lopes of Oʻahu taking the overall title at this year’s festivities. If you missed the 2023 Merrie Monarch Festival performances live, don’t worry. We’ve compiled the winning performances in each division for you right here.
Miss Aloha Hula 2023: Agnes Renee Leihiwahiwaikapolionāmakua Thronas Brown
In a stunning performance, Agnes Renee Leihiwahiwaikapolionāmakua Thronas Brown took home the crown of Miss Aloha Hula. A student of Ka Lā ‘Ōnohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e, she helped her halau reach the overall title award with this exceptional display of power and grace.
WATCH: Hear from the Misses We Miss from Past Merrie Monarch Festivals
Kāne Kahiko: Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi
The kāne of Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi on Maui took first place in the kāne kahiko division, winning with 609 points—a narrow lead over Hālau Nā Mamo O Pu‘uanahulu with 606 points.
Kāne ʻAuana: Hālau Hi‘iakaināmakalehua
In the non-traditional ʻauana division, Hālau Hi‘iakaināmakalehua performed a wonderful tribute to Hawaiʻi’s unique paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture, coming in first with 619 points.
Wahine Kahiko: Ka Lā ‘Ōnohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e
One of the most anticipated Merrie Monarch Festival performances for its authenticity to traditional hula, the wahine kahiko division was won by Ka Lā ‘Ōnohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e, of Oʻahu, with 617 points.
Wahine ʻAuana: Hālau Hi‘iakaināmakalehua
Covered in lei and dressed in a floral green, Hālau Hi‘iakaināmakalehua of Oʻahu won the wahine ʻauana division with a point total of 617, narrowly edging out Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leinā‘ala of Kauaʻi, which had a point total of 616—so close!
Of course, there are so many more Merrie Monarch Festival performance videos you can check out on the Merrie Monarch Festival’s YouTube page. And if you want to stay up to date on information for next year’s Merrie Monarch Festival, visit its website here.
