172 dancers take the stage, honoring future of Merrie Monarch

Hilo, Hawaii – Video by David Corrigan

The final performance of the free Hoike night at the 2010 Merrie Monarch Festival was by Halau O Hokulani, under the direction of Larry De Rego and his wife, Hokulani.

172 dancers took the stage as a part of the performance, a good portion of whom were from Japan.

The Makaha Sons and Melveen Leed lent their musical talents to the hula, which was dedicated to Luana Kawelu, daughter of Merrie Monarch co-founder Dottie Thompson, and the future of the festival.

You will be able to see more on local Na Leo o Hawaii Television, courtesy videographer Wendell Ka’ehu’ae’a.

The hoike is not a part of the competition. For that, tune to KFVE, also on the internet at K5thehometeam.com.

The competition ends tonight, at which point the awards will be given to the best halau performances in the kahiko and auana styles.