Video by David Corrigan, Voice of Stephanie Salazar

HILO, Hawaii – Kupono McDaniel was the winner of the “King Kalakaua Beard and Look-Alike Contest” that took place Monday evening in Hilo, part of the official Merrie Monarch week festivities.

McDaniel, a Supervisory Ranger at National Park Service, took home $600 in cash and prizes for his superbly cultivated whiskers – done in the style of King David Kalakaua, the Merrie Monarch himself.

The first such contest took place in 1964, but in recent years it has been in hiatus… it was resurrected to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hilo’s renown hula festival.

Over 20 contestants signed up to have their beards judged … one was 79 year old Adam Quinores — who won three times in the 60’s. This year he brought his son along for the contest. Adam took third place honors.

Skylark Rossetti interviewed the various contestants – who were revealed to be a colorful cast of characters – on the stage of the Mooheau Bandstand.

Each of the contestants got a $50 gift certificate from HPM, just for participating.