Opening performance on a night of free hula
Hilo, Hawaii – Video by David Corrigan
Thousands lined up outside the Edith Kanakaole Stadium for a chance to attend Hoike night, free of charge, before the competition of the 2010 Merrie Monarch festival begins.
The opening performance of the Hoike featured Halau O Kekuhi, led by kumu hula Nalani Kanaka’ole.
The hula by Halau O Kekuhi was in honor of the Kamehameha dynasty, chosen to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the king’s unification of the Hawaiian islands.
Peter Sur of the Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports that the hula was originally directed and choreographed by the late, legendary Edith Kanakaole, mother of Nalani, in 1977.
These are the highlights from a far longer set that had fans screaming in appreciation. You will be able to see more on local Na Leo o Hawaii Television, courtesy videographer Wendell Ka’ehu’ae’a.
Once the competition begins on Thursday, you will only be able to see video from KFVE, on the internet at K5thehometeam.com. They are the new producers of the televised event, taking over this year from KITV.
