Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina‘ala claim Merrie Monarch Festival win

Hula halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina‘ala of Kalaheo was named the overall winner of the 59th Merrie Monarch Festival.

Led by kumu hula Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin, the halau finished with 1,218 points.

The halau claimed first place in wahine hula kahiko, wahine hula ‘auana, and wahine overall.

Ka La Onohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e under kumu hula Tracie and Keawe Lopes were second and Hula Halau ‘O Kamuela led by Kunewa Mook and Kau‘ionalani Kamana‘o took third.

In both the kane kahiko and kane ‘auana categories, Kekuaokala‘au‘ala‘iliahi, under the direction of Haunani and ‘Iliahi Paredes, took first place, and won kane overall with 1,198 points.

The festival wrapped up Saturday night with hula ‘auana.