Posted on 11.21.15 under Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, Halau Napualikolokelani, Haunani Paredes, hula, Kyleigh Marie Hokuao Manual-Sagon, Nā Kumu ʻIliahi
Haruno Terayama of Napualiko Lokelani, under the direction of Junko Wong, took 2nd place in hula, oli (Hawaiian chant) and best auana costume and adornments and a $500 scholarship at the Hula O Na Keiki held at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel (the most Hawaiian of all hotels) on November 14.
The drive from Wailuku to the west side is scenic and pleasant — when it’s not rush hour. There’s only one road until you reach the Lahaina Bypass.
Surprisingly, it’s still not that widely used, but you can be sure that will change.
There was a rainbow when I got to the Kaanapali Beach Hotel on Friday afternoon after picking up leis at Hawaiian Air Cargo. The Napualiko team was already there, having spent the night in preparation for day one which started with Haruno’s interview with the judges.
Haruno danced a great kahiko — I thought it was the best, but I’m no judge.
The overall winner was a Maui girl, Kyleigh Marie Hokuao Manual-Sagon from Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi, under the direction of Nā Kumu ʻIliahi & Haunani Paredes.
The beautiful Haunani Paredes chanting.
Day two is Auana, the modern hula with live music. Ahumanu is led by Liz Morales on guitar.
Haruno in her auana dress, based on a dress in a 1939 issue of Vogue.
Haruno accepts her awards. It was a great night for her. Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi is one of the best and hottest halaus in Hawaii, now. Their dancers have won all of the major competitions. Finishing 2nd to them is a great honor!