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Hula Lehua @ Roppongi Hills

Posted on 06.22.14 under Halau Napualikolokelani, hula, miss hula hawaii

The Hula Lehua Competition has been held at Roppongi Hills, a high-end shopping/culture center since its inception.

This year was different from last year for Halau Napualikolokelani When Ebi (Keiko Iwai) won the Miss Hula Hawaii contest (2013). For one thing, the name changed to Hula Lehua. For another, photography and video was prohibited.

And in 2013, Ebi won a trip to Honolulu and modeled for the Hula Lehua fashion catalog.

This year Halau Napualikolani had two entries, Girls Solo and Wahine Solo. Both Haruno and Kaori had great performances, the best in their categories, but they both finished 2nd. As you can see, they are very happy with the results and that speaks to their character and what they want to get out of a hula competition. They both understand that this is a journey, not an end in itself.

When a decision depends on a judgement, there are no guarantees that the best performance will win. The judges may be looking for other things. There may be agendas… But that’s a conspiracy theory for another time and place ; )


There was one minute and thirty seconds for rehearsal.

This year the competition was a bit unorganized as the entire staff from 2013 quit. Dresses were still be altered the day of the competition. Scheduling was last minute and changing.

But hey, we entered and 2nd place isn’t bad. We’ll take it.

Halau Napualikolokelani is under the direction of Sensei Junko Wong and advised by Kumu Hula Hokulani Holt.

Miss Hula Hawaii @ Roppongi Hills

Posted on 06.24.13 under hokulani holt, hula, miss hula hawaii

Huge congratulations to Napualiko Lokelani, Junko Wong Sensei and Kumu Hokulani Holt for the wonderful results at Miss Hula Hawaii Contest 2013!!
Arisa So – 3rd place, Miss Hula Hawaii Girl (solo)



Shuko Saito, Arisa, Keiko Iwai (Ebi), Ritsuho, Haruno – 2nd place Wahine Group

Iwai Keiko (Ebi) – 1st place Miss Hula Hawaii
She’s Queen for the Day! Actually for the year as she has photo shoots, appearances, ect. like a Miss America.


Waiting for the results is a tense moment of hope broken with laughter.