Nā Kumu Hauanani and ‘Iliahi Paredes are prepared backstage at Edith Kanaka’ole Stadium. (MASTERS from previous page)
him the most because of his influence on kane, or male, hula throughout his hula career. ‘Iliahi has also performed under his direction at Merrie Monarch. Kumu Haunani believes that all her kumu have also made a huge impact on her dancing and teaching, especially the time she spent learning under Aunty Pat Namaka Bacon. “It was Aunty Pat who brought out the beauty and balance in being both a dancer and a teacher – that teaching hula is about nurturing the mind, body and soul,” Kumu Haunani said. Kekuaokala‘au‘ala‘iliahi participated in the prestigious Merrie Monarch hula competition for their fourth
year, but it was the first year that they entered in the wahine, or women’s, category. “To participate at Merrie Monarch is a privilege, and we take this privilege seriously. We ask our haumāna [students] to commit to the journey. The hula and Merrie Monarch deserve the best, and we do our best to be totally prepared for the task at hand,” Kumu ‘Iliahi said. In 2014 and 2013, the men placed fourth in the Hula ‘Auana category, and in 2013, the men placed second in the Kahiko division. This year, neither group placed in the top levels. For any hālau, the preparation for such an event is an intense and time-consuming process, and although tough, the end result is definitely rewarding.
Photo courtesy of Kahu Kalani Wong
“We learn so much about the hula and our culture through our preparation. Most importantly, we learn about ourselves. It’s always a constant challenge to balance life while preparing for Merrie Monarch. We learn about our strengths and our weaknesses, and we celebrate all things that make us stronger,” Kumu ‘Iliahi said. For some, the commitment to hula is too much, and they come and go. “It’s just the nature of the beast. It’s important that we give everyone the opportunity to learn, and if they stay, wonderful; if they don’t stay, we wish them well and encourage them to seek hula elsewhere,” Kumu ‘Iliahi said. But those who commit learn more than just hula.
Leimakamae Kea, Kamehameha Maui senior and student of Hālau Kekuaokala‘au‘ala‘iliahi, recently won the title of Miss Hula O Nā Keiki in November at Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel. “They [kumu hula] teach us morals like any other sport would, such as teamwork. They also teach us Hawaiian values that we can apply to our everyday lives to be better people. I stay because I’m inspired by their dancing and their mana‘o about everything,” Kea said. Kumu ‘Iliahi said that as they prepare for the Merrie Monarch competition, they keep in mind something their beloved Aunty Pat Namaka Bacon once said: “Hula is the most beautiful when it is surrounded by love.”
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