The Adventures of LitBoy: Bill Brent's Blog

2008.04.06, Picture of the Day, Big Island of Hawaii

MERRIE MONARCH HULA FESTIVAL, 2008

ALOHA! These are pictures of the April 2 ho'ike (in essence, a show or exhibition) from the 45th annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, March 30 to April 7, 2008. I have many lovely ho'ike pictures here for you to enjoy, from both 2008 and 2007 — to see them all, just click the "hula" category tab in the sidebar to the left.

This is my second set of photos of the evening's events. Here are more pictures of the traditional hula kahiko, performed by Halau O Kekuhi:

The kahiko is the ancient hula with mele, or chant, which are records of cultural information. By contrast, the 'auana (not pictured here) is the modern, song-accompanied hula. Kahiko portrays the raw life force. Highly primordial, kahiko conveys power, sensuality, sexual prowess, and a deep reverence for natural balance. It is a worship of the gods.

Above and below, we see the 'olapa, who execute the dance movements. They are accompanied by the ho'opa'a, who chant the text and provide the percussive accompaniment for the dancers.

This group is Halau O Kekuhi, who also opened the ho'ike at the 2007 Merrie Monarch Festival; my pictures of that ceremony (with better lighting!) are HERE.

The kumu hula (source, origin, teacher of hula) of Halau O Kekuhi are Pualani Kanaka’ole Kanahele and Nalani Kanaka’ole. You can learn more by clicking HERE — it's a lovely site.

I have also found a summary of the evening's show, which you can read HERE. (You may have to register to view the summary. But the pictures are right here!)

This continues my series of photos from this year's Merrie Monarch Festival. If you enjoy this blog, please check back, or sign up for email updates (using the sidebar element beneath my picture and bio) to see what's new.

[PLEASE NOTE: I respect the cultural traditions of indigenous dance forms and strive to provide accurate information and context regarding those traditions whenever possible. If you feel I have made any errors of fact, or wish to supplement my posts with additional information, feel free to leave a comment with any suggestions, corrections, or enhancements. MAHALO NUI LOA!]

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Wishing you a beautiful day,

Bill Brent

[this page last updated: 2008.04.05, 3:35 p.m. Hawaii time]

LitBoy.com is a professional blog. Keeping it online costs me $200 per year. That's before paying me for my writing, photography, or anything else I do here. If you enjoy this blog, please use the Tip Jar at the top of this page. Your two-dollar minimum donation helps keep this banner-free site alive. It's quick and easy!

20.00 / $199.90 (10.0%)

This meter displays this year's contributions to date in U.S. dollars (after the funds processor takes its cut). Make a donation, watch the meter rise! Usually I post your contribution on my next blog post.

All original materials here on LitBoy.com (writing, photos, drawings, graphics, etc.) belong to Bill Brent. If you want to re-use something here, please ask. Higher resolution images are available.

2008.04.05, Picture of the Day, Big Island of Hawaii

MERRIE MONARCH HULA FESTIVAL, 2008

ALOHA! These are pictures of the April 2 ho'ike (in essence, a show or exhibition) from the 45th annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, March 30 to April 7, 2008. I have many lovely ho'ike pictures here for you to enjoy, from both 2008 and 2007 — to see them all, just click the "hula" category tab in the sidebar to the left.

This is my first set of photos of the evening's events. Here is a traditional hula kahiko, performed by Halau O Kekuhi:

The kumu hula (source, origin, teacher of hula) of Halau O Kekuhi are Pualani Kanaka’ole Kanahele and Nalani Kanaka’ole. You can learn more by clicking HERE — it's a lovely site.

I also found a summary of the evening's show, which you can read HERE. (You may have to register to view the summary. But the pictures are right here!)

This begins my series of photos from this year's Merrie Monarch Festival. If you enjoy this blog, please check back, or sign up for email updates (using the sidebar element beneath my picture and bio) to see what's new.

[NOTE: I respect the cultural traditions of indigenous dance forms and strive to provide accurate information and context regarding those traditions whenever possible. If you feel I have made any errors in fact, or wish to supplement my posts with additional information, feel free to leave a comment with any suggestions, corrections, or enhancements. MAHALO NUI LOA!]

---

Wishing you a beautiful day,

Bill Brent

[this page last updated: 2008.04.04, 8:30 p.m. Hawaii time]

LitBoy.com is a professional blog. Keeping it online costs me $200 per year. That's before paying me for my writing, photography, or anything else I do here. If you enjoy this blog, please use the Tip Jar at the top of this page. Your two-dollar minimum donation helps keep this banner-free site alive. It's quick and easy!

20.00 / $199.90 (10.0%)

This meter displays this year's contributions to date in U.S. dollars (after the funds processor takes its cut). Make a donation, watch the meter rise! Usually I post your contribution on my next blog post.

All original materials here on LitBoy.com (writing, photos, drawings, graphics, etc.) belong to Bill Brent. If you want to re-use something here, please ask. Higher resolution images are available.

2007.04.18, Picture of the Day, Big Island of Hawaii

MERRIE MONARCH HULA FESTIVAL, 2007

ALOHA! These are pictures of the April 11 ho'ike (in essence, a show or exhibition) from the 44th annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, April 8 to April 14, 2007. I have many lovely pictures here for you to enjoy — to see them all, just click the "hula" category tab in the sidebar to the left.

This is my last set of photos of the evening's events. Here is a traditional hula kahiko, performed by Halau Na Mamo O Pu'uanahulu:

This is one of Hawaii's largest schools of hula. Its kumu (source, origin, teacher) is Kumu Sonny Ching. You can read and watch more by clicking HERE — it's a lovely site.

I also found a review of the evening's show, which you can read HERE. (But the pictures are right here, heh! I am posting photos of Halau Na Mamo O Pu'uanahulu here in two consecutive blog posts; you are now viewing post #1 of 2.)

This concludes my series of photos from this year's Merrie Monarch Festival. If you enjoy this blog, please check back, or sign up for email updates (using the sidebar element beneath my picture and bio) to see what's new.

[last updated: 2008.04.04, 6:45 p.m. Hawaii time]

[NOTE: This week I have been learning on the fly about the cultural context of the various Polynesian dance forms, using a combination of online articles, the Hawaii Island Journal dated 4/7 to 4/20/2007, the Hawaiian Dictionary (Pukui / Elbert), and the advice and information of a friend who is a long-time Hawaii resident. I strive to provide accurate information and context regarding cultural traditions whenever possible. If you feel I have made any errors in fact, feel free to leave a comment with any suggestions or corrections.]

---

Wishing you a beautiful day,

Bill Brent

LitBoy.com is a professional blog. Keeping it online costs me $179 per year. That's before paying me for my writing, photography, or anything else I do. If you enjoy this blog, please use the Tip Jar at the top of this page. Your two-dollar minimum donation helps keep this banner-free site alive. It's quick and easy!

31 / 179 (17.2%)

This meter displays this year's contributions to date in U.S. dollars (after the funds processor takes its cut). Make a donation, watch the meter rise! Usually I post your contribution within 24 hours.

All original materials here on LitBoy.com (writing, photos, drawings, graphics, etc.) belong to Bill Brent. If you want to re-use something here, please ask. Higher resolution images are available.

2005.04.17, Picture of the Day, Big Island of Hawaii

MERRIE MONARCH HULA FESTIVAL, 2007

ALOHA! These are pictures of the April 11 ho'ike (in essence, a show or exhibition) from the 44th annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, April 8 to April 14, 2007. I have many lovely pictures here for you to enjoy — to see them all, just click the "hula" category tab in the sidebar to the left.

This is my first set of photos of the evening's final hula event, a traditional hula kahiko, performed by Halau Na Mamo O Pu'uanahulu:

This is one of Hawaii's largest schools of hula. Its kumu (source, origin, teacher) is Kumu Sonny Ching. You can read and watch more by clicking HERE — it's a lovely site.

I also found a review of the evening's show, which you can read HERE. (But the pictures are right here, heh! I am posting photos of Halau Na Mamo O Pu'uanahulu here in two consecutive blog posts; you are now viewing post #1 of 2.)

I will continue to post my photos from this year's Merrie Monarch Festival, so please check back, or sign up for email updates (using the sidebar element beneath my picture and bio) to see what's new.

[last updated: 2007.04.19, 9:35 p.m. Hawaii time]

[NOTE: This week I have been learning on the fly about the cultural context of the various Polynesian dance forms, using a combination of online articles, the Hawaii Island Journal dated 4/7 to 4/20/2007, the Hawaiian Dictionary (Pukui / Elbert), and the advice and information of a friend who is a long-time Hawaii resident. I strive to provide accurate information and context regarding cultural traditions whenever possible. If you feel I have made any errors in fact, feel free to leave a comment with any suggestions or corrections.]

---

Wishing you a beautiful day,

Bill Brent

LitBoy.com is a professional blog. Keeping it online costs me $179 per year. That's before paying me for my writing, photography, or anything else I do. If you enjoy this blog, please use the Tip Jar at the top of this page. Your two-dollar minimum donation helps keep this banner-free site alive. It's quick and easy!

31 / 179 (17.2%)

This meter displays this year's contributions to date in U.S. dollars (after the funds processor takes its cut). Make a donation, watch the meter rise! Usually I post your contribution within 24 hours.

All original materials here on LitBoy.com (writing, photos, drawings, graphics, etc.) belong to Bill Brent. If you want to re-use something here, please ask. Higher resolution images are available.

2005.04.16, Picture of the Day, Big Island of Hawaii

MERRIE MONARCH HULA FESTIVAL, 2007

ALOHA! These are pictures of the April 11 ho'ike (in essence, a show or exhibition) from the 44th annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, April 8 to April 14, 2007. I have many lovely pictures here for you to enjoy — to see them all, just click the "hula" category tab in the sidebar to the left.

This is my second set of photos of the evening's Maori dance, or haka, performed by the Maori ensemble, Te Wharekura Kuapapa Maori a Roheo Rakaumanga:

You can search on "haka" or "Maori dance" for details. HERE is one site that features an animation of the haka, if you dig a bit.

I also found a review of the evening's show, which you can read HERE. (But the pictures are right here, heh! You can see below how these folks work up a sweat doing haka — it is a vigorous dance form including body slaps as percussion, among other features.)

I will continue to post my photos from this year's Merrie Monarch Festival, so please check back, or sign up for email updates (using the sidebar element beneath my picture and bio) to see what's new.

[last updated: 2007.04.19, 9:35 p.m. Hawaii time]

[NOTE: This week I have been learning on the fly about the cultural context of the various Polynesian dance forms, using a combination of online articles, the Hawaii Island Journal dated 4/7 to 4/20/2007, the Hawaiian Dictionary (Pukui / Elbert), and the advice and information of a friend who is a long-time Hawaii resident. I strive to provide accurate information and context regarding cultural traditions whenever possible. If you feel I have made any errors in fact, feel free to leave a comment with any suggestions or corrections.]

---

Wishing you a beautiful day,

Bill Brent

LitBoy.com is a professional blog. Keeping it online costs me $179 per year. That's before paying me for my writing, photography, or anything else I do. If you enjoy this blog, please use the Tip Jar at the top of this page. Your two-dollar minimum donation helps keep this banner-free site alive. It's quick and easy!

31 / 179 (17.2%)

This meter displays this year's contributions to date in U.S. dollars (after the funds processor takes its cut). Make a donation, watch the meter rise! Usually I post your contribution within 24 hours.

All original materials here on LitBoy.com (writing, photos, drawings, graphics, etc.) belong to Bill Brent. If you want to re-use something here, please ask. Higher resolution images are available.

2005.04.15, Picture of the Day, Big Island of Hawaii

MERRIE MONARCH HULA FESTIVAL, 2007

ALOHA! These are pictures of the April 11 ho'ike (in essence, a show or exhibition) from the 44th annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, April 8 to April 14, 2007. I have many lovely pictures here for you to enjoy — to see them all, just click the "hula" category tab in the sidebar to the left.

And now for something completely different. Here is Maori dance, or haka, performed by the Maori ensemble, Te Wharekura Kuapapa Maori a Roheo Rakaumanga:

When these folks take the stage, they are fierce! This style of haka has its  origin as war dance designed to strike terror into the hearts of the enemy. The extreme facial expressions are part of the deal — they represent the face of death! You can search on "haka" or "Maori dance" for details. HERE is one site that features an animation of the haka, if you dig a bit.

I also found a review of the evening's show, which you can read HERE. (But the pictures are right here, heh!)

I will continue to post my photos from this year's Merrie Monarch Festival, so please check back, or sign up for email updates (using the sidebar element beneath my picture and bio) to see what's new.

[last updated: 2007.04.19, 9:35 p.m. Hawaii time]

[NOTE: This week I have been learning on the fly about the cultural context of the various Polynesian dance forms, using a combination of online articles, the Hawaii Island Journal dated 4/7 to 4/20/2007, the Hawaiian Dictionary (Pukui / Elbert), and the advice and information of a friend who is a long-time Hawaii resident. I strive to provide accurate information and context regarding cultural traditions whenever possible. If you feel I have made any errors in fact, feel free to leave a comment with any suggestions or corrections.]

---

Wishing you a beautiful day,

Bill Brent

LitBoy.com is a professional blog. Keeping it online costs me $179 per year. That's before paying me for my writing, photography, or anything else I do. If you enjoy this blog, please use the Tip Jar at the top of this page. Your two-dollar minimum donation helps keep this banner-free site alive. It's quick and easy!

31 / 179 (17.2%)

This meter displays this year's contributions to date in U.S. dollars (after the funds processor takes its cut). Make a donation, watch the meter rise! Usually I post your contribution within 24 hours.

All original materials here on LitBoy.com (writing, photos, drawings, graphics, etc.) belong to Bill Brent. If you want to re-use something here, please ask. Higher resolution images are available.

2007.04.15, Picture of the Day, Big Island of Hawaii

MERRIE MONARCH HULA FESTIVAL, 2007

ALOHA! These are pictures of the April 11 ho'ike (in essence, a show or exhibition) from the 44th annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, April 8 to April 14, 2007. I have many lovely pictures here for you to enjoy — to see them all, just click the "hula" category tab in the sidebar to the left.

Here is a Tahitian dance, as part of a mini-revue performed by the Japanese ensemble, Halau O Mehanaokala:

I am delighted that my photos could capture the glow, beauty, and excitement of the Halau O Mehanaokala performers. The Japanese dress is worn by Kumu Ku'uleinani Hashimoto, above.

You can click HERE for an explanation of the role of the kumu in the hula halau. I also found a review of the evening's show, which you can read HERE. (My pictures are better, though, heh!)

I will continue to post my photos from this year's Merrie Monarch Festival, so please check back, or sign up for email updates (using the sidebar element beneath my picture and bio) to see what's new.

[last updated: 2007.04.15, 8:40 a.m. Hawaii time]

 

---

Wishing you a beautiful day,

Bill Brent

LitBoy.com is a professional blog. Keeping it online costs me $179 per year. That's before paying me for my writing, photography, or anything else I do. If you enjoy this blog, please use the Tip Jar at the top of this page. Your two-dollar minimum donation helps keep this banner-free site alive. It's quick and easy!

31 / 179 (17.2%)

This meter displays this year's contributions to date in U.S. dollars (after the funds processor takes its cut). Make a donation, watch the meter rise! Usually I post your contribution within 24 hours.

All original materials here on LitBoy.com (writing, photos, drawings, graphics, etc.) belong to Bill Brent. If you want to re-use something here, please ask. Higher resolution images are available.

2007.04.14, Picture of the Day, Big Island of Hawaii

MERRIE MONARCH HULA FESTIVAL, 2007

ALOHA! These are pictures of the April 11 ho'ike (in essence, a show or exhibition) from the 44th annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, April 8 to April 14, 2007. I have many lovely pictures here for you to enjoy — to see them all, just click the "hula" category tab in the sidebar to the left.

We experienced examples of both Tahitian dance and  'auana (" 'auana" means to wander, to drift, or to go from place to place), or modern, song-accompanied hula, as performed by the Japanese ensemble, Halau O Mehanaokala:

Halau O Mehanaokala portrays the freedom and humor characteristic of the modern style of hula. Hawaiian dance or Tahitian, it's all beautiful. BELOW: the musicians, always an integral part of the experience.

I will continue to post my photos from this year's Merrie Monarch Festival, so please check back, or sign up for email updates (using the sidebar element beneath my picture and bio) to see what's new.

[last updated: 2007.04.15, 8:00 a.m. Hawaii time]

---

Wishing you a beautiful day,

Bill Brent

LitBoy.com is a professional blog. Keeping it online costs me $179 per year. That's before paying me for my writing, photography, or anything else I do. If you enjoy this blog, please use the Tip Jar at the top of this page. Your two-dollar minimum donation helps keep this banner-free site alive. It's quick and easy!

31 / 179 (17.2%)

This meter displays this year's contributions to date in U.S. dollars (after the funds processor takes its cut). Make a donation, watch the meter rise! Usually I post your contribution within 24 hours.

All original materials here on LitBoy.com (writing, photos, drawings, graphics, etc.) belong to Bill Brent. If you want to re-use something here, please ask. Higher resolution images are available.

2007.04.13, Picture of the Day, Big Island of Hawaii

MERRIE MONARCH HULA FESTIVAL, 2007

ALOHA! These are pictures of the April 11 ho'ike (in essence, a hula show or exhibition) from the 44th annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, April 8 to April 14, 2007. I have many lovely pictures here for you to enjoy — to see them all, just click the "hula" category tab in the sidebar to the left.

There are two forms of hula:

— kahiko, the ancient hula with mele, or chant, which are records of cultural information). Kahiko portrays the raw life force. Highly primordial, kahiko conveys power, sensuality, sexual prowess, and a deep reverence for natural balance. It is a worship of the gods.

— 'auana, on the other hand, is a modern, song-accompanied hula. Merrie Monarch features a separate competition for each style. This ho'ike, however, is a non-competitive night that is free to the public every year.

Here are images of 'auana, as performed by the Japanese ensemble, Halau O Mehanaokala:

Japan has a surprisingly large number of hula practitioners, numbering well into the hundreds of thousands. Halau O Mehanaokala features precise and meticulous 'auana that is a tribute to the hula practice, as well as stunning costumes. Although I took these photos with a zoom lens from high in the bleachers, they turned out surprisingly well. What really knocked me out, though, was to process these digital images on a full-size display, where I could witness the dancers' radiant faces for the first time. Clearly they adore 'auana. Look at how they beam! Beautiful.

I will continue to post my photos from this year's Merrie Monarch Festival, so please check back, or sign up for email updates (using the sidebar element beneath my picture and bio) to see what's new.

---

Wishing you a beautiful day,

€”Bill Brent

LitBoy.com is a professional blog. Keeping it online costs me $179 per year. That's before paying me for my writing, photography, or anything else I do. If you enjoy this blog, please use the Tip Jar at the top of this page. Your two-dollar minimum donation helps keep this banner-free site alive. It's quick and easy!

31 / 179 (17.2%)

This meter displays this year's contributions to date in U.S. dollars (after the funds processor takes its cut). Make a donation, watch the meter rise! Usually I post your contribution within 24 hours.

All original materials here on LitBoy.com (writing, photos, drawings, graphics, etc.) belong to Bill Brent. If you want to re-use something here, please ask. Higher resolution images are available.

2007.04.12, Picture of the Day, Big Island of Hawaii

MERRIE MONARCH HULA FESTIVAL, 2007

ALOHA! Last night (April 11), I attended the 44th annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, which runs from April 8 to April 14. I have many lovely pictures from the ho'ike — in essence, a hula show on the eve of the Miss Aloha Hula Competition — and I will post photos for you to enjoy here during the rest of April. We will see kahiko (ancient hula with mele, or chant, which are records of cultural information) and 'auana (modern, song-accompanied hula). Kahiko portrays the raw life force. Highly primordial, kahiko conveys power, sensuality, sexual prowess, and a deep reverence for natural balance. It is a worship of the gods.

BELOW: Entrance of the ho'opa'a, who chant the text and provide the percussive accompaniment for the 'olapa, who execute the dance movements. This group is Halau O Kekuhi.

And here are two lovely shots of this halau's 'olapa, or dancers. The hula always enhances the mele, rather than replacing it. The dance and chant, then, are integral parts of a unified whole.

I will post more photos from this year's Merrie Monarch Festival tomorrow and beyond, so please check back, or sign up for email updates (using the sidebar element beneath my picture and bio) to see what's new.

---

Wishing you a beautiful day,

€”Bill Brent

LitBoy.com is a professional blog. Keeping it online costs me $179 per year. That's before paying me for my writing, photography, or anything else I do. If you enjoy this blog, please use the Tip Jar at the top of this page. Your two-dollar minimum donation helps keep this banner-free site alive. It's quick and easy!

31 / 179 (17.2%)

This meter displays this year's contributions to date in U.S. dollars (after the funds processor takes its cut). Make a donation, watch the meter rise! Usually I post your contribution within 24 hours.

All original materials here on LitBoy.com (writing, photos, drawings, graphics, etc.) belong to Bill Brent. If you want to re-use something here, please ask. Higher resolution images are available.