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DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM Maile Emily Kau'ilaniona'puaehi'ipoiokeanuenueokeola Francisco of Halau Na Mamo O Pu'uanahulu (kumu hula William "Sonny" Kahakuleilehua Haunu'u Ching), of Honolulu, winner of last night's Miss Aloha Hula competition, performed during the kahiko portion at the 42nd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival.

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Sterling performances

Young women shine with
dances in the kahiko
and 'auana categories

HILO >> Maile Emily Kau'ilanionapuaehi'ipoiokeanuenueokeola Francisco was the last performer in the Miss Aloha Hula competition last night.

When to watch Today's Hula Kahiko Group Competition begins at 6:30 p.m. on KITV. Events around Hilo today » 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Hawaiian arts and crafts show at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, and beginning at 9 a.m. at Hawaii Naniloa Hotel, Prince Kuhio Plaza, Wal-Mart, Hilo Shopping Center and Hilo Hawaiian Hotel » 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Hawaiian Quilt Show at Wailoa Visitor Center » 11 a.m.: Navy ship greeting at Hilo Harbor, Pier 1 » 6 p.m.: Merrie Monarch Festival hula kahiko competition begins at the Edith Kanaka'ole Tennis Stadium with entrance of Royal Court

But Francisco was first in the eyes of the judges as she brought home the third straight win for kumu hula Sonny Ching's Halau Na Mamo O Pu'uanahulu of Honolulu.

Coming in second place was Jeri-Lynn Kealolahilahi Koko of Ka Leo o Laka i Ka Hikina o Ka La, who entered her first and -- at age 25, the cutoff for competing for Miss Aloha Hula in the Merrie Monarch Festival -- final attempt at the title.

And with two sterling performances in the hula kahiko and hula 'auana categories, the daughter of Jerome Koko (who with his fellow Makaha Sons accompanied his daughter in song on "Ke Aloha") shone last evening at Edith Kanaka'ole Tennis Stadium.

With the glorious tones and close harmonies of the Sons behind her, Koko expressed with such aloha a mele meant as a gift for a couple just married. That aloha was extended to the audience packed into the stadium, who responded with equal warmth.

Koko's smile and grace were also evident in her earlier hula kahiko in tribute to Kamehameha's most sacred wife, "Hanau 'o Keopuolani." She projected her oli with strength and was fluid and confident in her dance.

Also impressive last night during the Miss Aloha Hula competition was Rashanti Kiana 'A'ali'i Ka'awaloa of Halau O Ke 'Anuenue. Her dramatic hula kahiko, "He 'Olelo Ho'oiki Aloha Na Pele," told how the village of Kalapana got its name.

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DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM Jeri-Lynn Kealolahilahi Koko (Ka Leo O Laka I Ka Hikina O Ka La, kumu hula Kaleo Trinidad Kapalama Uka) of Honolulu performed yesterday during the kahiko portion of the Miss Aloha Hula competition at the Merrie Monarch Festival.

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Eighteen-year-old Pohaikau'ilani Nu'uhiwa of veteran Aloha Dalire's Keolalaulani Halau 'Olapa O Laka made a bold presentation of her hula kahiko in honor of the goddess Keaomelemele, backed by some of her fellow wahine on drums, including former Miss Aloha Hula Keola Dalire, and the elder Dalire herself in regal repose onstage.

Earlier in the evening, the international impact of the festival was manifest by the line of Japanese tourists, mainly women, waiting to enter the stadium two hours before it started, ready to jump into the best general-admission seats available. It seemed that many of the volunteer staff could speak some Japanese to help welcome visitors. And most of them came dressed elegantly and bedecked with leis. During the competition, a couple of women studied the dancing wahine intently, even using opera glasses and taking down notes.

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DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM Pohaikau'ilani Nu'uhiwa (Keolalaulani Halau 'Olapa O Laka, kumu hula Aloha Dalire) of Heeia, Kaneohe, performed yesterday during the kahiko portion of the Miss Aloha Hula competition at the 42nd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo.

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Television co-host Paula Akana, working in that capacity for her 14th year, commented that one thing she has noticed over the years is that "the strength of the Hawaiian language is really evident, with so much more application. The use of the language is strong, and looking at the synchronizing of the dance in the group competition, the halau really come prepared."

The evening was made more pleasant by the coolness, despite the hot glare of the stage and television lights. May Holokai of Waianae was a returnee this year. "My grandson picked me up early so I could stand in line early and save some bleacher seats, just like for a Waianae football game.

"I like tonight and Saturday night (the 'auana competition), where the kumu get up and take part in the festivities."

Holokai was part of an attentive, respectful and knowledgeable audience, the truest hula aficionados.