Moving preparations

Hula competitors get ready for the Merrie Monarch

Ka Pa Hula O Ka Lei Lehua, from Nanakuli, visited Kilauea yesterday as the group prepared for the 44th annual Merrie Monarch Festival. Kumu Snowbird Bento said the purpose of the visit is "to pay their respect to the land and Pele -- it's like visiting family," and "to experience the forces of nature."

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
The group danced and gave hookupu (by throwing their leis into the crater) "to release their nervous energy and get inspired and leave all their inhibitions to get a new start." After the ritual, participants got emotional. CLICK FOR LARGE

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Three sisters, Erika Rosa, Terri Rosa Peverly and Solana Rosa-Tutop, shared a moment at the edge of the cliff of the Kilauea Caldera. CLICK FOR LARGE

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
One family -- daughter Shawna, father Francis and mother Momi Kapana -- shared a family hug. CLICK FOR LARGE

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
4-year-old Kalae Deocampo tried his own moves as the wahine from Halau O Lilinoe, from Carson, Calif., practiced for their performance. Kalae is the grandson of Kumu Sissy Kaio. CLICK FOR LARGE

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
The kane of Halau o Ka Hanu Lehua from Honolulu and Maui practiced yesterday for the 44th annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo. Two wahine are filling in for dancers from Maui who have not yet arrived. Festivities officially begin today with the Miss Aloha Hula competition at 6 p.m. on KITV. CLICK FOR LARGE