Miss Hula O Na Keiki 2011

Kamalani & Kumu 'Iliahi at Hanaula.

November 4th and 5th of 2011 are dates that we will always cherish.  After two years of preparation, Kamalani graced the stage of the 20th annual Hula O Na Keiki competition in Ka'anapali.  Her journey began two years prior when she was selected to represent her halau, Halau Kekuaokala'au'ala'iliahi as the soloist.  Although an arduous one, the journey brought tremendous growth both physically and spiritually for Kamalani.  A week before competition, Kamalani joined her Kumu and hula brothers and sisters on a huaka'i (trip) to Kaheawa Wind Farm.  The area there is known as Hanaula - birth of the sun.  While giving service at this beautiful wahi pana (traditional place), she was able to do her competition oli overlooking Makamaka'ole Gulch.  She later expressed her feelings about that experience and said that she could feel her kupuna (ancestors) there with her.  With careful guidance from her Kumu and assistance from her Daddy, they gathered the beautiful liko and lehua that would adorn her the following week at competition.  In her interview at Hula O Na Keiki Kamalani said, "As I gathered each blossom, I looked at it as each of my kupuna, all interwoven in my lei.  I will carry them with me on stage as I dance."  The judges were quite impressed with the connection she made between her hula adornments and her ancestral heritage.

We left for Ka'anapali on Thursday.  In 5 hours and with help from our Choda-Kowalski 'ohana, we cleaned, prepared, stripped and made Kamalani's fresh, green, lauhala skirt.  It was a stunning addition to her kahiko costume.

Wearing a "Malia" dress for her interview.

Friday morning began with interviews.  Kamalani sat in front of a panel of prestigious judges and master Kumu Hula - Sonny Ching, Cy Bridges, Ed Collier, Hokulani Holt, Maka Herod, and Kekuhi Keali'ikanaka'ole.  She shared the things she learned along her journey.

Hula Kahiko

Chanting with her Kumu, Haunani & 'Iliahi

Friday evening Kamalani presented her hula kahiko through oli (chanting) and a mele honoring Queen Kapi'olani.  Her lauhala skirt was magnificient and her oli was breathtaking!

Hula 'Auana costume with Kumu B.

Saturday afternoon she was the last performer, sharing her beautiful hula 'auana, the classic Hapa Haole medley of "Lovely Hula Girl" and "Lovely Hula Hands".  Dressed in a one of a kind, Alfred Shaheen hand-painted dress patterned after an original worn by the famous dancer and model, Beverly Noa, Kamalani danced as the award winning Hoku Zuttermister sang and her brother, Kamaehu, played the bass.  It was simply lovely! 

So much time and energy was putinto her competition and so many hands came together with love to help her achieve her goals.  As the awards were announced, we were humbled by Kamalani's achievements - first place oli (chant), first place kahiko costume and adornments, first place 'auana costume and adornments, first place 'opio division, tied for the interview, and overall winner!  Mahalo ke Akua! 

Miss and Master Hula O Na Keiki 2011

We later found out that Kamalani received a total of 1395 out of a possible score of 1400, the highest score ever in the 20 year history of Hula O Na Keiki.  Her hard work dedication, and sacrifice truly paid off as she was named, Miss Hula O Na Keiki 2011.  That evening we gathered in prayer and thanked Heavenly Father for the many blessings he has bestowed upon Kamalani.

Kamalani and her adoring fan club!