Halau Manaola Merrie Monarch 2017 ©2017 Ranae Keane-Bamsey Cultural Photography www.EMotionGalleries.com
Hula Halu Manaola under the directon of Kumu Nanai Lim Yap performing Kahiko The Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long cultural festival that takes place annually in Hilo, Hawaii during the week after Easter. It honors King David Kalākaua, who was called the "Merrie Monarch" for his patronage of the arts and is credited with restoring many Hawaiian cultural traditions during his reign, including the hula. Many hālau hula (schools), including some from the U.S. mainland and some international performers, attend the festival each year to participate in exhibitions and competitions. The festival has received worldwide attention and is considered the most prestigious of all hula contests. ©2017 Ranae Keane-Bamsey Photography by www.EMotionGalleries.com Love in Hawaii
