Taizha Keakealani Hughes-Kaluhiokalani hula ʻauana, photo courtesy the Merrie Monarch Festival

(BIVN) – The 2019 Miss Aloha Hula was crowned on Thursday, as the first night of Merrie Monarch Festival competition took place under the lights of the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium in Hilo.

Taizha Keakealani Hughes-Kaluhiokalani from the Oʻahu halau Hi‘iakainamakalehua earned the title, scoring 1,130 points for her oli, hula kahiko and hula ʻauana performances.

Hi‘iakainamakalehua is under the direction of kumu hula Robert Ke‘ano Ka‘upu IV and Lono Padilla.

The first runner-up was Lindsey Kahiehielauna‘ole Miwa Ching of Ka La ‘Onohi Mai O Ha‘eha‘e.

The hula event continues this evening with the group kahiko competition, followed by Saturday night’s final featuring group ʻauana.

More information at the Merrie Monarch Festival website.