A University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo alumna earned one of hula’s highest honors at the 62nd annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo. Kauaʻi native Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao captured the coveted Miss Aloha Hula title on April 24, representing Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala.
Pavao, a registered nurse who earned her bachelor of science in nursing from UH Hilo, captivated judges and audiences alike with her performance on hula’s most prestigious stage. Her hula ʻauana honored Queen Kapiʻolani, dancing to the classic mele Kaʻanoʻi, which likens the beloved aliʻi (royal) to a cherished blossom. Pavao also received the Hawaiian Language Award, recognizing her excellence in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language).
She competed against 12 other soloists during a night filled with breathtaking performances. Fresh adornments of Pāʻū o Hiʻiaka (crawling vine), vibrant ʻōhiʻa blossoms, and cascading puakenikeni set a stunning backdrop for multiple nights celebrating hula and Hawaiian heritage in Hilo.
Hula lineage
More members of the UH community are taking the spotlight on the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium stage and at the judges’ table.
UH West Oʻahu graduate Emalia Pomaialoha KeleihanupīkakeiāPāʻoaehulaleʻaikalaninuiākea Dalire also competed in the solo division and earned second runner-up honors, representing Keolalaulani Hālau ʻŌlapa O Laka. Dancing under the direction of her mother, Dalire carried forward a rich hula legacy. Her grandmother, Aloha Dalire, made history as the first Miss Hula in 1971.
UH Hilo ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi major Keʻalohilani Na Kealohamoa Narelle Lee Yuk Lan Kama-Hosea performed a hula noho (seated hula) using ʻiliʻili stones representing Hālau Hula ʻO Kahikilaulani.
“Keʻalohi represents the excellence and commitment we strive for at UH Hilo and Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani,” said UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin. “We are proud to support her journey and the cultural legacy she helps to perpetuate.”
UH Mānoa faculty are also shaping the festival as competition judges. Kumu hula Noenoelani Zuttermeister, who teaches hula and chant at UH Mānoa, brings years of experience to her judging role having participated since the 1980s.
Fellow judge Tracie Kaʻōnohilani Farias Lopes, a lecturer in theatre and dance, was Miss Aloha Hula in 1994. Lopes’ hālau Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe has long been a top contender at Merrie Monarch, and both her daughters, Piʻikea and Kaʻōnohi, have also won the prestigious solo title.
At the heart of the world-famous hula festival is the Kawelu ʻohana. Festival President Aunty Luana Kawelu and her daughter, Kathy Kawelu—an associate professor of anthropology at UH Hilo—work year-round to plan and prepare for Merrie Monarch, ensuring the tradition continues to thrive for future generations.
The festival continues with 20 hālau competing in the group division—hula kahiko (ancient dance) on April 25 and hula ʻauana (modern dance) on April 26. All events are broadcast on K5 and streamed online through Hawaii News Now.
