Halau Hula 'O Kamuela Captures Miss Aloha Hula Title
Mahealani Mika Hirao-Solem of O'ahu's Halau Hula 'O Kamuela was named Miss Aloha Hula 2010 last night to the tearful pride of kumu hula Kau'ionalani Kamana'o and Kunewa Mook.
Hirao-Solem is 24, lives in Kaimuki and has been dancing with Halau Hula O Kamuela for four years.
Her kahiko number about Queen Emma's famed travels to Kaua'i island, and a modern number on beloved Diamond Head earned her 1,082 points.
Asked what it meant to him to see a student of his win Miss Aloha Hula, Mook choked up a bit: "It means," he said and then paused. "It means the world to me, actually. Mika is a very, very sweet girl and she works very, very hard. She loves the hula so much."
In second place was Taysha-Lei K. De Sa of Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua, with 1074 points.
Third place went to Mahina Macfarlane of Ka La 'Onohi Mai O Ha'eha'e with 1073 points..
The fourth position, and the Hawaiian language award, went to Oralani Koa, who dances for Keali'i Reichel's Kealaokamaile; she had 1069 points.
A sentimental favorite, Ashlyn Aulani Tavares, who dances for the late Rae Fonseca's Halau Hula O Kahikilaulani here in Hilo, received fourth place honoes with 1060 points.
Replies