Home > GUNMA 群馬県 > Shibukawa 渋川市 > Ikaho Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Festival 2003 伊香保ハワイアンフェスティバル

Most viewed - Ikaho Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Festival 2003 伊香保ハワイアンフェスティバル
010-107_0779.jpg
Entrance to Ikaho Onsen. Ikaho Spa has two Hawaii connections. One is with Hawaiian Minister to Japan Robert W. Irwin who had a summer house in Ikaho.707 views
036-108_0842.jpg
The kumu hula is Kamana'o Anson Kauionalani or Kaui for short. He does a solo dance here. The music was performed by a wonderful Hawaiian trio called 'Ale'a.497 views
023-108_0804.jpg
The Ikaho hula festival is officially sanctioned by The Merrie Monarch Festival, held in spring in Hilo, Hawaii. It is the most important and prestigious hula competition.424 views
027-108_0830.jpg
Modern hula dances such as this one is mainly for tourist entertainment.396 views
037-108_0849.jpg
Finale. Also see photos of the 2008 Ikaho Hawaiian Festival here.388 views
016-108_0871.jpg
Tahitian dances were also performed.380 views
035-108_0837.jpg
They are professional hula dancers, some of the best in the world.369 views
022-107_0796.jpg
In the evenings, the overall winner of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hawaii performed on stage. In 2003, it was Hula Halau 'O Kamuela from Oahu. They performed both the ancient hula kahiko dances (pictured here) and modern auana dances in Ikah363 views
028-108_0827.jpg
361 views
032-107_0749.jpg
Finally, they use feathered gourd rattles called Ulīʻulī.361 views
024-108_0808.jpg
Hula is also performed by men. These photos were taken during the 7th Ikaho Hawaiian Festival (Aug. 5-7, 2003).351 views
011-107_0781.jpg
Ikaho is also a sister city of Hawaii island. During Aug. 5-7, 2003, Ikaho hosted the 7th King Kalakaua Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Festival featuring hula performances by numerous Japanese hula groups.350 views
020-108_0857.jpg
Hula workshops are also offered during the day at cost. A famous kumu hula teacher from Hawaii teaches the class.346 views
025-108_0817.jpg
346 views
033-107_0750.jpg
343 views
017-108_0880.jpg
Hawaiian souvenirs for sale.330 views
031-107_0746.jpg
After the bamboo sticks, the girls used a gourd drum called ipu.329 views
034-108_0835.jpg
328 views
012-106_0691.jpg
In the evenings, Hawaii's top hula halau (winner of the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hawaii) performed as the festival's main event. Photo: Flags of Hawaii and Ikaho town (merged with Shibukawa in 2006).323 views
019-108_0888.jpg
Hula on the Stone Steps 石段街316 views
030-108_0831.jpg
315 views
029-108_0826.jpg
314 views
013-106_0692.jpg
Town parking lot with a makeshift stage and main venue of the festival. The "Merrie Monarch" refers to King David Kalakaua who reigned over the Hawaiian Kingdom 1874-1891. He promoted hula in Hawaii as well as Japanese immigration to Hawaii.310 views
026-108_0829.jpg
They wore a variety of colorful costumes and used various hula instruments such as these frayed bamboo sticks called Pūʻili.304 views
021-107_0788.jpg
Other workshops are held such as ukulele lessons and a lei-making class.303 views
018-108_0887.jpg
Ikaho is famous for the Stone Steps lined with shops. A section of it also served as a second hula stage during the day.302 views
015-108_0872.jpg
Main stage where many Japanese hula troupes performed during the day for three days. Free admission.299 views
014-108_0876.jpg
Canopy for the spectators fronting the main outdoor stage.298 views
28 files on 1 page(s)