Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Contributing Editor

Mahealani Mika Hirao-Solem was crowned Miss Aloha Hula 2010 on Thursday at the Merrie Monarch Festival.

With 1,082 points, she was recognized for her confidence and comfortable manner on stage. Hirao-Solem, 24, of Oahu’s Hula Halau O Kamuela, also was praised for her immaculate costumes and bright smile.

Under the direction of Na Kumu Hula Kauionalani Kamanao & Kunewa Mook, she performed Kaleleonalani He Inoa for her kahiko and Haahea Kaimana Hila for her auana.

Taysha-Lei Kapuauiokalehuamamomaeole De Sa of Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua won second place. Under the direction of Kumu Hula Johnny Lum Ho, she performed He Laau O Ka Wa Kahiko for her kahiko and Ko Olioli I Ka Ulu Kukui O Lanikaula for her auana. Judges awarded her 1,074 points.

In third place was Mahina Macfarlane of Ka La Onohi Mai O Haehae. Under the direction of Na Kumu Hula Tracie & Keawe Lopes, she performed Hanohano Nuuanu I Ke Kawelu for her kahiko and Lei Pua Keniken for her auana. Judges awarded her 1,073 points.

Fourth place went to Oralani Koa of Halau Kealaokamaile. Under the direction of Kumu Hula Kealii Reichel, she performed Kuu Lei Awapuhi for her kahiko and I Waikapu Ke Aloha for her auana. Judges awarded her 1,069 points.

Koa also was earned the Hawaiian language award.

Fifth place was earned by Ashlyn Aulani Tavares of Halau Hula O Kahikilaulani. Kumu Hula Rae K. Fonseca, who died suddenly last month, prepared her to perform Kaiulani for her kahiko and Kinoiki Kekaulike for her aunana. Judges awarded her 1,060 points.

The mood might have been slightly more somber than in years past as the crowd, the halau and performers remembered the festival’s two late founders, the hula as usual was outstanding.

As the rain poured down in Hilo, the 13 women took the stage on the first of three nights of hula competition. Contestants performed hula kahiko, hula auana and oli (chanting).

Two huge lauhala hats were positioned overlooking the stage – a tribute to George Naope and Dottie Thompson. The duo spearheaded the revival of hula as an art form through the festival, which they championed since its earliest days.

Cherissa Kane, Miss Aloha Hula 2009, also presented her final performance before handing the title over to Hirao-Solem.

The competition continues Friday and Saturday nights at Edith Kanakaole Stadium.

Although tickets are sold out for the event, it can be seen live on TV channel KFVE-5, and at www.k5thehometeam.com

The 47th annual Merrie Monarch Festival Schedule

FRIDAY, APRIL 9

10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. — Hawaiian entertainment at Imiloa Astronomy Center

11 a.m. — Navy Greeting, Merahi, Tiffany Dela Cruz, Hilo Pier 1

11 a.m. — Kou Lima Nani E, kumu Iwalani Kalima, Civic Auditorium

Noon — Nae Mamo O Kaleinani, kumu Seiko Kaleinaniikawekiu Okamoto, at Naniloa Volcanoes Resort

1 p.m. — Haelau Haa Kea O Akalae, kumu Paul Neves, at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

* Group Hula Kahiko -Competition at the Edith Kanakaole Multipurpose Stadium

6 p.m. — Entrance of Royal Court

6:15 p.m. — National Anthem and Hawaii Ponoi by Karena Asejo

6:20 p.m. — Pule by Father George De Costa

6:25 p.m. — Introduction of judges

6:30 p.m. — Hula Kahiko Competition

SATURDAY, APRIL 10

10:30 a.m. — Royal Parade through downtown Hilo

Noon — Merahi, Tiffany Dela Cruz, at the Civic

* Group Hula Auana -Competition at Edith Kanakaole Multipurpose Stadium

6 p.m. — Entrance of Royal Court

6:15 p.m. — National Anthem and Hawaii Ponoi by Karena Asejo

6:20 p.m. — Pule by Father George De Costa

6:25 p.m. — Introduction of judges

6:30 p.m. — Hula Auana Competition, followed by presentation of awards