(Image courtesy of Office of Hawaiian Affairs)

Hawaii 24/7 Staff

Miss Aloha Hula 2013 is Manalani Mili Hokoana English of Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka.

English, 24, of Waiohuli, Maui, was crowned Miss Aloha Hula after Thursday evening’s competition at the 50th Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo.

English, who was first runner-up in 2011, also won the Hawaiian Language Award.

Under the supervision of kumu hula Napua Greig and Kahulu Maluo, English has been dancing since she was 9 years old.

For her kahiko number, English chose to present the “Auhea Wale Oe E Ka Ua Noe” chant. For the auana section, she danced to “E Pili Mai.”

Miss Aloha Hula results

1. Manalani Mili Hokoana English, Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka – 1,057 points

2. Sloane Makana West, Halau Kekuaokalaaualailiahi – 1,042 points

3. Jasmine Kaleihiwa Dunlap, Hula Halau O Kamuela – 1,041 points

4. Chalei Malianapuaonahala Puulei McKee, Ka La Onohi Mai O Haehae – 1,039 points

5. Whitney Piilani Baldwin Schneider-Furuya, Halau I Ka Wekiu – 1,033 points

The Merrie Monarch festival continued Friday with the kahiko competition and wraps up Saturday with the auana competition and awards.

— Find out more:
www.merriemonarch.com