2019-Merrie Monarch Festival - Hoʻi Hou

We hope you enjoyed the 56th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival. Here is a sampling, a few hi-lites of this yearʻs winners.
Join us in 2020 for the 57th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival, April 12-18th.
A Hui Hou.

[@ash-lynnsarah8626]

I know this takes a lot of training and is straining on the body, but it looks so fluid and effortless on the outside. It's really something else.

[@reinal7896]

Ash-Lynn Sarah Looks hard af to me and not at all effortless. But I know what you mean :) lol

[@miakarson9989]

@@reinal7896 trust me i have been through all this i have compitions all weekend and evrey day after school i have to pratice 2 new dances that i have to know by the end of the day it is very hard got bad knees after that

[@granta3044]

They train like martial artists

[@bunafernandes3948]

As ever dance...

[@casteelsimp3539]

My chronic knee pains could never.

[@Jordansperspective]

deadass

[@beatriztuazon4051]

U gotta have it checked...my bestfriend recently passed away because of lymphoma and it's pretty much one of the early signs for her

[@casteelsimp3539]

@@beatriztuazon4051 i did and the doctor said it's just pressure from sitting cross legged too much

[@beatriztuazon4051]

That's good to know

[@tavit1987]

我恨我自己hain and thats on criss cross apple sauce

[@cecilyerker]

When you realize that this is on the same level of difficulty and precision as ballet and opera in European cultures

[@user-bw3fl7fj9w]

Don't forget the folkloric music and dances..

[@Mukkki]

You arent serious, are you?

[@Barlaskan]

@@Mukkki Have you seen the video of the hula men training? The training they go through is extremely rigorous and dangerous. And the women? They practice every single day for months. They may look graceful and elegant the whole time, but every single one of them is in some level of pain because of how intense and consistent the training is. True hula is undeniably in the same realm of difficulty as ballet. Opera is a whole different area I will say, cause that involves more vocal training than these performances would, but physically, hula is incredibly strenuous. So, yeah, they're serious lmao.

[@psykii1316]

@@Barlaskan Indeed. Not to mention you'll never meet a hula dancer who DOESN'T have bad knees. The stress on their knees, ankles, and back is on a whole different scale

[@Mukkki]

@@Barlaskan I understand what you say. But sorry. It's still not on the same league as ballet. If you dance ballet, you give up your normal lifestyle. And pain is kind of normal in almost all dances. Look at the Armenian traditional dancers or the Russian , there you can see the damaged knees.

[@chairslatte]

that first group thoo, breaking their backssss, legends

[@notthis6988]

They got abs though XD

[@pageachatter229]

They must have abs of steel.

[@joonkorre]

the dudes gyrating their hips came out of nowhere and i'm not complaining (all jokes aside, these are wonderful. respect to the hardworking dancers)

[@antisocialangel_182]

monie shine I had some very naughty thoughts when I saw that. 😶 But, for real, it's beautiful.

[@tasilua1051]

Hula kahiko can depict sexual situations, traditionally sex wasnt seen as a taboo or shameful thing, it was celebrated part of life

[@MistressGlowWorm]

They are warriors.

[@charlesormsby7363]

@@tasilua1051 hit it on the head perfectly, it's kinda what I was trying to say months ago , but someone took it serious and went all "that's disrespectful" girl I wasnt trying to be disrespectful and was only stating what it looked like to other cultures and how they perceive it. @meimeimei & @ch4stins4rme as for your threats , you can go ahead and have them back. #keyboardwarriors

[@karlavalle536]

i know right?! that exact moment my brother saw my screen and i was like :))) still liked it tho

[@michelleolivas6811]

Hula dancer here. Hula dancers often start really young, as previously mentioned, and it becomes the focus of their life. They learn to speak Hawaiian, make their own costumes, including leis, play instruments and then dance. It is also spiritual.

[@marietremblayartiste]

I have so much admiration and respect. ❤

[@rachelambereverleigh9308]

1:04 my neighbors upstairs at 3am when I'm trying to sleep

[@peinawpanta4853]

ΗΑΗΑΗΑ

[@micronesian1211]

Rachel Amber Everleigh LMFAO

[@DarkBlueCreep]

soz it''s probs me:DDDD

[@jonejamendomusic7353]

Rachel Amber Everleigh kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3qlfZamoLSVhbc

[@jonejamendomusic7353]

Kpop kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3qlfZamoLSVhbc

[@tavit1987]

My knees hurt looking at this.. i can feel them cracking

[@alaskancoppertop]

I'm sitting here with my knee in a brace and trying to imagine doing these dances... yea-no.

[@mahinat5985]

It‘s not as hard as it seem tho:)

[@seanfitch3603]

I’ve never seen a hula dancer without knee problems

[@nestorluvsher]

there is a strange but beautiful connection that I think all indigenous people have, my family is from Mexico but I feel like I can relate to these songs and dances although I have no clue what is being said. much love from the southwest

[@Vlad2319]

Traditional hula praises Nature and their gods and goddesses. They also tell stories of great warriors.

[@magica4679]

It’s so beautiful! I’m half Native American or “Indian” and half Hawaiian and I live both of my cultures

[@soniaholloway2179]

We the indigenous are earth people...there's a line of melody ..certain words ..movement that is similar in all cultures ..the sway of hips ..the down beat wit 3/4 laps steps.the spin low motion of leg and feet movement ...neck and call..I m Dos and indigenous.. I hear the drums in my sleep..I am awaken by the voice and song sometimes of the islands sometimes the call of my ancestors praying to the sky

[@lisje2496]

I get what you mean. About all indigenous cultures resonate deeply with me. Yet, my heritage is as Dutch as it can be.

[@lepotatoes]

I’m Iroquois from upstate Ny and same.

[@alexjacobsen1068]

I GET SO HYPE AT 6:00 YOU CAN TELL JUST HOW MUCH THEY ENJOY AND LOVE WHAT THEY'RE DOING JUST FROM THEIR FACIAL EXPRESSIONS AND IT'S *WONDERFUL*

[@Overly_nourished_entity]

I’m really impressed when you have a large group dancing and it doesn’t look like a big sloppy mess

[@calajohnson]

I would watch the heck outta Step Up: Aloha.

[@kelseyresendiz4909]

I’m Latina and for some reason I’m enjoying this and I don’t know what they saying but it touches my heart and the music it’s soo nice. Respect ✊ Hawaii

[@lepotatoes]

Queen Star I’m Native American, from a tribe up near Canada. I feel the same. We are all connected! Land... water... air... 💕

[@jessieespinosa242]

Imagine how much vigorous training and planning and sweat and blood having to prepare for this very day.

[@Lokitty-vk6xj]

Literally blood. I went to a traditional luau once and there were a few who literally started bleeding a bit after/ during the dances.

First group probably has amazing core strength :o

[@notthis6988]

My nonexistant abs hurt

[@TheRealCantaraBella]

I tried it out, and pulled my back, strained my neck, and strained my abs all at once😂😂😂👵

[@miindh0ney560]

GIANT BOW PANTS common we all thought that at least once

[@kidlovinit243]

I mean.. I’m not complaining at all- like I love this- I am thoroughly enjoying this- but why was this recommended to me?

[@Hunlover123601]

cause the world needs to know! 😁

[@DesterBryan]

MandiTV same here

[@cecilyerker]

Cause you needed to get some culture

[@maddie-xk2uv]

I watched someone do the dance from lilo and stitch and now I’m getting these recommended to me but I’m not mad about it tbh haha

[@MariFlores13]

idonthaveaname lilo and stitch brought me here too, glad im not alone 😂

[@purriana]

i just want to know how the women get their hair so thick and long😍

[@pika7623]

@Yas XO...genetics

[@cheesyncrackers9670]

As someone with thick and long hair its 100% genetics

[@yanah.2041]

I used to have long and thick hair but cut it short once and now it won't grow back hshshdj I feel jealous watching them, because if I had observed their culture this close earlier I would've known my hair is pretty too

[@euphoriakook2851]

Hawaiian is Polynesian and I’m poly and the hair is so hard to handle:(😭

[@bearfangmedia]

Only cut it on a full moon 😆😆

[@mariajohansson1186]

It's so beautiful and powerful, I wish I knew what they were singing

[@KristineMaitland]

Can I point out that "hey" at 5:34 was REALLY impressive. (don't know what they call that move in Hawaiian dance. When I used to do Renaissance dance that's what we called it)

[@horseenthusiast1250]

I was thinking just that! It reminded me of some of the dancing I've been learning through the SCA.

[@kalikozab8211]

we just called it the crossover lol not totally a move more of a cool transtion. and thank you !!

[@ireallysee]

my family is mostly formed with brazilian indigenous and I love watch those traditional dances because this make me remember where I came from

[@steveboy7302]

are you native brazilian who lives in hawaii

[@magnifique2125]

This is a hawaian dance...

[@kellief3928]

I want to weep every time I see the hula…it’s so graceful and hauntingly beautiful. I try to imagine the stories being told. For some reason, my heart gets touched in such a way that I want to gather them all up like a mother to her children.

[@amelinataylor464]

3:20 is my toddler niece at 3am saying she wants cookies. But this is absolutely beautiful I love the dancing and dedication so much of this takes! 🥰🤩

[@lannaclayton7538]

I have no idea but every time I watch this I just feel so happy

[@IndieGirl10100]

I am seriously sad that Merrie Monarch this year is canceled cuz of the Corona Virus :( #socialdistance #stayathome

[@zombigurrrl]

Beautiful culture and people! I have always been fascinated with the how the vast cultures of our world interact and strengthen their communities especially through actions like prayer, song and dance.

[@Curious.Badger]

My cousin is half Hawaiian and my best friend is half Chamorro (Guam). So this culture and the culture of Pacific islanders is a big part of my life and I respect it so much.

[@nuri2318]

Their hairs , those skirts ,those flower accessories , the feels of song and that lucid dancing...it all comes together to create sheer happiness. This is so joyful! I can't describe how light my heart feels right now.

[@kaimohe6411]

Wow such beauty and grace ... ❤ watching these videos. Its beautiful to see other cultures that still keep to the traditions .. in the world we live in today, its a rarity and blessing to see. ❤ From NZ

[@datboygrand5210]

The emotion and vibrations coming off these performances man sheeesh🔥🔥🔥 I’m tingly all over. Its crazy when you can feel the spirit of the people.

[@Fucoc]

Do they all really have hair like that??? Because that are some BLESSED hair genes!!

[@davidwaakelamoku9924]

Yes it's real

[@La-PetitMort]

I'm here for the thrusting dudes

[@danielnelson2100]

you can go back

[@hannahcarpenter9842]

Wtf....

[@bumpom432]

@@danielnelson2100 AHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAA

[@imjustnia1692]

Have respect

[@La-PetitMort]

@@imjustnia1692 shut up virgin

[@FRMHEVN]

The precision and synchronisation was just stellar! Beautifully done. 💖🌸

[@courtneysroad]

I think this is one of my favorite parts about native culture: the dances are always so vibrant and chock full of emotion you don't see in many other places. I can't imagine how much practice and training has to go into dances like these, but the performances are always beautiful.

[@ranrann9153]

It's my first time seeing these performances and it's honestly beautiful, like, I love it ❤😊

[@DasNamiLP]

This is so beautiful in so many ways! Glad YT recommended it to me

[@aldranzam3456]

Beautiful, beautiful dances, beautiful music, beautiful men and women. Amazing.

[@evaosirus6055]

This is so beautiful. 💕

[@LourdesRodriguez31]

Hawaii has such a beautiful culture! I might not understand the chants, but it is so soothing after a stressful day. Just magical!

[@latioselatias]

Seeing these awesome artists makes me so happy ❤️

[@housemacintosh4640]

Will I ask why KZbin recommended this to me? No. I enjoyed this.

[@yajdnanej790]

Hawaii is so beautiful in every way it’s just such a wonderful place 🥰

[@heynhamnham]

I'm too shy to see male hula dancer warriors

[@yesimdisguting5994]

There something strange.... Wait no! Scratch that theres something amazing! the way men moves to that dance! 💕

[@nicky3800]

Such a beautiful culture and the dancing I love it all😍

[@El-ce8ge]

The culture is so brilliant, im always in love with it ❤️ the first solo dancer tho, she was amazing, I know reciting lines solo is never easy ♥️

[@daheitu0]

I don't know anything about this culture but it's so beautiful, precise, amazing. I love learning different culture's dances and history.

[@iseetheWAYVision]

I will never not be impressed. So beautiful

[@pepcaladno6251]

This is not something I expected to see in my recommendations, but thank you

[@jacobv8791]

I LOVE Hawaiian culture

[@JamesBrown-ij1px]

This is all SO FABULOUS. 🌺

[@anglaspicycabbage790]

Theyre singing so powerfully WHILE using their core to dance. DAmn!

[@tazalinlm]

Such absolute beauty and power it's truly breathtaking

[@xskittybellax8017]

I can see where Elvis got is hip thrust moves from.🤣

[@mary-anneswanson9931]

If ever by some miracle I should find myself in Hawaii ,I would love to go see a Merry Monarch Festival . I could never move like the incredible dancers I saw on this video . Mahalo

[@peachybabe8540]

I can't believe how freaking beautiful these women are. Just look at their hair!!!

[@umaruchan6900]

Woah their hair so amazing 🤩

[@michaeljacksheeheen]

I started learning Hawaiian a while ago and then stopped. This video inspired me to get back into it

[@jimbojet8728]

Beautiful dancing traditions and beautiful women. Just fantastic to watch.

[@kianatimmons8860]

When the men came on I almost lost it. They look so good ❤❤❤

[@rachel.doremi6974]

The algorithm is so freakin amazing! This is culture that just needs to be forevermore

[@carnewinter9501]

Sooo beautiful to watch such precision in there moves. It looks effortless but really is hard af! I’m very proud to be Polynesian! 💞🌸

[@mariadeloscielos]

So beautiful.

[@lilyraimey3499]

I love their hair!😍

[@fabiolemes3395]

It is so beautiful!

[@jintzie1950jth]

Gorgeous! So strong.

[@basilikum3072]

Very calming!

[@jazz8482]

This comp is like my new favourite video

[@animationsfa4478]

my mind instantly went ron lilo and stich

[@RonInNapa]

Thanks so much for posting this. Has the full DVD been released yet?

[@emmajaneofhawaii7867]

Beautiful. 🌺

[@BelanceM]

. Wow. This was beautiful

[@RedMoonsEcho]

Do u have the full dances filmed. I'd live to watch them

[@emitch9213]

The heart of the Hawaiians' culture is the most beautiful island celebration. 🌺💜

[@juno5756]

The last one looks like so much fun to dance

[@mariahiggins-burke4295]

Love Merrie Monarch Festival!

[@luzestherviscarra2018]

creo que soy el comentario en castellano que buscabas , esto mola y la parte de los chicos wow y como cANTAN TODOS AIUDAAA ES GENIAL

[@JESUSISLORDforever888]

BEAUTIFUL

[@icedragonair]

A lot of people have commented they found the guys amusing. I did too. Brought a smile to my face. That doesn't diminish my respect for the dance. I genuinely loved the way they moved and sang, i was disappointed it was just a short clip. Something in an unfamiliar culture can be novel and surprising and even funny to a person without them dismissing it. Ive only seen these kinds of dances preformed by women. Im gonna see if i can find the rest of that clip and more types of Hawaiian dance preformed by men.

[@infinite5795]

Beautiful ❤

[@treyonay]

This is beautiful

[@dotcassilles1488]

So beautiful

[@CUuuuutiee]

Me encanta 😍

[@jonesvideo80]

Why would people dislike this?

[@AmandaComeauCreates]

I kinda wish the songs had subtitles if they translate to stories. The dance would only be enhanced if I had the context! Awesome performances!

[@anniejuan1817]

This was lovely! But I want to see whole dances, not just little bits. Do you post complete videos of the performers?

[@princesslisamarie7860]

These people show amazing Grace and skill and strength, so beautiful. But have you noticed that none of them are stick thin? They are all a healthy solid weight and have such fluid graceful beautiful movements.

[@appledapple9478]

The men in those ribbons had me in all smiles😂😂😂😂

[@morgankennell]

My up stairs neighbors at 3 am 6:00

[@plastichouseplant]

Dumb question but do these women all have naturally thick, waist length hair or do they wear some kind of extensions for the performances?

[@greatbigmeat4769]

Rachel Moon Natural

[@ingzees2607]

nope that’s their beautiful hair! some girls aren’t allowed to preform with their hair down if it isn’t like the other girl.

[@somethingstrange7184]

All natural

[@pettykitsune4219]

It’s all natural. These girls grow out their hair really long, and then a day before the competition they have their hairs braided out so it becomes thick and fringy.

[@Kaalokalawaia]

Natural. I literally cannot dance without my hair. Feel naked. Btw our hair grows super fast so it really isn't an issue to grow hair this long.

[@RaveBabyFuu]

Beautiful~♥

[@Paul11B2P]

So beautiful 👍

[@user-qu9zk1uh7v]

I’m really impressed I want to be in the 2019❤❤❤

[@silverspiker]

❤️ Miss the Merrie Monarch 🌺

[@tanya292]

Can someone please tell me what the clicking sound is. I have seen it in one or two other merri monarch performances and it sounds so good.

[@Kaalokalawaia]

Ili ili .. they are basically river stones that you hold in your hands and click together. Two stones per hand. I'm Hawaiian and I've danced hula.

[@plumpydayz]

Where can I see the full version of the 4th Dancer? Love the song!

[@kraziehyukalvr]

Search up Miss Aloha Hula 2019 I dont think it's on Yt anymore but it might be somewhere else I'm not sure

[@MR-zq5gt]

i need to find a way to get to one of these at some point. so beautiful

[@upsettispaghettispaghetti2114]

This is absolutely beautiful, I wish I was able to learn the purposes for some of these traditional dances.

[@johmayo7042]

Well, the "purpose" of hula is to tell stories, and pass on knowledge of our culture and sometimes important events. Hawaiian was not originally a written language, so hula was a tool (along with petroglyphs, etc.) to impart information to others.

[@upsettispaghettispaghetti2114]

Joh Mayo Cool, thank you for sharing with me!

[@djegabiable]

❤️❤️❤️ Lovely!

[@ediapaff8858]

I want to visit one year soooo badly