May. 7, 2019

Contributed by Ben Balberdi

Kamehameha Schools Maui High School students came together on Friday for the campus’ 17th Annual ‘Aha Mele – a competition that offers students the opportunity to connect with their Hawaiian culture through mele, ‘oli and hula.

With the theme “Ka Haku Mele,” this year's competition honored Hawaiian music composers who received the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Haku Mele Award for Best Hawaiian Song Composition in this century.

Taking home the coveted “Ka Maka o Ka Ihe – The Point of the Spear” Award for highest combined score was the senior class with their performance of “Ku‘u Hoa Hi‘ikua” composed by Kalehua Krug and arranged by Dale Nita.

Other results:

• Ka Hulu Kupuna Award (excellence in use of Hawaiian language): Senior Class
• Ka Malu o ‘A‘apueo Award (best combined performance between nā kāne and nā wāhine): Nā Wāhine
• Ka Lei a Pauahi (outstanding student director): Senior Brennan Mendez

This year’s ‘Aha Mele will be available for viewing until May 25 at www.kaleoonakoa.org.